Pattern Collection

Medieval Blackwork Charts: The Knight and Gwendoline

Two medieval blackwork designs as downloadable PDF charts. A jousting Knight on his caparisoned horse, and Gwendoline (his demure lady), both stitched in traditional black and gold. Stitch them as a pair to hang side by side, or pick the one that calls to you.

Both designs are suitable for confident beginners to blackwork. £5.00 each as instant PDF downloads. Full physical kits are also available from my manufacturer (details further down the page).

The Knight Gwendoline

Blackwork Knight Confident Beginner

£5.00 Instant PDF download

The intricate look of blackwork seems perfect for a knight in shining armour. I picked a fill pattern that resembles chain mail for his attire, and a touch of gold picks out details in his shield.

The jousting knight astride his steed gives plenty of room to stitch the horse's finery. Gold stitching highlights the lining of the horse's garment, and gold beads sit at the centre of each "flower" on the caparison (the ornamental cloth). Some areas of the design are left empty while others use closely stitched patterns, giving the contrast that makes blackwork work.

Fleur-de-lis motifs decorate the corners, and simple backstitched lines with a rope twist make up the rest of the border.

Design size: 16.5 x 15 in (42 x 38 cm) on 14 count

Fabric: Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave

Threads: Black stranded cotton + gold metallic + gold beads

Techniques: Blackwork fills (chain mail), backstitch borders, beadwork

Medieval blackwork knight on horseback in black and gold, with chain-mail fills and fleur-de-lis corners Add to Cart Price excludes UK/EU VAT (added at checkout)
Why this design works: The chain-mail fill gives the armour its weight, while the gold beads on the horse's caparison catch the light. A piece that rewards careful contrast between dense fills and empty space.
Diane stitched the Knight as her first ever blackwork project
Diane's finished Black Knight blackwork piece, framed and hanging on her wall
Diane's framed Black Knight on her wall

This is a picture of my first blackwork project, a Black Knight purchased as a kit from a stall at a craft fayre in Cardiff in 2000! Yes, it has taken 9 years but I have not been working on it all that time, honest!

I bought a lovely blackwork instruction book from X-Calibre which explained the basics, and also bought the Anchor blackwork book to assist.

I was a little daunted to start with, but the instructions on the kit were very good and although progress was slow due to my lack of experience it was very enjoyable.

There is an accompanying medieval lady to go with my knight and I have bought this kit also and will be starting her soon (have a couple of hardanger and cross stitch pieces to finish first, which I put to one side to finish my knight!).

I think the frame really sets it off. I went to a local framer called House of Frames, who have provided a professional finish.

My Black Knight now takes pride of place on my wall and I am still spending much time just looking at him and his magnificent horse, feeling just a little pleased with myself. Thank you Carol for giving me so much pleasure.

Diane
From Carol: X-Calibre is my own brand, so the blackwork instruction book Diane mentions is one of mine. It's available today as my Blackwork for Beginners ebook.

Gwendoline Confident Beginner

£5.00 Instant PDF download

When I designed this pattern I imagined a demure medieval lady on the arm of a dashing knight. They stood by an ancient castle gate. Her full-length gown and veil billowed in the wind. Her delicate hands held her skirts from touching the ground, and she turned to address her handsome companion. "Take me with you," she whispered to him.

My daydream ended when I realised you might want to stitch their portraits separately. But there's nothing to stop you hanging the framed pair side by side on your wall.

The pattern used for her overdress is the same one as in my blackwork pears lesson, so you can practise it there before tackling Gwendoline. Her veil uses vertical running stitch lines to imitate translucent fabric (you can't see it in the photo, but it's lovely worked in person).

Design size: 18 x 7.25 in (45.7 x 18.5 cm) on 14 count

Fabric: Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave

Threads: Black stranded cotton + gold metallic

Techniques: Blackwork fills, vertical running stitch (veil)

Gwendoline medieval blackwork lady in black and gold with translucent veil Add to Cart Price excludes UK/EU VAT (added at checkout)
Why this design works: The same fill pattern as the blackwork pears lesson, so you can practise on the lesson before committing to the full piece. The translucent veil is a lovely detail worked with simple vertical running stitch.
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Prefer Everything in One Box?

Full Kits from My Manufacturer

Both designs are also available as fully inclusive physical kits from letsgetstitching.co.uk. The kits include Aida 14 count or 28 count evenweave fabric, DMC embroidery floss and metallic thread, a tapestry needle, beads (for the Knight only), and a printed chart. The fabric is cut with extra space for framing, so you don't need to order the PDF chart separately if you go with the kit.

You'll need to add your own scissors and an embroidery hoop.

To order a kit: Please call 07526 136968 or 01566 781012. The manufacturer's website is being revamped, so phone is currently the easiest way to order.

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