Capture Timeless English Charm in Blackwork

Bring the nostalgic beauty of traditional windmills into your home with three unique blackwork patterns.

When I was a child, my family would holiday in Norfolk every summer. I was fascinated by the windmills in that area. They weren't just picturesque; they had a job to do.

I was recently shocked to discover how few of these traditional windmills remain. Those that are left are often romantic ruins or have been converted into homes.

As a stitcher, I felt it was important to preserve these symbols of the past in the way I know best: with needle and thread.

Now you can stitch these timeless classics to decorate your home. I chose blue threads for this collection, as the colour reminded me of the classic Dutch tiles that also feature beautiful windmills.

The Windmill Collection

Each downloadable pattern is a joy to create, featuring a unique combination of blackwork fill patterns and cross-stitch details.

Windmill 1 - The Classic Tower Mill

Begin with the iconic cylindrical Tower Mill. Made from brick, these sturdy structures allowed the farmer to turn just the cap on top to position the sails into the wind.

A delight to stitch with 9 different fill patterns that resemble trees, flower beds, and brickwork.
Finished Design Size: 4.4 x 5.3 inches

Download Pattern - £2.25

Windmill 2 - The English Smock Mill

Next, create a beautiful Smock Mill, named for the garment farmers used to wear. Typically English and often found in Kent, this design features a hexagonal wooden body and uses 7 intricate blackwork patterns.

Features 7 unique blackwork patterns.
Finished Design Size: 4.8 x 5.6 inches

Download Pattern - £2.25

Windmill 3 - The Historic Post Mill

Blackwork design of an open trestle post mill

Finally, stitch the historic open trestle Post Mill, an early English design where the entire windmill body turned around a central post. This design is the easiest of the three, perfect for a relaxing project.

A simpler design featuring 3 blackwork fills and some complementary cross stitch.
Finished Design Size: 4.2 x 5.6 inches

Download Pattern - £2.25

A Story Behind the Stitching

On the way to a weekend break, my husband spotted a windmill as we drove through a village in Suffolk. We made a note to stop on our way home. When we did, the wonderful Saxtead Green Post Mill was right in front of us, with its sails turning in the wind! I was so inspired I had to capture its spirit in this very design.

For more information check out their website.

See What a Fellow Stitcher Created

Erica from Cumbria stitched all three windmills and shared her stunning finished project. I love how she mounted them together in a single frame, with the center windmill raised to create a beautiful sense of depth.

Thanks for sharing your finished project, Erica, I love to see how people have interpreted and stitched my designs.