Blackwork Fleur-de-Lis Patterns (Three Meaningful Designs to Download)

The fleur-de-lis is more than a pretty emblem. This three-petalled lily (often seen as a wild iris) has carried stories of courage, faith, and nobility for centuries.

Its curved band echoes the waxing and waning of the moon, while its three points have long been linked with deep spiritual meaning.

You’ll find the fleur-de-lis on European flags, coats of arms, medieval embroidery and church decoration.

It has been used to represent the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity, chosen by nobles to mark their shields in battle, adopted by the Knights Templar, and later by cities such as New Orleans and many towns across the UK and Ireland.

These three blackwork designs take that history and turn it into something you can hold in your hands: calm, rhythmic stitching that grows into a piece you’ll be proud to frame or gift.

Each pattern uses the crisp lines and textures of blackwork to re-imagine the fleur-de-lis in a different way, highlighted with purple and gold to echo the iris and its royal associations.

Stitch one as a meaningful standalone piece - or work all three as a coordinated trio.

Valour - Fleur-de-lis

Design size: 7.5 x 7.6 inches

Downloadable chart £2.50

Closest in spirit to the traditional emblem, Valour will feel familiar to anyone who knows the fleur-de-lis of the Scouts.

Lord Baden-Powell chose the three-petalled shape to stand for the three parts of the Scout Promise -reliability, leading the way, and serving others - and this design leans into that idea.

Strong, armour-like blackwork fills, reminiscent of chain mail, give the piece a bold, protective feel.

It’s a striking design to stitch for someone who quietly shows courage, or to hang in a space where you want a reminder to “step forward first”.

Wisdom - Fleur-de-lis

Design size: 5.5 x 7 inches

Downloadable chart £2.50

Wisdom is a softer, more delicate interpretation of the iris flower.

The blackwork patterns are lighter and airier, allowing the petals to feel almost like stained glass.

It’s easy to imagine this as the flower held by the Virgin Mary in old window panels—calm, thoughtful, and reflective.

This design works beautifully in a reading corner, a prayer space, or as a gentle gift for someone who offers wise words when you need them most.


Faith - Fleur-de-lis

Design size: 7.6 x 8.2 inches

Downloadable chart £2.50

The third design, Faith, takes the classic “au pied posé” form—built on a triangular pedestal or foot beneath the gold band. The base grounds the design, giving the impression of something firmly rooted and steady.

Decorative blackwork fills turn the familiar outline into an ornate motif that feels both traditional and contemporary.

It’s ideal as a statement piece on its own, or as the anchor of a three-part wall display alongside Valour and Wisdom.


If your room has fleur-de-lis wallpaper, then one of these blackwork designs framed and hung, can really complement it.


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