Pattern Collection

2 Japanese Blackwork Patterns: Kimono Lady and Geisha

Two large Japanese blackwork patterns, each one a meditative project of detailed fills, metallic threads, and traditional motifs. The Turquoise Japanese Lady carries water lilies on her kimono. Keiko stands under a paper parasol with mountains behind her. Both designs are £5.00 as instant PDF downloads.

These are larger, more detailed pieces than my smaller patterns. They aren't difficult to stitch, but some experience of blackwork would be a bonus. Newer to blackwork? The Blackwork for Beginners ebook is a friendly way to learn the technique before tackling these.

Japanese Lady Keiko

Turquoise Japanese Lady Intermediate

£5.00 Instant PDF download

The Turquoise Japanese Lady captures a moment from cherry blossom season. She wears a flowing kimono with a loose pattern of water lilies, a delicate fan in her hand, and a turquoise obi at her waist.

The loose water lily pattern creates a sense of movement and space, while denser blackwork on her obi and hem add depth and intricacy. Her hair is worked in pattern darning over a single fabric thread, in the traditional style. A turquoise seed bead sits at the centre of each water lily, adding sparkle that catches the light when displayed.

Stitch her in three shades of embroidery floss, or step up to silk thread for an opulent finish. A hint of silver metallic completes the look.

Design size: 20 x 9 in on 14 count

Fabric: Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave

Techniques: Blackwork fills, pattern darning (hair), cross stitch, seed beads, silver metallic accent

Threads: 3 shades of floss or silk thread

Turquoise Japanese Lady blackwork design with kimono, water lilies and turquoise obi Add to Cart Price excludes UK/EU VAT (added at checkout)
Why this design works: The contrast between loose water lilies on the kimono and dense blackwork on the obi gives the eye somewhere to rest and somewhere to study.

Keiko: Geisha Girl in Red and Gold Intermediate

£5.00 Instant PDF download

Keiko stands elegantly under a paper parasol, with towering mountains as her backdrop. The kimono blackwork is worked in subtly shaded red and gold patterns that exude luxury and refinement.

Her hair is solid cross stitch for contrast, and small areas are deliberately left unstitched to give the design an illustrative quality, almost like a Japanese print on fabric.

A serene piece for a quiet corner of the house, or a thoughtful gift for someone drawn to Japanese art.

Design size: 19.25 x 9.5 in on 14 count

Fabric: Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave

Techniques: Subtly shaded red and gold blackwork fills, solid cross stitch (hair), planned void spaces

Keiko geisha blackwork pattern in red and gold under a paper parasol Add to Cart Price excludes UK/EU VAT (added at checkout)
Why this design works: The void spaces (left unstitched) are part of the design. They give the piece an airy, print-like feel rather than the dense coverage of pure blackwork.
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Newer to Blackwork?

Build the Skills First

Both Japanese designs are intermediate pieces. They reward existing blackwork experience and grow your repertoire in techniques like pattern darning and metallic thread. If you'd like to build confidence first, these three resources are the most direct way in.

Free Blackwork Pattern

A small, gentle starter design you can download and stitch this weekend. The easiest way to find out whether blackwork suits you.

Blackwork Embroidery Tutorial

How blackwork works, how the fills build up, and the two stitches you need. Walks through the foundations these designs assume you know.

Blackwork for Beginners Ebook

The full beginner walkthrough in one downloadable book. Stitch by stitch from your first motif to your first finished piece. £9.95.
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