Whitework Sampler for Beginners: Part One

Whitework embroidery might look intimidating at first glance, but you'll soon find your rhythm. Stitch by stitch, you'll create an exquisitely detailed piece that's surprisingly satisfying to make.

Originally, this sampler was exclusive to my newsletter crew. Now I'm sharing it with everyone. Time to pick up your needle!

You Will Need:

• 12x12 inch piece of white 28 count evenweave* or linen fabric
• White Perle No.8 thread (1 ball)
• Size 24 tapestry needle
• 8 inch Embroidery hoop
• Sharp pointed embroidery scissors

*The original model was stitched on Brittney fabric

The finished sampler, all seven bands

Finding The Starting Point

First, prep your fabric:

1. Fold one edge over to meet the opposite edge along the fabric's length. You will have a skinny vertical rectangle.
2. Identify the top edge of the folded fabric.
3. Measure down 4 inches along the fold line.
4. Mark this spot with a pin. This is the centre of your first row.
5. Count 36 fabric threads to the left to reach the green dot (number 1) in the fourth square of the grid's top row.
6. Mark this starting point with a disappearing ink pen or HB (#2) pencil.
7. Secure the fabric in a hoop to keep it taut while you stitch.

Band 1: what you are aiming for

The Stitch Diagram

Remember that green dot?

It marks the start of stitch one in the diagram below (now blue). Each stitch spans 3 fabric threads, either horizontally or vertically, with the thread running diagonally across the back.

I've coloured the stitches in the first four rows to help you track your progress. Don't worry, these colours aren't part of the design (the thread stays white); they're just a guide.

As you stitch, give the thread a good tug to 'scrunch' the fabric threads. This tightens the stitches and creates small holes at each end.

The stitch diagram, colours are a guide only. Click the diagram to open it full size.

Pulled Thread Work - Rows 1-3

1. Bring the needle up on the left of the first stitch, cross three threads right, and push it through to the back.
2. Next, move three threads down from the start point to the left for stitch two. Use the same hole to finish.
3. As you stitch, the trailing thread will create diagonal lines (like we talked about!).
4. For stitch three, bring the needle up following the arrow directions, pull tight, and tuck it back into the same hole from stitch two.

Repeat until stitch eight, pulling each stitch firmly.

For the second row, carry the thread diagonally from eight to nine (shown in pink on the diagram). Continue stitching up the row with vertical and horizontal stitches on the front and diagonal stitches on the back.

For row three, follow the numbered stitches on the diagram and start as before.

Row 4 Adjustment

As you start row four of your whitework sampler, note a slight change.

After stitch 25, flip your work and slide the needle through the back of stitch 24. This stops loose threads from peeking through the hole at the end of stitch 25, keeping your work looking crisp.

Bring the needle back up for stitch 26 and continue stitching as normal. Paying attention to these details makes all the difference. You'll achieve a professional finish without fuss.

Take your time here. Trust me, your effort will pay off!

The Final Steps For This Band

To finish your sampler's first band, turn your work upside down and rejoin your thread behind existing stitches where you first started row 1. This will allow you to fill in that missing corner.

Take a moment to admire your stitching. It should match the photo below, though maybe without the mistakes! Can you spot where my tension's off and where I missed two squares?

My finished band, mistakes and all

Well done on finishing this section!

Ready For The Next Step in Your Whitework Sampler?

Next up: mastering drawn thread work and basic hemstitching.

New to these techniques? They're often mixed up with pulled thread work, but a simple practice band will show you exactly how they differ.

Grab your needle and join us. You'll add this gorgeous, delicate skill to your stitching toolkit in no time!

Learn more about whitework embroidery