Download and Stitch Your Free Blackwork  Pattern – Perfect for Beginners!

I'm so excited to share this free blackwork pattern with you! 

Blackwork embroidery has been my absolute passion for years, and I can't wait to help you fall in love with it too.

This pattern is perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toes into blackwork.

Its beauty is in how versatile it is. Use it for a cute coaster to keep cup stains off your desk, pop it into a card to send to a friend, or even frame it in a mini frame to make a mini work of art. 

If you enjoy it and want to take things further I have other freebies on the site or you can get my ebook using the link below. 

You can print this page so you can stitch the design in your comfy chair, but please do not copy it on any other web page.

What you'll need

• 6 inch square of 14 count Aida fabric (or evenweave if you prefer)
• size 24 tapestry needle
• Embroidery floss - colour of your choice (I used an autumnal shade)
• An embroidery hoop

About This Pattern

My Harvest Time design is an example of a blackwork motif. There are no fill patterns to tackle this time around.

You'll only need a single strand of cotton for this pattern (not the full six strands that come out of the skein of floss). I've recorded a quick video tutorial that'll make the process of separating one strand a breeze. 

The design is built around four repeating corner motifs.

I've added some colored lines and arrows on the chart below, to help guide you through the stitching "journey". These aren't meant to confuse you, just to make sure you nail that perfect, reversible look we're going for.

We'll be using double running stitch which creates a crisp, clean line and makes the whole piece look professional. 

Tip from yours truly: take your time, follow the chart carefully, and enjoy the process. Blackwork can seem intimidating, but once you get into the rhythm, it's seriously addictive!

Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half, both ways, and lightly creasing the centre. If you wish, place your fabric in an embroidery hoop.

 

Stitching the Design

Begin your thread by tying a knot then pass the needle through from the front of the work up in a corner somewhere out of the way.

Bring it back through in position to begin at the blue dot (5 fabric threads up and to the left of the centre) on the chart. We will cut this knot off later, when we have some stitches in place in which to anchor the loose thread.

Take your first stitch, over one fabric thread or block, toward the blue arrow (vertically down), then work the following two "blue" stitches. Bring the needle out one hole to the left and using the green lines on the chart as a guide work back towards the blue dot, filling in the gaps you left earlier.

In the same manner create the mirror image toward the black arrow. You should end up one hole away from the blue dot.

Work the blue diagonal stitch then branch off, again following the blue-coloured stitches and arrow on the chart. Return using the green stitches to end up at the centre line of the motif again. Repeat as before to stitch the bottom left section of the design.

Travel up the stem to the bottom of the leaf, this time following the purple lines and arrows. Work your way around the outside of the leaf in a counterclockwise direction. Make the return journey filling in the gaps to create a solid leaf outline.

Work each vein moving away from the central vein, then back again. Finally, bring the thread back down to the blue dot and fill in the gaps off the main diagonal leaf vein.

Turn your work

Turn your chart one quarter turn and to work the next corner of your free blackwork pattern.

I hope you have enjoyed stitching Harvest Time.

Next Steps

You might be interested in my next lesson on pattern darning. This adapts the pattern you have just learned and adds a border.