Blackwork embroidery kits and patterns

Small Projects, Big Joy

Looking for something light, fun, and easy to finish? These colourful blackwork kits are designed to stitch up in a weekend—no pressure, just pure stitching joy.

Whether you’re easing back into embroidery or simply want a satisfying project to carry in your bag, this little collection has you covered.

You'll find designs that are:

  • Colourful – because blackwork doesn’t have to be black
  • Whimsical – animals, florals, and scenes that make you smile
  • Playful – great for experimenting with texture, fill patterns, and colour

Each one is downloadable, beginner-friendly, and ready when you are.

Red Butterfly

Vibrant burgundy wings. Sparkling gold accents. This butterfly brings traditional blackwork to life in a fresh, modern way.

With light fills on the upper wings and denser fills below, it’s a beautiful way to explore contrast, symmetry, and stitch rhythm—all in a bite-sized project.

  • Design size: 4.25" x 3" (10.8 x 7.6cm)
  • Skill level: Beginner-friendly
  • Stitched with: burgundy, gold metallic + cross stitch

Includes a downloadable chart with clear diagrams and stitch instructions.

A quick, colourful piece for just £2.25.

Blackwork cottage embroidery kit - Clarice Cliff style

Red Roofed Cottage

This cheerful countryside cottage is stitched in a Clarice Cliff-inspired style, full of colour, charm, and texture. Each fill pattern brings a different part of the scene to life—fields, rooftops, garden paths, and all.

It’s a gentle introduction to combining multiple blackwork fills in one cohesive design, and a lovely piece to display once finished.

  • Design size: 8" x 7" (20.3 x 17.8cm)
  • Skill level: Beginner-friendly
  • Includes 9 distinct fill patterns

Download includes full chart, stitch instructions, and a stitch-by-area guide.

A colourful countryside scene for just £3.25.

Blackwork snail embroidery pattern

Blackwork Snail

This little snail carries a whole sampler on its back. Eleven variations on a single fill pattern spiral across its shell—an eye-opening lesson in texture and technique packed into one whimsical creature.

Great for stitchers who want to experiment with density and shading while keeping the project quick and portable.

  • Design size: 6" x 3" (15.2 x 7.6cm)
  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Features: 11 fill variations, cross-stitched antennae

Includes clear chart, fill pattern guides, and suggestions for visual contrast.

A playful sampler-in-a-shell for just £2.25.

Tommy Tortoise blackwork embroidery pattern

Tommy Tortoise

Tommy is a calm and steady presence on your hoop—his shell filled with contrast, texture, and a few clever blackwork tricks. Light and shadow are created through stitch density, giving him a beautifully rounded look.

This pattern combines structure with softness and makes a thoughtful gift, especially for animal lovers or stitchers who enjoy gentle shading techniques.

  • Design size: 8" x 4" (20.3 x 10.2cm)
  • Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Includes: layered fill patterns and contrast stitching

The download includes a clear chart, guidance on stitch variation, and tips for creating dimensional effect with thread weight.

A thoughtful stitch can mean so much. Here’s what one stitcher shared about making Tommy Tortoise for her mum:

"I bought this to do for my mum, as she had always wanted another tortoise after ours died when I was a young girl. She kept buying pottery ones until her fireplace was full of them! I did this for her because of her love of tortoises and my love of blackwork.

It was really quick and easy to do. The chart was very easy to follow, and I kept it a secret from her until she received it for her birthday. It now has pride of place in her hallway—and she even has two real tortoises now as well."

– Erica, Cumbria (UK)

Blackwork calla lily embroidery pattern

Calla Lily

Elegant and modern, this striking calla lily is stitched on black fabric with soft tonal threads. It’s a small design—but a powerful exercise in contrast, stitch weight, and flow.

You'll vary density and thread thickness to shape light and shadow, allowing the lily to emerge from the background like a slow bloom.

  • Design size: 3.5" x 4.5" (8.9 x 11.4cm)
  • Skill level: Experienced
  • Best stitched on dark fabric (black Aida or evenweave)

Includes a clear downloadable chart and guidance for thread weight and highlight shaping.

Download the chart for £2.25.

Whether you choose just one or gather a few for the season ahead, I hope these little blackwork kits bring you a sense of joy, calm, and that satisfying feeling of making something with your hands.

They're small, but they stitch big—with texture, movement, and a quiet kind of charm.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope one of these designs finds its way into your weekend soon.

← Browse all blackwork patterns

Carol

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