Blackwork flower patterns

Blackwork Rose

This classic blackwork rose is a lovely introduction to floral design. Simple fills give texture to the petals and leaves, while the outline brings it all together into a piece that’s bold, balanced, and quietly elegant.

Charted in 2 colours, which could either be blue/silver, black/gold or choose your own.

• Design size: 11.3 x 8.6 inches approx
• Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Includes: outline and 3 base fill patterns shaded with additional stitches

Includes a clear chart, with thick and thin lines that make it easy to see where to use multiple strands of embroidery floss.

Download the chart for just £2.25.

The Story Behind the Rose

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” wrote Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet.

I’m not sure if my new boyfriend knew that quote, but I still remember the day he gave me a single red rosebud. He said it was a symbol of love at first sight. So simple. So sincere. And so romantic.

That was over 45 years ago—and we’ve been married ever since.

This blackwork rose is my stitched version of that memory: a quiet token of lasting love. Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or stitching it for yourself, it speaks in the language of flowers—no words needed.

A bouquet fades. A stitched rose lasts.

Stitched by Enid, in red and green

The Blackwork Fuchsia

Remember when flowers looked like tiny fairies in the garden? This design captures that sense of wonder with detailed shading and just a touch of gold beading to bring the blossoms to life.

• Design size: 13 x 8.5 inches
• Features: Soft shading, optional gold beads
• Perfect for: Garden lovers, nostalgic stitchers

Get instant access for just £3.75

The Story Behind the Fuchsia

“What are you doing?!” my mother gasped as she came into the garden. I was caught red-handed, plucking the fuchsias from her prized bush.

“Making fairies,” I explained. “But they had too many legs, so I fixed them.”

She paused. Looked closely. And then… smiled. That moment stayed with me, right down to designing this pattern. I still have to remind myself not to stop at just two stamens!

Whether you see them as fairies or ballerinas (like my niece does), this design is for those who believe in garden magic. Add your own twist, and you’ll have a memory stitched in thread.

Stitched by M.E. Cattrall, Lancashire, UK

Blackwork Water Lily

Graceful, layered, and shaded with gold accents, this peaceful blackwork design is perfect for a quiet afternoon project. You’ll build depth with delicate fills, and bring this floating bloom to life in a serene palette of grey, black, and sparkle.

• Design size: 11.4 x 5.6 inches
• Features: subtle shading, gold accents
• Perfect for: tranquil spaces, meditative stitching

Downloadable Chart – £3.75

The Story Behind the Water Lily

Whenever I see a lily pond, it takes me straight back to lazy summer days in my grandparents’ garden. If I visited at just the right time, I’d catch the white blooms drifting gently among the lily pads—fragrant, still, and utterly captivating.

There were blue dragonflies dancing above the water, bees buzzing from flower to flower, and for a moment, it felt like time slowed down. It reminded me of a Monet painting, only better—because I was in it.

That’s the feeling I wanted to capture with this pattern. Something peaceful. Something grounded. A stitched reminder to take things slow, and savour the beauty in front of you.

Blackwork Irises

Whether you stitch them in deep purples or cool blues, these irises bloom with elegance and meaning. The simple fill patterns allow you to add light and shadow just by adjusting your stitches—creating depth with ease.

• Design size: 10 x 7.5 inches
• Charted in two colourways: purple/gold and blue/silver
• Perfect for: floral stitchers, symbolic gifts, colour lovers

Downloadable Chart – £3.75

The Story Behind the Irises

In Greek mythology, Iris was the messenger of the gods. Her path across the sky painted the heavens with colour, and from that gift came the iris flower—a symbol of hope, wisdom, and beauty in all its forms.

When I designed this chart, I wanted to capture that sweeping grace. Whether you choose the regal purples or soft blues, each stitch is a chance to express emotion through pattern and thread.

It’s also a subtle nod to the artists who came before—Monet, Van Gogh—who painted with brushes. You’ll do it with your needle, one soft, thoughtful shape at a time.

Blue and silver version

Elizabeth’s Rose Bellpull

This elegant sampler-style bellpull is stitched in just two colours but gives you the chance to explore many lovely fill patterns as you work your way down. It makes a heartfelt tribute or a charming piece for your home.

• Design size: 4⅛ x 17⅜ inches (on 14 count or 28ct evenweave)
• Perfect for: memorials, Victorian décor, or stitchers who love variety

Create a lasting tribute – £3.75