Ugly Jumper - Free Blackwork Embroidery Pattern
If you’re new to blackwork embroidery and looking for a fun and easy project to get started - this post is for you!
This ugly jumper design makes such cute ornaments and is the perfect way to get comfortable with the technique
What you’ll need:
A 5 inch embroidery hoop and 20 count Aida to fit (or equivalent)
A blunt/tapestry needle
Embroidery thread in chosen colour (I used 310 on white and and B5200 on lilac in the examples)
The pattern below!
Design is 100 x 100 stitches
The Basics of Blackwork Embroidery
What is Blackwork?
Blackwork embroidery is a counted embroidery technique stitched on fabric that has a regular grid of holes used to place the stitches. A chart grid of the same dimensions as your fabric is used as the pattern. The stitches are counted from the chart to the fabric one by one to form the design
Practice motif
I’m going to use this simple heart motif, a small part of the Ugly Jumper design, to illustrate how to count your stitches from a chart. Simply put, it's just backstitch using pre-made holes in the fabric
Bring your needle up through point 1
Count on the chart to point 2 - 1 down, 1 right
Count this same stitch on the fabric - 1 down, 1 right. Take your needle down at point 2 on the fabric. This is your first stitch!
Count on the chart from point 2 to point 3 - 1 down
Count from point 2 to point 3 on the fabric. Bring your needle up at point 3 and down again at point 2. This is your second stitch
Count from point 3 to point 4 on the chart - 2 down, 1 left
Count from point 3 to point 4 on the fabric. Bring your needle up at point 4 and down again at point 3
Continue in this way around the whole shape you are stitching
Method:
Once you’ve read through the above and tried out the mini example motif, the method for this pattern is really simple
1) Using the counted chart, stitch the design on your fabric. That’s it!
You’ll notice that this design is almost entirely symmetrical, with the single exception being the centre repeat
I recommend starting in the middle at the top and working your way outwards, then moving on to the next layer down and working across from there
Happy stitching! Don’t forget to tag me in your finished pics and use #purplerosestitchers to share your work!