Final 5- Blackwork squares.

So here are the last of the Blackwork squares for the Chess Piece.

The motifs on this design are worked separately. First work the outline of the pattern over l thread in back stitch and then cross stitch over 2 threads, to make 4 crosses in the centre.

I like the cross in the centre of the next square. The cross motif is worked over 2 threads using double running stitch or back stitch, then fill in the squares with back stitch over l thread.

Square number 29 is a medium pattern with a nice delicate effect. To begin the motif, work one cross stitch, then the top half of the cross shaped motif that joins the boxes in back stitch over 2 threads

Join the next boxes with a cross stitch and work the lower half of the cross shaped motif joining the boxes.

When you have completed the joining cross shaped motifs go back and put a double cross stitch inside the boxes.

Pattern 30. Begin the pattern with a square working over 2 threads, with 2 diagonal threads between squares. Work radiating lines over 2 threads. Lines of patterns are 3 threads apart.

Last but not least is Pattern 31. This is more of a "free" design, which can be worked with whatever spacing you like. For this though, the flower is worked over 2 threads, with points over 2 threads. The stems vary depending of where the flower is situated.

Now you will notice that there is still a vacant square. This is for the embroiderer to put their initials and year in cross stitch using black thread, large enough to almost fill the square.

So here is what the piece looks like set in the table. It is not a clear photo because it was taken before the days of digital photos. Unfortunately the glass top has broken so i have taken the embroidery out and kept it safe until such time as the table can be repaired.

More Blackwork patterns 21 to 28

Thought it was time I got back to posting more of the Blackwork designs for the Chess Piece. This post will cover 6 patterns and then I will put up the final 5.

This first square is a medium pattern and simple to work. It can be used either horizontally or vertically.

Pattern number 2 is a pretty one, with a lot of possibilities. It can either be worked as a heavy or light pattern by changing the crosses. The boxes are worked first, then joined with the diagonal lines.

The third design can have different variations, but for this one, first work all the cross stitches, then on every alternate row enclose the crosses with boxes.

The next design is similar to the previous pattern. First work the boxes over 3 threads and 3 threads apart then join together the alternating adouble cross stitch and a single cross stitch.

Another simple pattern, in which you can achieve a dark effect. Work a double cross stitch and then a single cross stitch alternately.

The final pattern in the group is comprised of arches in lines over 2 threads.

These patterns were supplied to me by Ada, who ran the Maryborough Embroiderery Group in Maryborough in Queensland. They were all part of the exercise of learning Blackwork Embroidery and stitching the Chess Piece.

Blackwork squares 16, 17, 18 ,19, 20

Time to add some more of the Blackwork Designs on the chesspiece.

The first square is just a zig zag over two threads with an extra element between two of the lines to create a darker look.

This is a nece pattern worked over 4 threads in back stitch and cross stitch. A large area is required to show it to its full advantage.

If this pattern is worked in back stitch, a series of straight lines is formed on the wrong side of the fabric. For a reversible effect, use double running stitch.

For this star design pattern, work from the centre of star radiating outwards. The mail straight stitch is over 3 threads, and the 2 centre diagonally stitches over 2 threads with one thread in between.

This pattern also works well in two colors. The basic shape is worked completely in back or double running stitch over 2 threads. The centre eye stitch is worked over 2 and 4 threads. This is another lovely pattern that needs a rather large area to be appreciated.

Patterns 12 , 13, 14 and 15 of Chessboard.

Here are the next four patterns for the Blackwork Chessboard..this will make 15 only 15 to go.

If you work the pattern on the top in back stitch, circles are formed on the wrong side of the fabric. The pattern on the below that is worked over 4 threads, and a hole appears in the centre of the eye stitch. It can look effective stitched using two colours.

This pretty floral pattern above really requires a large area to be appreciated. The four quarters of the motif are joined together by a cross stitch. The pattern below resembles flowers or foliage.

More Patterns

Thought I would post some more of the patterns for the blackwork chessboard

The first design above is one of the simpler ones. I like the pretty pattern the centre one makes. You can see how adding extra elements gives a darker effect to the pattern.

These 3 are pretty easy to do. I found the centre one a bit tedious..I prefer the designs which give a nice pattern.

Patterns from Chessboard

Today I have decided to post some of the Patterns for the squares on the Blackwork Chessboard. Because there are 31 of them I will post them in stages. Above is the complete Chessboard.

This piece is worked on Cork Linen, 18in square. Using No. 8 Pearl thread, mark of f squares in back stitch over 3 threads. After every 33 threads do a back stitch over 3 threads towards centre which saves re-counting later. Make 8 squares along all sides.

Because I still have not got the hand of this "posting stuff", I have numbered the squares which I worked from the top row left to right, so in actual fact the first square is down second from the bottom. Will try to get the hand of this, but I guess the order is a matter of choice anyway. Just remember not to have all the dark patterns together

The square above is the 4th on right on the top row and is a Basket Pattern, with small squares worked over 3 threads, then linked to make oblong shape. For centre work small straight stitch over 1 thread in alternating small squares.

The above design is the first square in the second row and is a pattern inspired by the Greek key. It is worked over 2 threads in Double Running Stitch or Back Stitch. A single row of this pattern makes a lovely border

The above square is square 1 and has a cross worked over 3 x 3 threads, alternating the cross in each row then boxing in the crosses.

The second square Is worked as for ringed back stitch over 3 threads, then completed with a double cross over 6 threads with 1 thread in between

In this square (3) work each small motif separately, the 4 crosses over 3 threads, then box in. Complete the centre joining squares all over 3 threads

Chessboard

This is my blackwork chessboard, and below are 3 of my favourite patterns. The piece is worked on cream cork linen, using perle thread. It was set into the top of a table covered with glas which broke, so now am waiting to get the table as well so the piece can be replaced.

Above are three of my favourite designs, although I do love the look of most of them.

Reverse sewing on butterfly

Decided to spend the day on the butterfly, but had a late start due to the reverse sewing. Decided to give up on the circle trail and concentrate on the other wings. Well success! Have finished the outer areas on the other two wings so today will attempt the design on the inside of the wings. Finished the body, but now think I should have used the dark turquoise....will have to live with that. However there are a couple of small areas that are blank, so just might try a bit of turquoise in those to help break down the brown.

Will talk a photo when I have done the wings. Also think I have worked out the way to do the circle trail....time will tell.

Used a variegated green again, but this time with a touch of aqua in the lime greens which will allow me to bring in a bit more of the aqua/turqoise tones....well I hope it will.

Butterfly blackwork that is greenwork

Hi, Well this project looks like being one of "those". Have unpicked two parts of the circle, and thought I would have a go at the body to help define the boundaries at the beginning of the "trail" (read circle). But that is in the process of getting unpicked and the stitches being over only l thread it is not good.

So looks like this will turn into a project of mixed techniques. Did Manage to purchase some other colours and a lovely deep turquoise Perle No. 8, but the pale colours are just too hard to see so will start again with one of the new deeper blue greens and hope for the best. Maybe if I finish the wings that might give me a better idea of how it will look.

It is either that or put it back into the cupboard for a later date...but wont let the beat me.