Free Blackwork Patterns

This page is full of creative and authentic free blackwork embroidery patterns for those who would like to try a very old type of embroidery.

What is blackwork embroidery?

The elegant blackwork embroidery is a very old form of counted thread embroidery.  It is usually done on white even-weave fabric with black thread so that the geometric designs stand out.

Blackwork embroidery was done in monochromatic, usually black.  However, red, blue, green, gold and silver threads were used monochromatically as well.

Blackwork design is created by an outline that is then filled in with one or more of the many filler patterns that are available.

Blackwork embroidery was originally used in 16th century England as an adornment on garments, most often the cuffs, collars or hems.

Visit our blackwork embroidery topic page to learn more about this special type of embroidery.

What stitch is used for blackwork? Is blackwork just backstitching?

Since traditional blackwork was done on the collars, cuffs and hems of clothing, the needlework would be seen from both sides of the fabric. The double running stitch was used most often so the front and back looked the same.

Another stitch that is commonly used is the Holbein stitch.  It looks like a backstitch from the front but is actually the running stitch worked back upon itself.

If only one side of the fabric will be visible, backstitching works well. Backstitching is used in embroidery to outline since it creates a nice straight line.

Below are free blackwork embroidery patterns that have lovely geometric designs.

Many are authentic historical designs, such as Authentic Tudor Blackwork Designs from Dragon Lore.  

This free blackwork pattern was taken from an original 16th century sampler which can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.

A theme that is seen to be recurring from both medieval and renaissance textile embroidery is that of artichokes!  There is a wonderful free blackwork embroidery pattern, Artichokes Border from Elizabethan Blackwork.

Scroll down to see the many outline designs as well as lovely filler blackwork embroidery designs.  They really are beautiful and the geometric design is classical!