Blackwork Bears Pattern
Amy DeVries
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Amy DeVries
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Reversibility and the Holbein Stitch
How to Follow the Pattern Diagrams
Feature Fills for the Left Bear
Feature Fills for the Right Bear
To make the Reversible Blackwork Bears, you will need:
* a size 24 needle
* 11 x 13 inch (28 x 33 centimeter) fabric or larger
* embroidery floss
* a ruler
* a pair of scissors
Please take the time to prepare the threads before you start.
Needles
Most embroidery on evenweave fabric requires a blunt tapestry needle. A blunt needle helps to pierce the holes instead of splitting threads. However, the Holbein stitch looks smoothest when the floss is pierced through the center with a sharp needle. So which one should I use?
Personally, I like to do the first pass with a tapestry needle, and then switch to a sharp for the return trip. Use size 24 for this project. If you don’t want to constantly change and have to rethread, stick to the tapestry needle... unless you are not using evenweave fabric (see below).
Fabric
This pattern is designed for 14 count aida or 28 count linen (known as Cashel) stitched over two threads. Both are evenweave fabrics. Beginners will find aida easiest to use. The finished size will display in an 8 x 10 inch frame, one of the standard US photo sizes.
The pattern can also be stitched on any type of fabric. To produce the even grid as a stitching guide, use a piece of waste canvas in size 14 count. Baste the canvas into place with contrasting thread, stitch the bears using a sharp needle, remove the basting threads, and then carefully remove the strands of canvas, pulling them out one by one. This is the technique you should use if decorating curtains, a pair of jeans, or a quilt that will not have linen or aida cloth.
Floss
Blackwork was traditionally worked in black silk, but cotton floss works fine, too. Use DMC 310 black or Anchor 403 black. Stitch the outlines in 2 strands and the fill patterns with 1 strand. Please see the pattern options for other color ideas.
At this time, I do not have an accurate estimate of how many skeins this pattern requires if worked entirely in black. I would appreciate hearing back from you how many skeins it takes and which colors you choose to use!
No Hoop
That’s right, I do not like to use a hoop. It’s not necessary for evenweave embroidery, especially with aida cloth. Use common sense and don’t pull the stitches too tight or let them stay too loose. Prepare the fabric for work by placing masking tape around all of the edges. This will keep them from fraying.
This pattern looks nice entirely in black, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t even have to use the corner frames or use both bears!
Color Suggestions
The blackwork bears also look nice in other color combinations. Experiment and have fun! I like one jewel tone and black. Pastels would be nice for a baby shower gift. Or use different shades of one favorite color. I do not give any exact color numbers because you know what you like. Play around at the store to find shades that look nice together. I will pass along the hint that variation in the shading, such as light versus dark, makes things more interesting. Keep the outlines dark. Whether colors will go together or not depends on the exact hue, and you can judge that by holding the threads together and seeing how they look!