Blackwork SAL

This is the last of the SALs that gets posted on Tuesdays, and the smallest too, but you will certainly put what feels like a few miles of Holbein/double running stitch or backstitch in. During this SAL I will share a pattern using an assortment of traditional blackwork patterns, each of which you should be able to expand and use in other projects just working from the section given in this SAL. The picture above is NOT a section of the SAL - I'm keeping the patterns I'm including a secret for now. What I won't be keeping secret is the outline for the SAL - I thought it would be easier to let you stitch that before the SAL starts so you can add each part more easily.

I decided to use a friendship star as the outline as it's a simple shape that gives lots of options on how you want to fill it in. For the design I picked a yellow for the star and a light, medium and dark blue for the rest. The outline will be done in black. Naturally you can use any colour combination you like however I would suggest making sure the star is in a different colour than the background.

---

What:

• This is a blackwork sampler.
• The pattern is 50 stitches square.
• The pattern is in Holbein/backstitch
• There will be twelve monthly patterns. 

Where:

• All patterns are posted here on my blog.
• There is a Facebook group to share progress and talk about the project here.

When:

• You get the pattern for the outlines now - scroll down to the bottom for the pattern.
• Patterns will be given every fourth Tuesday of the month - there is a "calendar" in the side bar so you can see the exact dates.
• I will start on the 22nd of January 2019.

Fabric:

• I have rounded up the numbers working from the actual size of the stitching to make sure you have enough fabric. 
• Fabric amounts are given based on stitching over one bunch of Aida or over two threads of evenweave. 
• If you decide to stitch over one you will of course need less fabric but tbh I wouldn't do this unless you are very experienced at backstitch over one.
• I have given 3 inches / 7.62 cm of fabric on each side for framing. 
• If you wish to calculate the fabric for yourself based on your plans then this is a helpful tool. 

Size in inches:

• For 14ct Aida/28ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 3.6 inches square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 10 inches square.
• For 16ct Aida/32ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 3.1 inches square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 9 1/2 inches square.
• For 18ct Aida/36ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 2.8 inches square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 9 inches square.
• For 20ct Aida/40ct evenweave.
• The pattern is 2.5 inches square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 8 1/2 inches square.

Size in cm:

• For 14ct Aida/28ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 9.15 cm square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 25 cm square.
• For 16ct Aida/32ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 7.88 cm square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 24 cm square.
• For 18ct Aida/36ct evenweave:
• The pattern is 7.11 cm square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 23 cm square.
• For 20ct Aida/40ct evenweave.
• The pattern is 6.36 cm square.
• It requires a piece of fabric that is 22 cm square.

Floss:

• Floss is calculated based on using one strand over one (or two for evenweave). 
• Skein amount is given for DMC floss which has six strands and eight metres long - if you use another brand you may need more floss. 
• I am giving the floss amounts for 14ct only as PCStitch doesn't give less than 0.1 skein as an amount.

Floss use:

• 0.1 skein of DMC 310    black
• 0.1 skein of DMC 820    royal blue - vy dk
• 0.1 skein of DMC 798    delft blue - dk
• 0.1 skein of DMC 809    delft blue
• 0.1 skein of DMC 444    lemon - dk

You can find the pattern for the outline here

If you haven't seen already I've been posting a series of Christmas themed patterns, perfect for cards or ornaments - Have a look at my recent posts! Next posts will be another Christmas freebie and the Finish it in 2019 overview post. Merry Christmas!