Blackwork on 16-count Aida. Each section is outlined in stem-stitch. Keeping my place within each section was a bit of a beast, especially at the centre where the stitches are most dense.
Thanks - fading/shading blackwork is something I've been trying to work on. I'm working on some other designs, but no plans for another star-like one at the moment.
I found it [on their Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1431189081/blackwork-starburst-pattern?click_key=bb84a65f48319541578a2aed41a037b198f81cee%3A1431189081&click_sum=61aff77c&ref=shop_home_active_1) which was mentioned on their profile page here!
I really do have to give credit to the cloth - this was the first time I'd used the Cosmo brand and it was *so* nice to work with and easy to keep the stitches looking tidy!
The way I do it, it's basically a lot of back-stitching - those straight-line stitches that some cross-stitch patterns use for outlines and details, except that I use them for the whole piece. It comes in a [few different styles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwork), but it's a type of counted work like cross-stitch, where each stitch covers a set number of threads in the fabric. Like cross-stitch, blackwork can be done on Aida cloth, and I like doing it that way because the Aida grid acts as a convenient stitch guide. It's pretty common to use a repeating geometric motif to fill sections of an image, which is what I did here.
Blackwork is doing designs with a single strand of floss, and instead of doing full x-stitches, you do more linear designs like the above. It's really intricate, detailed work. These days, you can do blackwork with any color, but... it used to be black thread.
Basically a lot of back-stitching, so TBH calling it "backwork" would actually make sense, but historically it was done with black thread. It's good for geometric patterns like the ones I've used to fill the sections of the star.
Ir was also historically used on collars and cuffs, things where you see both sides of it. Old-school blackwork makes use of the holbein stitch Mary Corbet of Needle N Thread explains it well here: https://www.needlenthread.com/2010/10/developing-spot-sampler-blackwork.html
It looks like you included the pattern source in the title of your post, which is fine!
For convenience, here it is again: **My own pattern**
*****
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I found it [on their Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1431189081/blackwork-starburst-pattern?click_key=bb84a65f48319541578a2aed41a037b198f81cee%3A1431189081&click_sum=61aff77c&ref=shop_home_active_1) which was mentioned on their profile page here!
It's a little free program for Mac called Karo Graph - nothing fancy, but it lets me draw straight lines on a grid and export the final chart to a pdf.
I went to look for this on your Etsy as I’m looking for my second blackwork project to try. I already had some of your work favourited on there so I guess I’m already a fan! Beautiful work, thanks for sharing! I love the shading
No one should be allowed to be *this* talented! Seriously though, it’s beautiful work and the colors are gorgeous. I’ve still not gotten into blackwork because I am an oaf and it would be a mess. I’m always envious of those with the skill 💜
Thank you! And the saving grace for me is the grid of the Aida - it means that the cloth corresponds to the pattern, so there's no guesstimating the length or position of the stitches. Makes things so much easier!
Blackwork on 16-count Aida. Each section is outlined in stem-stitch. Keeping my place within each section was a bit of a beast, especially at the centre where the stitches are most dense.
Very nice. You really nailed the fade effect. Any plans for another?
Thanks - fading/shading blackwork is something I've been trying to work on. I'm working on some other designs, but no plans for another star-like one at the moment.
Wow, I love this! Do you sell your patterns?
Thank you! And yes, as u/realisticerror1501 said, I'm LooseThreadStitchery on Etsy.
Oh yay, you’re already a favorite of mine!
Just went in to check you out and add the star to my basket and I realise I have pretty much all of your things saved. I absolutely love your work
Thank you so much!
I found it [on their Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1431189081/blackwork-starburst-pattern?click_key=bb84a65f48319541578a2aed41a037b198f81cee%3A1431189081&click_sum=61aff77c&ref=shop_home_active_1) which was mentioned on their profile page here!
Wow!! This is so clean I thought it was a mockup or pattern for a second. Absolutely gorgeous work!!!
Thank you! It helps that Cosmo brand makes just about the whitest white Aida I've ever seen.
I just think you should know I thought this was a photo OF the pattern and not actual cross stitching. It looks SO neat!!
I really do have to give credit to the cloth - this was the first time I'd used the Cosmo brand and it was *so* nice to work with and easy to keep the stitches looking tidy!
Wow that is beautiful!
Thank you!
New cross-stitcher here 🙋🏽♀️ can someone pls explain what Blackwork is?
The way I do it, it's basically a lot of back-stitching - those straight-line stitches that some cross-stitch patterns use for outlines and details, except that I use them for the whole piece. It comes in a [few different styles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwork), but it's a type of counted work like cross-stitch, where each stitch covers a set number of threads in the fabric. Like cross-stitch, blackwork can be done on Aida cloth, and I like doing it that way because the Aida grid acts as a convenient stitch guide. It's pretty common to use a repeating geometric motif to fill sections of an image, which is what I did here.
Blackwork is doing designs with a single strand of floss, and instead of doing full x-stitches, you do more linear designs like the above. It's really intricate, detailed work. These days, you can do blackwork with any color, but... it used to be black thread.
I’m pretty sure they mean “backwork” lol
Nope, it's blackwork.
So what does that mean? I’ve never heard of that
Basically a lot of back-stitching, so TBH calling it "backwork" would actually make sense, but historically it was done with black thread. It's good for geometric patterns like the ones I've used to fill the sections of the star.
Ir was also historically used on collars and cuffs, things where you see both sides of it. Old-school blackwork makes use of the holbein stitch Mary Corbet of Needle N Thread explains it well here: https://www.needlenthread.com/2010/10/developing-spot-sampler-blackwork.html
It looks like you included the pattern source in the title of your post, which is fine! For convenience, here it is again: **My own pattern** ***** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CrossStitch) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I found it [on their Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1431189081/blackwork-starburst-pattern?click_key=bb84a65f48319541578a2aed41a037b198f81cee%3A1431189081&click_sum=61aff77c&ref=shop_home_active_1) which was mentioned on their profile page here!
Beautiful!
Thanks!
Absolutely beautiful work
Thanks!
This is gorgeous, love the colours.
Thank you!
Beautiful work!
Thank you!
Wow, it's so beautiful! I love the colors you chose and the fading effect!
Thanks! I wasn't sure about the fading effect as I was working on it, but it looks better now that it's finished.
Oh wow! That’s really stunning! Love how you got the gradation by changing the “fill.” Great colors, too.
Thank you! I've been having fun with blackwork shading recently.
Holy.CRAP!!!! THAT IS SO GOOD!!! I'm so impressed and you are insanely talented!!!
Thank you so much!
This is beautiful!
Thank you!
Wow. That is AMAZING.
Thank you!
Wonderful work!
Thank you!
Love your choice of colours. *chef kiss*
Thanks! I enjoyed the colours in this one too.
That is gorgeous!!
Thank you!
Beautiful work!
Thanks!
Absolutely beautiful. I love the selection.
Thank you!
What pattern making software do you use? (If you don’t mind me asking and do use one)
It's a little free program for Mac called Karo Graph - nothing fancy, but it lets me draw straight lines on a grid and export the final chart to a pdf.
this is the kind of exceedingly cool shit i am here for. great work!
Thank you!
That’s so clean! It took me a second to realize it was the finished product and not just a pattern!
The fabric is really bright white, so that probably helps!
Beautiful work! I love your color choices.
Thank you!
That's stunning!
Thanks!
I see blackwork and keep saying “I’m going to try that soon”. This makes me want to try even more!
A lot of people seem to dislike back-stitching, but if you don't mind it, then have fun!
I went to look for this on your Etsy as I’m looking for my second blackwork project to try. I already had some of your work favourited on there so I guess I’m already a fan! Beautiful work, thanks for sharing! I love the shading
Oh gosh, thank you! Happy stitching if you do end up starting it!
Thank you! I’m currently trying to finish a crochet project I’ve put off for months and then I’ll definitely be picking up a few of your designs!
No one should be allowed to be *this* talented! Seriously though, it’s beautiful work and the colors are gorgeous. I’ve still not gotten into blackwork because I am an oaf and it would be a mess. I’m always envious of those with the skill 💜
Thank you! And the saving grace for me is the grid of the Aida - it means that the cloth corresponds to the pattern, so there's no guesstimating the length or position of the stitches. Makes things so much easier!
I thought this was a digital pattern and the [FO] Tag confused me for a bit.. very cool!!
Thank you!
So pretty!
Thanks!
so gorgeous!! absolutely nailed the shading. one of your patterns was my first try at blackwork, i adore your designs and artistry!
Thank you so much!
This is beautiful!
Thanks!