Modern Blackwork Sampler
In this class, you’ll create a modern blackwork-inspired sampler featuring 14 distinct embroidery stitches stitched in perle cotton thread—including tied herringbone, toroko, fly, brighton, guilloche, plaited feather, cloud fill, tulip, maltese cross, rice, foliage, laced wheel, algerian eye, and back stitch—each chosen for its shape and visual impact when worked on a grid.
It’s not cross stitch. You’ll learn how to stitch on even-weave aida (gridded) fabric to achieve a clean, geometric look. This sampler steps a little off the beaten path, featuring under-used, more unusual stitches you won’t find in a traditional embroidery sampler. Suggested thread choices include variegated colors and stitches that incorporate multiple layered colors. As you stitch your piece, you’ll have space to make your own color choices. The finished sampler works beautifully framed, or as a pocket, panel, or feature piece in a larger project.
There’s a materials list with everything you’ll need for this project below. In the lessons, you’ll find a picture-in-picture view so you can see both the instructor and a close up view of the studio table so you can see every stitch step-by-step.
What’s included in this class:
- 200 minutes of video lessons
- Step by step demos from start to finish
- Resources for materials & favorite tools
- Lots of photos with close up views of the stitches
- Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
One of the things I like the best about this project is that you can do whatever you want to! Don’t want to make a whole sampler, then just stitch the sections you like as smaller samples. Use them like swatches for different projects or just for practice.
Materials you’ll need
- an 8×10 inch piece of 11 count aida cloth in any color. My samples are stitched on navy.
- assorted colors of perle cotton thread or 6 stranded embroidery thread. I also have an optional thread pack available for purchase.
- scissors, cross stitch needle
- optional: an embroidery hoop or fusible fleece fabric
More details about colors, recommended materials, and sources for purchasing materials are included in the lessons. The intro lesson is open to everyone so you can watch and collect your materials before your register for the class. Just click the enroll button below and you will see the Intro lesson “unlocked” in the list of lessons.
This class works on your schedule.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Want to watch a sample lesson? You can watch the “Materials & Tools” lesson for free by clicking on the “Enroll in this class” button below.
I love beginners.
You do not need embroidery experience for this class. Beginners are welcome! If you’ve done a little embroidery before, great!
This is the best kind of sampler!
This class has a specific project that we will work on together, but you can use these stitches for so many other things! The design gives you lots of opportunity to practice, but at the end you get something you can make into a fun object you can use.
