Shamrock Swirls - Stumpwork
NEEDLEWORKPATTERN READY TO DOWNLOAD, DESIGNED BY Faby Reilly Designs

A garland of deep green shamrock seems to blow in swirls and disappear in the distance, forming a delightful contrast with with tiny highlights of pink flowers, beaded embellishements and silver frame.

Designer Faby Reilly is always searching for ways to add volume and interest to her work. In this expert level pattern, the perspective effect is obtained by contrasting the larger and closest cross stitch only shamrock, with the smaller ones which are worked in stumpwork for a padded effect.

Stumpwork is a technique that adds volume to parts of a pattern. The designer takes you step by step through the whole process: creating the outline, positioning a felt shape, and working the satin stitch that covers the felt (last image). The devil is in the detail, you will notice that Faby Reilly uses two very close but different shades of green so that the two parts of the leaf form the characteristic "opposing folds" of shamrock.

If you are an experienced stitcher looking for a bit of challenge, this pattern is a perfect introduction to Stumpwork.
 

The tutorial included with the chart also includes all specialty stitches.

A cross stitch pattern by Faby Reilly Designs.

>> see all Specialy Stitch Masterclass patterns and guides by Faby Reilly Designs

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Shamrock Swirls

Chart size in stitches: 90 x 40 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: Zweigart 28ct Cashel linen, Saphire green (6125)
6 1/2 x 3" -  16.5 cm x 7.5 cm  
Stitches: cross stitch, backstitch, French knots or Colonial knots, satin stitch, Stumpwork
Chart: Two step color chart : with cross stitch only + with all stitches
Threads: 1
Number of colors: 9
Other Supplies: green felt, Mill Hill sead beads (02010 - ice)

Themes: Good luck, green, meadow wildflowers

>> see more mixed Needlework techniques (combining cross stitch and other embroidery)
 

All patterns on Creative Poppy's website are printable and available for instant download.