Blackwork Oriental Charm
BLACKWORK PATTERN READY TO DOWNLOAD, DESIGNED BY Lesley Teare Designs

Here is the counterpart of another beautiful portrait of a woman (see below) also by Lesley Teare. The two could be sisters, and will look magnificent displayed side by side.

The needlework is intricate, and requires patience and experience, however it is definitely worth the challenge

The young lady is wearing a kimono, each part of which is decorated with an extremely refined design. The obi, the large belt tied higher than the waist, forming a knot at the back,  is decorated with a contrasting pattern, even finer. The lady's black hair is adorned with hanging accessories, and pulled up to expose her graceful neck. The face is seen in profile as if she were shyly turning away and hiding behind her fan.

The chart seems to be black and white at first glance, but it is actually 7 different colors, including a metallic gold thread. Black and gold seed beads further embellish the embroidery.

The design is in fact composed of numerous "compartments", with blackwork patterns of various densities, evocative of different fabrics. Expert Blackwork designer Lesley Teare plays with different thread thickness to give a dimensional aspect to the embroidery. Thus no less than 3 types of black threads are used: Perlé 8 for thick borders, 2 strands of floss for certain contours and in 1 single strand for delicate ornamental patterns.

Like cross stitch, Blackwork is a counted thread technique, with stitches represented on a grid. A majority of stitches are backstitch, with some cross stitch filling certain areas. The chart comes with an extensive Stitching Guide detailing all stitches including fractional stitches.

A Blackwork pattern by Lesley Teare Designs.

>> see more patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Blackwork Oriental Charm

Chart size in stitches: 168x 196 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 14ct Aida or 28ct Linen/Evenweave
>> View size in my choice of fabric (fabric calculator)
Stitches: Cross stitch, Backstitch, French Knots
Chart: Color
Threads: DMC
Number of colors:9

Themes: lady, portrait of a woman, Asian, kimono, fan
 

>> see more Lesley Teare cross stitch portraits

>> see all cross stitch patterns related to Japan (all designers)

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