Tabatha the Tortoise - Free Blackwork Embroidery Pattern

It’s time for February’s free pattern! The retired design making a reappearance this month is Tabatha

I love this tortoise and was sad to see her leave the shop two years ago. She had an amazing debut but since became a bit of a wallflower so left the shop to make way for new things

Tabatha is back now though! This post contains all the details and instructions you need to stitch this blackwork embroidery design. The chart itself is dowloadable/printable and has been re-charted (now that I have much better software than when Tabatha was created!) to be up to standard with my more recent designs

Before you start stitching

This pattern is great for those with a little experience of blackwork or counted embroidery. It’s a really fun design and would also be suitable for beginners to blackwork embroidery keen to learn something new!

Check out my Blackwork Embroidery Basics YouTube tutorial for help getting started with the technique

Keen beginner/Intermediate

Materials list

DMC 310 (1 skein)
DMC E3852 (1/4 skein)
A 10 inch square of 20 count zweigart Aida fabric (or equivalent*)
An 8 inch embroidery hoop
A blunt tapestry needle

(*The fabric may be substituted for a lower count if needed, this will mean you need a bigger square of fabric and a larger embroidery hoop. Make sure your fabric is big enough for this 150x120 stitches design)