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Halloween Blackwork Biscornu

By

Kim Beamish

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For Embroiderers Guild of America

Materials:

28 ct. linen – colour will be student’s choice 1 piece for the biscornu that measures 8 X 12 inches and a doodle

cloth to practice the patterns that measures 8 X8 inches

DMC floss – 1 skein – colour of student’s choice (Please note that if a variegated thread is chosen, back

stitching will have to used. Solid colours are necessary for reversible work)

DMC Perle Cotton #8 that matches fabric choice

Scissors, hoop or frame and light source if needed

Needle: one Size #24, one small sharp

Stuffing

Two buttons

Beads or cord for edging – if wished for finishing

Stitches Used:

Back Stitch, Outline Stitch, Whip Stitch (assembly)

All stitching is completed with one strand.

**Chart is 1 square= 2 X 2 Threads

**Stitch diagrams are 1 square=1 Thread

**Since the piece will not be showing the back, all patterns can be completed in Back Stitch.

** For those who wish to try reversible Blackwork, using Double Running Stitch.

Biscornu

Use the chart included to help with placement of the filling patterns. You decide if you will use Back Stitch

or Double Running Stitch. Since the back will not be seen, it doesn’t matter. I have included stitch diagrams

using Back Stitch. The diagrams are just a suggested path.

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Chart:

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Stitch Diagrams:

Back Stitch

Outline Stitch

Border

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Filling Pattern #1

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Filling Pattern #2

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Filling Pattern #3

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Filling Pattern #4

> >

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Instructions

Using DMC Perle Cotton #8, Complete the

Back Stitch edge for the first side. The Back

Stitches should be over four threads. This is the

light blue line on the chart.

With one strand of DMC floss, complete the

border. This is the blue line on the chart.

Using two strands of DMC floss, create the four

squares where the filling patterns will be

stitched. This is the red line on the chart. This

border will be used to start and finish your

thread from the filling pattern. When you need

to change direction of the Outline Stitch, take

your need to the back of the fabric, Whip Stitch

into the back of the outline Stitches and bring

the needle back up the same hole and continue

stitching.

Using one strand of DMC floss and Back Stitch, complete the filling patterns. You may have to compensate

near the edge of the square. This means continuing the pattern but stitches need to be changed in size – for

example only a half a stitch can be made in space left.

If you need to change or finish a thread, whip stitch into the back of the outline stitches to make the back of

the fabric neat. I use a waste knot and then whip stitch the end into the back of the stitches.

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Finishing

You have some choice here.

You can:

• Finish the seam between side one and side two with Whip Stitch

• As you complete the seam between side one and side two, you can add beads

• Finish the seam between side one and side two with Whip Stitch and then complete Detached

Buttonhole edging

• Attach a cord or braid to cover the seam between side one and side two

Assembly

Carefully cut out both sides leaving approximately ½ inch border.

You will use the Back Stitch border, completed with DMC Perle Cotton #8 to join the two sides.

Using DMC Perle #8, bring needle up in one corner of one side. Take needle under the middle Back Stitch

along the edge of the second side, and under the first Back Stitch on the first side. Continue to match up

these Back Stitches, Whip Stitching as you go along. When you come to a corner, continue to match the

Back Stitches.

Once three sides are completed, stuff the biscornu. Remember you will be pinching the center with buttons.

Finish the seam.

Using DMC Perle Cotton #8, find the center of one side of the biscornu. Send needle through to the center

of the other side. Attach the button and take needle through to the other side. Attach the second button and

take needle to other side of the biscornu, going through holes of the first button. Continue to go through

from one side to the other off the biscornu, anchoring the buttons and pulling the buttons toward each other

to “pinch” the center. Tie off the thread when complete.

You can make a tassel and loop it around the top button, if you wish. I used Orange and Black DMC floss

to create the cord and tassel.