Custom Photorealistic Blackwork Pattern
Custom Photorealistic Blackwork Pattern
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There is no other service in the world that does this.
Photorealistic cross stitch conversion is a known service. Photorealistic
blackwork conversion is not. The technique required to translate tonal
photographic detail into the counted geometric language of blackwork did not
exist as a commercial service before Urban Stitches made it exist. If you want
a photograph converted into a blackwork embroidery pattern, this is the only
place to come.
Send the Guild a photograph. Receive a blackwork pattern that exists for you
and no one else.
What you get: a custom blackwork embroidery pattern built from your image using
a process developed specifically by Urban Stitches. The pattern is yours alone.
It will not appear in the shop. It cannot be purchased by anyone else.
The process: purchase here, then send your photograph by email. Mistress Stitches
edits and prepares your image using Photoshop, then runs it through the Guild's
custom conversion software. A proof is sent to you within 14 days. You can
request amendments at proof stage. Once you are happy, the final pattern is
delivered as a digital PDF.
The cost: £50. This reflects five hours of skilled work per pattern. It is
bespoke work made specifically for you, and it is priced accordingly.
What makes a good photograph: the process reads tonal differences within your
image. Clear contrast between light and shadow on your main subject produces
the best results. Portraits, pets, and single subjects with good lighting all
convert well. Very dark subjects against dark backgrounds, or images full of
fine repeating detail, are more challenging. If you are unsure whether your
photograph will work, contact the Guild before purchasing.
This is not an immediate download. The finished pattern will be delivered to
you by email once complete. Please allow up to 4 weeks from submission of your
photograph.
For full details, examples of good and challenging photographs, and the
complete process guide, visit the Custom Blackwork information page before
purchasing.
Something that exists only for you is waiting to be made.
★ Before commissioning, the Guild strongly recommends reading the full briefing on what to expect from a custom pattern - including sizing, process, and timescales. The briefing is here. The Guild has written it carefully. The Guild would like you to read it. ★
The Guild accepts commissions to transform photographs into stitchable blackwork patterns. Portraits, pets, places, objects of significance - if it can be photographed, it can, in most cases, be stitched. Full details of what the Guild can and cannot do, and what the finished pattern will look like, can be found in the commission briefing.
This is not an immediate download. Your pattern will be created specifically for you and delivered by email upon completion. Please allow up to five weeks from the point of order. The Guild asks that you factor this into your plans before purchasing, particularly if the piece is intended as a gift or has a deadline attached. Dave will be in touch if anything requires discussion.
The Guild does not produce the finished embroidery. The Guild produces the pattern. The stitching is yours. The Guild considers this the better arrangement.
🖤 Find Urban Stitches on Instagram at @theurbanstitches 🖤
© Urban Stitches 2026
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Learn to stitch
Learn to stitch
Video Stitching tutorials
- Basic Equipment
- How to unwind a skein
- Choosing your floss length
- Pin stitch, back stitch, Holbein stitch and fractional stitches in blackwork
Written tutorials with diagrams
- Converting Fabric Sizes Between Different Counts
- How To Read A Pattern
- Gridding
- Separating A Strand Of Floss
- Back Stitch – Aida
- Back Stitch – Evenweave/linen/stitching “over 2”
- Holbein Stitch (Double Running Stitch)
- Pin Stitch (no knot start/end) – Aida
- Pin Stitch (no knot start/end) – Evenweave/linen
- Loop Start (even umber of floss strands)
- Loop Start (odd number of floss strands)
- Waste Knot
- Needle Sizes
- Dealing With Fractional Stitches
