ZigZag is now available as a PDF pattern!

Hello fiber friends! Sara here, owner and designer of Flourishing Fibers. Today, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news about a design that holds a special place in my heart: the ZigZag paper embroidery pattern!

This modern, geometric line design has been a favorite for years, previously only available as a kit. But now, by popular demand, I've officially released it as a digital pattern! This means you can download it instantly and start stitching your own bold, colorful paper art right away.

Why You'll Love the ZigZag Pattern

The ZigZag design is all about making a big impact with simple techniques. It uses just one stitching technique for the entire design: the straight stitch. This makes it incredibly beginner-friendly, perfect if you're new to paper embroidery or just looking for a relaxing, satisfying project.

The digital pattern includes two versatile colorways, one that shines on light paper and another that pops on dark paper. But the real magic happens when you make it your own! The design is so simple that it serves as a wonderful canvas for your personal touch. Choose your favorite thread colors to create a truly unique piece that reflects your style.

To help you every step of the way, I've created a comprehensive video tutorial for the ZigZag pattern. I'll walk you through the entire process and share some of my best tips for a smooth stitching experience.

Tips for Working with Metallic Thread

Working with metallic thread can sometimes be tricky, especially when using all six strands, which we will for this project. If you have a beading needle, I highly recommend using it. Its large eye gently pinches the thread, which helps keep the thread in the needle. This can make your stitching quicker and much less frustrating.

My other tip for metallic thread on this project is to use tape to secure your thread ends. This design uses long straight stitches, and you'll want to apply a bit of tension to each one to keep the design looking neat. I start my stitches with a simple knot. When I get to the end of a thread, instead of tying it off, I use a small piece of masking tape. You can also use painter's tape or Scotch tape, any tape with good holding power will work. While washi tape might work, from my experience, it's often not strong enough and can peel off.

Color Blocking Made Simple

To keep your stitching organized and avoid confusion with the color sections, I always start by stitching the gold lines. This helps divide the design into clear sections, as these lines mark the center of each color block.

Once these gold lines are stitched, you'll be able to better see how the project is divided. Next, I like to stitch the first section, which is just a half-section, followed by the next full section. I prefer to work on one color section at a time. 

Once I complete all the first color sections – for example, the peach color – then I move on to the next color. As you complete more sections, the pattern becomes even easier to follow. When I reach the end of a regular embroidery floss thread, I tie the ends onto some of the surrounding stitches. 

I just keep going, working on one color at a time until I'm done.

Finishing Touches

Covering the back of your paper embroidery is completely optional, but it gives your finished piece a clean, polished look. I like to use a lightweight paper, such as tracing paper or tissue paper, to avoid adding too much bulk. But you can use any paper you prefer. For a visual guide on covering the back of your paper embroidery, you can find more information in this video tutorial: How to Neaten Your Paper Embroidery Backside

I also find that double-sided tape works better than glue for attaching the backing. If you're not careful, liquid glue can sometimes soak through the paper, which can affect your final piece.

Ready to Stitch Your Own?

If you're ready to create your own modern, bold, and colorful paper embroidery art, here's where you can find everything you need:

• Get the ZigZag Digital Pattern

• Get the Awl I Use

• Need to learn pattern transfer? Watch my "Transfer Your Paper Embroidery Patterns" video. 

I truly hope you enjoy stitching the ZigZag pattern as much as I enjoyed creating it for you. It's a wonderful project for adding a touch of handmade art to your home or giving as a thoughtful gift.

Happy stitching!