Easy Ghost Pattern for Embroidery Newbies

As Halloween is fast approaching, here we go again with one last ghost pattern for the spooky occasion. If you had a great time stitching the spooky ghost and the Booed pattern, here’s another one for the collection.

In fact, this pattern is the easiest of the series and you can complete it in just under an hour. Let’s get started.

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Project Overview

PROJECT SIZE: approx. 8×5.5cm (3x2in)

STITCHES USED: back stitch, satin stitch, straight stitch

As I previously mentioned, this pattern is among the easiest ones you can work on. If you’re new to hand embroidery, it’s a great starting point to give it a try or to involve your kids in a creative project.

I embroidered this pattern on a 4-inch hoop, using all 6 strands of thread. You can opt to scale it up for a larger size or down for a 3-inch hoop.

Keep in mind that when stitching in a smaller size, you may want to reduce the number of strands you use – 4 strands of thread should work well for a 3-inch size. Just take some time to experiment beforehand, and you’ll do just fine.

Download the Free Pattern

Download the ghost pattern from my Free Pattern Library.

To get access to the Free Pattern Library fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password. You can read more about my Free Pattern Library here.

The pattern you have downloaded is full size, so when printed on A4 paper will have the exact size to fit into a 4-inch hoop. You just need to have the Fill Entire Paper option selected.

Tools and Materials

For this small project, you won’t need many supplies—just the usual essentials. Feel free to stitch it on a different background and use white embroidery floss or any combination that suits you.

Transferring the Pattern

To transfer patterns manually you can use a lightbox or a window.

• Print your pattern: If you don’t have access to a printer, you can trace the pattern onto a piece of tracing/baking paper.
• Plugin and turn on the lightbox: Place the printed pattern on the lightbox, then place your fabric on top of the printed pattern. If you don’t have access to a lightbox, place the printed pattern over a window and secure it with masking tape, then place the fabric on top of it and secure again.
• Secure the fabric: Secure your fabric with masking tape.
• Trace the pattern: Trace over the pattern’s lines with the tool of your choice. You can use a washable tracing pen or a very fine-tip pigment liner (0.05 or 0.1).

Stitching the Ghost

Back Stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 310 (Black).

We’ll be stitching the ghost in back stitch. Start by coming up one stitch length forward, then insert the needle back one stitch.  

Come up again one stitch forward. You will go back down right at the beginning of your previous stitch. When stitching the corner keep your stitch a bit shorter then usual.

Continue in the same manner by coming up one stitch forward, then back down at the beginning of your previous stitch.

Repeat this process until you complete the entire outline. Try to be consistent with the length of your stitches.

Stitching the Vine & Leaves

Back Stitch and Straight Stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 310 (Black).

We’ll be stitching the vine in the same back stitch. Start by coming up one stitch length forward, then insert the needle back one stitch.

Come up again one stitch forward and go back down right at the beginning of your previous stitch.

Stitch the leaves in straight stitch. Start from the top of the leaf, and go down at the base of the leaf. Following the pattern, come up again at the top of the leaf, then go back down at the base, in the exact same spot as the previous stitch.

Continue stitching the in the same manner, by coming up at the top of the leaf and end (go down) at the base in the exact same spot each time.

Apply the same technique for the rest of the leaves until you complete both branches. 

Stitching the Eyes and Mouth

Satin Stitch– 6 strands of thread in DMC 310 (Black).

We’ll fill the eyes and mouth with satin stitch. There is no need to outline before starting, just build up the satin stitch. Try to keep your stitches straight and don’t leave any gaps in between the satin stitches. I usually find it easier to start in the middle of the shape.

Once you stitched one side, it’s easier to fill the other side with more straight satin stitches.

Stitch the other eye and the tiny mouth in satin stitch. Do not worry if your satin stitch is not perfect, this is the pattern where you can get away with a messy outcome. 

The Back of the Embroidery Hoop

Your beautiful embroidery piece is ready to be displayed!

Other Ways to Display Your Embroidery

Wooden Hoop

At this point you can choose to display it as is, in the same hoop you have embroidered it.

Flexi Hoop

You could also choose a flexi hoop. They come in all different sizes and shapes and have a nice wooden imitation outer ring.

Mount & Frame 

Or, you could mount and frame your embroidery. You’ll need a felt sheet, artist’s mountboard and double sided tape. Place the felt sheet on top of the mountboard and fuse them together using double-sided tape. On top of them, on the felted soft side, place the embroidered fabric.

Tape the fabric on the back of the board, using double-sided tape. Frame and display!

Remember that you can download the ghost pattern from the Free Pattern Library. To access it just fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password.

More Embroidery Projects

• You’ve Been Booed! Free Embroidery Pattern and Printable Tags
• 15 Halloween Cupcakes Recipes for Your Spooky Gathering
• Embroidered Strawberry Jar Cover
• 20 Free Halloween Embroidery Designs to Stitch This Season
• DIY Mistletoe Christmas Ornament
• Easy Snowflake Embroidery Pattern Tutorial

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