Hey, my lovelies! Ready for some more stitching fun? After last week’s adorable projects, the Booed pattern and the easy ghost pattern, I figured why not bring you another dose of “spooky” embroidery goodness? Today, we’re stitching another super easy Halloween pattern that’ll have us crafting up a seriously cute decoration.
Let’s jump right into it. Halloween crafting mood on!
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Project Overview
PROJECT SIZE: approx. 11x10cm (4.3x4in)
STITCHES USED: back stitch, satin stitch, and straight stitch
Your final project size depends on how you’ll be printing the pattern provided. Once you download the free pattern you can resize it to the size you like.
I stitched up the pattern on a 6-inch hoop and ended up with a cute Halloween decoration that’s not too big or too small. It’s just right to show off alongside the other spooky props.
If you’re new to embroidery, this adorable pattern is a great place to start. It’s a simple and quick DIY project to try before the Halloween craze takes over.
Download the Free Pattern
Download the Halloween 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 6-inch hoop. You just need to have the Fill Entire Paper option selected.
NOTE: If you don’t have access to a printer, you can just trace the pattern directly from your monitor onto A4 paper, then trace it onto your fabric.
Tools and Materials
For this project, you’ll just need your regular tools. And if you feel like stitching it in a bigger hoop or in a different color palette, feel free to go for it.
Simply adjust the pattern size when you print it and pick the right hoop size when you stitch it.
MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED
- Halloween pattern – download from my Free Pattern Library
- Linen, linen blend, or cotton fabric
- Embroidery needle size 3
- Stranded cotton embroidery thread
- Embroidery hoop size 6”
- Washable Transfer Pen
- Sharp Scissors
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 “Spooky” Ghost
Back Stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 3776 (Mahogany Light).
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.
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 ghost outline. Try to be consistent with the length of your stitches.
Stitching the Details
Straight Stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 3776 (Mahogany Light).
We’ll be stitching the small line details in straight stitch. There’s no need to rethread your needle, since we’re using the same color and number of threads.
Continue adding these small details, all in straight stitch. For the ones close enough you can carry the thread on the back from one stitch to another.
When you finish the left line details, secure your thread on the back, then stitch the right hand side details. Carrying the thread from one side to another will show on the front.
Stitching the Eyes and Mouth
Satin Stitch and Straight Stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 310 (Black).
We’ll fill the eyes 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, then gradually build the satin stitch.
Stitch the other eye 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.
Stitch the mouth in short straight stitches. Start with a short vertical straight stitch.
Then stitch another tiny straight stitch on the right-hand side.
Following the pattern, continue with another horizontal short straight stitch in the middle.
And lastly, add another straight stitch on the
left-hand side.
This was our ghost sticthed. Next, we’ll start stitching the vines and leaves aroud it.
Stitching the Vines and Leaves
For the vines use back stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 433 (Brown Medium)
We’ll be stitching the vines in 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.
Continue stitching in the same manner all the vines. Remember not to carry the thread on the back from the left side to the right side.
Stitch the leaves in satin stitch – 6 strands of thread in DMC 435 (Brown V Light) and DMC 3776 (Mahogany Light)
We’ll fill the leaves with satin stitch. Start by first filling one side with satin stitches. Note that my stitches follow a 45 degree angle.
Continue building the satin stitch until one side in completed.
Fill the other side with the same mirrored slanted satin stitch.
Following the pattern continue stitching the rest of the leaves by alternating between the brown and mahogany shades of thread.
The small oval shapes will be stitched in the same manner – in satin stitch. Start building your satin stitch from the middle of the shape. Try to keep your stitches straight and don’t leave any gaps in between the stitches.
Following the pattern, continue filling the rest of the leaves. This was the stitching done!
The Back of the Embroidery
Tidying up the back of your embroidered piece.
Leaving enough thread at the end, join the 2 ends together and tie another knot. Cut the excess thread and you’re done!
Start by cutting the excess fabric, leaving at least an inch allowance. To prevent the fabric from fraying you can use a zig-zag scissors.
Use 6 strands and make sure you have enough thread for the entire circle. Tie a knot at the end of your thread. Use a Running Stitch until you complete the full circle.
Leaving enough thread at the end, join the 2 ends together and tie another knot. Cut the excess thread and you’re done!
Congratulations! You’re ready to display your beautiful creation!
Your beautiful embroidery piece is ready to be displayed!
At this point, you can choose to display it as is, in the same hoop you have embroidered it. Or, you can also choose a flexi display hoop. They come in all different sizes and shapes and have a nice wooden imitation outer ring.
Remember that you can download the Halloween 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
Did you try this project? Come over to our Facebook Group and show everyone your magic!
SAVE THIS FOR LATER? ADD THIS TUTORIAL TO YOUR FAVOURITE PINTEREST BOARD
This is such a beautiful ghost embroidery pattern! Today I’ve featured your tutorial on Crafts on Display. I hope you enjoy it, and keep up the amazing work! https://craftsondisplay.com/embroidery/free-halloween-ghost-pattern-134510/
Thank you so much for the feature, Violeta!