Negative Space in Hand Embroidery: Unique Patterns and Designs

Negative space, also known as white space, is a fundamental concept in art and design. It refers to the empty or open space around and between the subjects of an image. Rather than being a void, negative space is a powerful design element that defines and emphasizes the main subject of a piece. Negative space enhances the overall composition by giving the eye a place to rest, creating balance, contrast, and visual interest.

Negative space can be used to create stunning, sophisticated designs in hand embroidery. By intentionally leaving areas of the fabric unstitched, embroiderers can create patterns that stand out through the contrast between the stitched and unstitched sections.

How to create negative space embroidery

Choose your design and mark the areas you want to leave unstitched.
Start stitching the areas around the marked sections.
Continue stitching until you’ve filled the entire fabric, leaving the marked sections unstitched.

This technique not only adds depth and dimension to the piece but also allows for greater creativity and innovation in design.

Negative space is not just a vital element in art and design, but it also enhances the impact and effectiveness of visual compositions. By thoughtfully incorporating this space in embroidery, artists, and designers can create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but deeply engaging, drawing the viewer’s eye and sparking their curiosity.

Disclaimer: To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Popular Negative Space Embroidery Techniques

Outline embroidery

Outline is the most straightforward technique for creating void embroidery. Simple stitches or shapes highlight the negative space in the middle.

Abstract and geometric patterns

Abstract and geometric patterns are a great canvas for negative space embroidery designs. These often densely filled and colorful needlework designs highlight the void space and create bold embroidery designs.

Botanical and nature-inspired designs

Botanical and floral designs are often used as the background for negative space embroidery art. Sometimes, small flowers and botanical elements are positioned around the letter or image that will remain empty. In other cases, the negative space design cuts out the pieces of big floral designs, interrupting the lines of the stitches.

Floral Heart negative space hand embroidery pattern by EmbroideryArtbyNatCA on Etsy — Floral Heart negative space hand embroidery pattern by Embroidery Art by NatCA on Etsy

Star hand embroidery pattern by hooptdo on Etsy

Hand embroidery stitches for negative space embroidery

Negative space embroidery can be created with any stitch, from simple to elaborate stitches and designs.

Commonly, simple designs are made with Seed Stitches, French knots, or Satin Stitches that fill the area around the empty space.

More complex designs combine various stitches to form floral or geometric embroideries. The negative space cuts out the lettering or a shape from the general design, creating a void. You can use Chain stitch, Backstitch, Stem stitch, Fishbone stitch, and many more techniques to embroider these more complex designs.

Hand embroidery patterns with negative space and their creators on Etsy

Moody Green

When I think about negative space embroidery, Sanita from Moody Green Shop is the first artist who comes to mind. Her floral designs with negative space letters are elegant and romantic, and her color combinations are gorgeous.

Tiny Flower Ampersand & Hand Embroidery Pattern by Moody Green on Etsy

Diving Head First

Heather from Diving Head First creates bold hand embroidery designs with negative space. She has a vast choice of negative space patterns with bold statements and bright colors.

Maybe Swearing will help - Hand embroidery pattern by Diving Head First on Etsy — Maybe Swearing will help – Hand embroidery pattern by Diving Head First on Etsy

Get Stitch Done Designs

Theresa from Get Stitch Done Designs shop creates hand embroidery designs featuring lavish florals, cute pastel colors, and bold statements.

Support your local girlgang embroidery design by Get Stitch Done Designs on Etsy

Brynn and Co

Amanda from Brynn and Co shop designs gorgeous florals inspired by Australian nature. Lavish colors and exotic plant motives make her negative space embroidery designs a true joy for the eyes. And her choice of words to incorporate into the designs is so sweet!

HOPE - Embroidery pattern by Brynn and Co on Etsy — HOPE – Embroidery pattern by Brynn and Co on Etsy

Over to you

Negative space embroidery is more than just a technique—it’s a way to elevate your hand embroidery projects to new levels of sophistication and artistry. Whether you are drawn to the simplicity of outline embroidery, the boldness of abstract and geometric patterns, or the elegance of botanical and nature-inspired designs, negative space embroidery offers a world of creativity waiting for you. This technique encourages you to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of traditional embroidery.

Cross stitch hearts outline negative space in the middle

To start your negative space embroidery journey, explore the stunning patterns created by talented artists like Sanita from Moody Green Shop, Heather from Diving Head First, Theresa from Get Stitch Done Designs, and Amanda from Brynn and Co. Each of these creators brings a unique perspective to negative space embroidery, offering designs that will inspire and delight.

Check out the beautiful patterns available from these artists, complete with affiliate links to make your shopping experience seamless. Each purchase supports these talented creators and helps you access the best resources for your embroidery projects. So, gather your materials, choose a pattern that speaks to you, and start stitching. Embrace the art of negative space and discover the endless possibilities it offers for your embroidery creations.