Vintage Bluebird Cross Stitch & Embroidery Patterns

Here’s the latest embroidery pattern set I’ve chosen for the next vintage series to share, charming bluebirds–how nice to have ready for Spring! The birds are mainly worked in cross stitch. I believe this set is at least 60 years old (1940’s). There are seven different patterns for tea towels, one for each day of the week. This style of pattern is known as “Days Of The Week” or “DOW” dishtowel patterns but many used the designs for other things as well.

Each week one design from this set will be available for download on Tipnut (on Wednesdays). There are seven different designs in this set. Here are the instructions, you’ll find the first pattern (Monday) included at the bottom:

Materials:

7 Linen Towels
Six-strand Embroidery Floss in the following colors:

• Yellow
• Medium Blue
• Dark Blue
• Pink
• Dark Rose
• Green
• Lavender
• Purple
• Orange
• Black

Note: These motifs may also be used for trimming linens and wearables by simply cutting off the day-names.

Embroidery:

Designs are given in Color Chart. Each color is represented by a different symbol or number, as shown in Color Key. On sections not numbered for color, use color indicated for similar sections.

• Color Key: Chart 1
• Color Key: Chart 2
• Color Key: Chart 3
• Color & Stitch Key: Flowers

Designs are worked in cross-stitch, except those sections which are lettered. These letters correspond to stitches listed in Stitch Key.

On sections not lettered for stitches, use stitches indicated for similar sections.

Use four strands for embroidery throughout.

Embroidery day-name in desired color, using Outline Stitch.

Bluebird Days Of The Week Pattern: Monday

Pattern Download:

• You can download this week’s pattern here: Monday Bluebird Pattern

Printing Instructions:

• Save the pattern to your desktop first (right click, save as…), open the file, select “Print”, uncheck anything like “Maintain Aspect Ratio” and “Fit To Page” then print.
• These will all fit on an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of paper.

Transferring The Pattern:

• If you need help transferring the pattern, see this page: Embroidery Pattern Transfer Tips

Something Different:

• The original patterns were printed “backwards” or “mirrored” because you had to lay them face down then iron onto fabric, this time I flipped the patterns since most would be tracing over top. Please let me know which way you prefer.

I’ll have another pattern up next week, I hope you like this new set .

Don't Miss These Tips:

• Bluebird Cross Stitch & Embroidery Patterns: Complete Set
• Bluebird Cross Stitch & Embroidery Pattern: Thursday
• Bluebird Cross Stitch & Embroidery Pattern: Tuesday