Free Blackwork SAL FAQs

FREE SAL FAQs

What is it?

There has been a Peppermint Purple Free stitch-a-long since 2020 !

They are FREE Projects which allow you to explore Blackwork and Cross Stitch.

Each week a small section of the design is released resulting in a gorgeous finished stitched design at the end, with everyone stitching the same section each week.

Who am I Stitching-Along with?

If you are on Facebook then there is a groups specifically dedicated to this called Peppermint Purple SAL Group

This group has just under 40k members and is great to see others work and feel part of the community.

However, you do not have to use facebook to participate, all the files are made available on the website. So you could create a group local to you for a few of you* , or you could stitch with a friend*, or you can do on your own.

* Please just make sure everyone downloads their own files as sharing files is not allowed.

Cost: Is this free like last year?

YES!

The Stitch-A-Long is FREE !!!!

There are additional layouts /borders/centre stage designs that can be purchased if you choose, but it is not necessary.

I also run a ‘Peppermint Purple Club’ which is a paid membership club, my version of a Patreon, and people sometimes confuse this with the SAL, however this is NOT linked to the SAL and you do not need to join to participate.

I did last years - do I need to re-register?

Yes, each SAL comes with it's own Members Area for downloading the files, and you will need to request access to this.

But the registation takes less than a minute, and I normally get people set up quickly - you will hear back via email when the set up is complete.

Do I need to buy a Border to participate?

No - two are provided Free, but you just may prefer some of the additional ones available.

How do I join in / Start ?

You will then be contacted via email when your account has been granted access to the 2025 Members Area.

Once access is granted, just log in and download the free files.

If the email address used does not already have a free customer account associated with it, then you will receive an email to activate it, so that you can log into the Membes Area when access is granted.

Am I too Late?

No !

All the published files are available whilst the SAL is running, so just sign up and download them to start.......you may just have a little catching up to do, although you can also just complete it in your own time.

Where are the Files?

The Layout, border files and fillers are all released into the 2025 Members Area.

The fillers are also released in the Facebook SAL Group

What is the Peppermint Purple Club?

This is not related to the Free Stitch-A-Longs I offer, but you will see it mentioned.

It is a membership club I offer with free patterns monthly and discounted purchases; details can be found by clicking here.

You DO NOT need to be a Club member to participate in the SAL.

Stitching the SAL FAQs

What size material do I need?

The layout pdfs will tell you the more common count sizes on the front page. Please allow extra for a material border. If your count of material is not stated then the stitch count is also on the front page and be used in the Material Calculator.

If you are using any of the optional borders, the sizes and stitch counts are also on the front page of these pdfs.

What count material is recommended?

If you are new to Blackwork then I recommend 14ct aida. If you are an experienced stitcher then feel free to use your normal counted material.

How many strands should I use - 1 seems really thin?

I recommend 1 strand of floss....it seems thin but just trust me.

Some people do prefer a thicker look though and if you prefer to use 2 strands then please do, this is your creation and you have to love it.

If you are doing the cross stitch/blackwork filler option then I recommend 2 strands for the cross stitches...Top tip: if you want to not keep swapping between 1 and 2 strands on your needle, then do your first / of the cross stitch, then do it again, and then do two \ with your 1 strand of floss.

The Weekly Filler Files

When are they made available?

Every wednesday at 8:30am GMT both in the Members Area and on Facebook.

The Summary files are provided on the friday after the last wednesday of the month (the individual weekly files will then be removed the following Monday).

I don't like this weeks provided filler - can I change it?

You can personalise fillers eg, add initals, dates etc, but if you change the actual fill itself then please obscure this in photos as I end up with lots of emails behind the scenes. People think there are alternatives, they have the wrong week etc. and they just cause confusion.

I missed a week, where can I find it to download it?

All of the fillers are, at the end of the month, consolidated into Summary files - these can be found in both the Members area and the Files in the facebook group. These summary files are created on the first of the month after the last wednesday of the previous month. The individual weekly files are then removed on the 7th of every month.

Those who have purchased a Border will have access to the indidivual weekly files all year.

If you have not purchased a border, but would like access to the Weekly files that is available here.

Are the Blackwork and Cross Stitch/Blackwork fillers all on the same file?

Yes they are, and you can do whichever you prefer, or both, or a mixture etc

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