Crafting the Death’s-Head Hawkmoth:
My Journey with Stitch Fiddle
I have a lot of yarn that I need to declutter, but I’ve forgotten the ply of most of it since I’ve thrown away the labels. I want to avoid accumulating more yarn without using what I already have. To put some of this yarn to good use, I’ve decided to create a tapestry using half double crochet (HDC). While looking for inspiration, I initially turned to cross-stitch patterns but found that there weren’t many intricate designs available for crochet. So, I took the initiative to create a pixel art chart as a foundation for a future crochet tapestry panel. I used Stitch Fiddle to bring my inspiration to life. Additionally, I chose the Death’s-head Hawkmoth as my design, as it’s a fascinating choice that adds depth and intrigue to my project.
About the Death’s-head Hawkmoth
This moth is known for the skull-like marking on its thorax, which is often seen as a symbol of mystery and transformation. I find it hard to believe that something like this exists in nature, particularly in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Its unique appearance has made it a prominent figure in art, literature, and film. I wanted to translate this moth’s haunting beauty into a color chart, capturing the intricate details of its wings and the distinctive skull motif. With Halloween approaching, I want to create something fitting for the occasion without it being tacky or something I won’t appreciate after the holiday.
Why I Chose Stitch Fiddle
To create this pixel art colour chart, I needed a tool that would enable me to work on fine details and experiment with colours easily. Stitch Fiddle turned out to be the perfect solution. Its intuitive interface allowed me to start creating effortlessly while offering just the right level of customization for my colour work.
Although the accessible version of Stitch Fiddle is quite robust, I opted to try the one-month paid version for $8, which made the design process even more efficient. With the upgraded features, I was able to:
- Easily adjust colours and individual squares, which is essential for perfecting the intricate details of the moth.
- Utilize advanced editing tools that significantly sped up the design process.
- Save and export high-quality charts to reference when I am ready to start crocheting the tapestry.
The upgrade made my entire design experience faster and smoother, allowing me to focus more on creativity rather than being limited by software constraints.
Working from a reference image, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I could complete this detailed chart using Stitch Fiddle. Despite the intricate design of the month, I finished the colour chart in about an hour. The efficient layout, easy editing options, and ability to edit colours in bulk from a dropdown menu—rather than adjusting each square individually—allowed me to transition seamlessly from idea to finished chart. This feature made it ideal for setting up this crochet panel and future projects.
Next Step: Creating a Tapestry Panel
I’m excited to start crocheting a tapestry panel using half-double crochets, and I have completed the colour chart. I have a lot of scrap yarn of various weights and materials that I plan to incorporate, creating a multimedia yarn effect with both chunky and thin strands. I also intend to repurpose the finished piece into items like a book cover or card wrap.
To share this design with others, I created a 10-page digital PDF pattern, which inspired me to launch my Etsy store and a business Pinterest account. You can follow me on Pinterest, pin this design, and check out my pattern—it’s filled with detailed instructions, making it both a great value and convenient. Additionally, this pattern can easily be adapted for those crafts if you’re into cross-stitch or diamond painting.
For the final touch, I will learn how to mount the tapestry panel on a dowel to give it a polished finish for display.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for reading and joining me on this creative journey! I hope the process and inspiration behind the Death’s-head Hawkmoth tapestry have sparked some ideas for your projects. I’m excited to see where this adventure with scrap yarn and pixel art takes me, especially with combining different yarn textures and adding depth to the tapestry.
I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you have any tips for stash-busting yarn ideas or managing projects that use mixed yarn types? Leave a comment below, and let’s chat about crochet, colourwork, and creative stash-purging!
