There is a quiet delight in this free tapestry pattern. A stylized hoopoe sits in profile, perched upright against a natural woven canvas ground, and the bird is built from confident blocks of color rather than fine shading. Vibrant orange and gold threads sweep through the crest, neck, and head, while a dark brown patch anchors the back and a stark white-and-black striped pattern ripples across the lower wings and tail. Look closely and you'll find a long, slender black beak, a small black eye ringed in white, and black stitching at the crest tips and tail — those small marks give the design its crisp, graphic character.
The aesthetic is warmly folk-art, simplified and charming, relying on distinct color blocking and the rough, textured grid of the fabric to define the bird's form. It feels at once traditional and fresh, the kind of motif that invites you to settle into your chair and enjoy the rhythm of each stitch. Worked in DMC Laine Colbert Art. 486 wool, the palette gains a soft, matte depth that suits the earthy, handcrafted spirit of the piece.
I'd hang this pattern in a study or reading nook, where its lively orange crest brings a touch of warmth to a quiet corner. It would sit just as happily in a hallway or garden room as a small framed panel or cushion front. For stitchers who love bold color and simple, expressive shapes, it is an inviting project.
Download the free PDF to start stitching.
