Yin Yang - Free Blackwork Embroidery Pattern
A simple mindful project
This design is stitched with a single blackwork fill pattern and two colours. I stitched mine with black and silver metallic thread but you can change this out for another colour or non metallic option if you prefer. If you would like to stitch this design with metallic thread then check out my blog post on Stitching With Metallic Threads
Before you start stitching
This pattern is great for those with a little experience or blackwork embroidery or those keen to learn! The design itself is quite simple but the areas where pattern repeats are shared between the two colours can be confusing so confidence with counted embroidery would be an advantage
Check out my Blackwork Embroidery Basics YouTube tutorial for help getting started with the technique
Keen beginner/Intermediate
Materials List
DMC 310 1/2 skein
DMC E415 1/2 skein
A 7 inch square of 20 count Aida fabric or equivalent*
A 5 inch embroidery hoop
A blunt/tapestry needle
(*The fabric may be substituted for a lower count if needed, this will mean you need a bigger square of fabric and a larger embroidery hoop. Make sure your fabric is big enough for this 110x110 stitches design)
Method - Let’s get stitching
You will be using a single strand of thread throughout this design
Step one: complete the black stitching from the chart using DMC 310. I recommend starting at the edge and working around the outline of the shape, stitching all of the partial pattern repeats first. Then you will be able to fill the remaining area without needing to look back at the pattern. You may want to leave the black circle until you have completed some of the silver stitching around it as this will be easier to count
Step two: complete the blue stitching from the chart using DMC E415 (or substituted thread of choice)
If you liked the colour changing in this blackwork design, check out these projects that use the same technique!
In this kit you will learn how to do counted needlework. This technique uses many of the same principles as cross stitch so if you are good at that, you can do this too!
This kit is great for beginners to the technique as it only involves two counted patterns. it’s also good for those wanting to learn how to change colours and pattern seamlessly in counted needlework.
In this kit you will learn how to do counted needlework. This technique uses many of the same principles as cross stitch so if you are good at that, you can do this too!
This kit is great for beginners!
With a choice of three different stitches of different difficulties there’s lots of choice and once you’ve mastered that pattern you just keep on stitching it.