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Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) icon
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern)

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) main image

​A blackwork pattern made up of straight and diagonal stitches, giving a slightly more open structure where the individual shapes overlap. It is suitable for more architectural shapes.

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Flat Pattern Filling Shading Blackwork

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) is generously sponsored by Joyce Mackey

Method

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Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 1 illustration
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 1 photograph
1

Working vertically, fill the area with columns of running stitch four fabric threads apart. Work each running stitch over two, and under two fabric threads.

Running stitch
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 2 illustration
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 2 photograph
2

Working horizontally, make pairs of diagonal stitches slanted in alternate directions to form arrowheads. Each stitch should cover two intersections of the fabric.

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 3 illustration
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 3 photograph
3

The point of each arrowhead should be inline with the top of each running stitch. The direction of the arrowheads should alternate, pointing either up or down.  Where they point down, they should join the running stitch.

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 4 illustration
Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue working horizontally back and forward across the area to keep adding pairs of diagonal stitches in the spaces between the running stitches.

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern)

Structure of stitch

Flat Pattern

Common uses

Filling Shading

Embroidery Techniques

Blackwork

Related Stitches

Running stitch Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) Interlocking ‘Z’s (pattern)

References

  • Becky Hogg, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Blackwork (2010)
  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.143