Yin-Yang Red Placemat

Yin-Yang Red Placemat by knitvana

Project Overview

The Yin-Yang Red Placemat is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by knitvana, perfect for adding decorative flair to your table setting. This finished placemat measures 10" x 10", making it an ideal size for individual place settings or as a functional decorative accent piece. The pattern combines traditional knitting techniques with a striking yin-yang design that blends three contrasting yarn colors for visual impact.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a square placemat featuring a classic yin-yang symbol rendered in knitted colorwork. The design works equally well as a decorative table setting accent, a functional placemat for dining, or a dishcloth-style project. The finished piece showcases a reversible construction with distinct front and back sides, each with its own knitting approach.

Yarn and Materials

The Yin-Yang Red Placemat is worked using cotton yarn in three complementary colors:

• Red – the primary color for the base and cast-on
• White – used for contrast in the yin-yang design
• Black – provides additional definition to the yin-yang motif

The pattern calls for US size #3 knitting needles, which pair well with cotton yarn to create a fabric with good stitch definition suitable for displaying the colorwork design clearly.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate project employs fundamental knitting techniques that allow crafters to practice essential skills while creating a visually impressive finished piece.

Front Side Construction

The front of the placemat features the primary yin-yang design. Knitters begin by casting on 43 stitches using red yarn, then follow a stitch diagram that guides the colorwork placement. The front side uses a classic garter-stitch variation:

• All Odd Rows: Knit all stitches
• All Even Rows: Purl all stitches

This alternating knit-purl sequence creates texture and helps the yin-yang design stand out visually against the background.

Back Side Construction

The back of the placemat provides a simpler, more uniform appearance. Knitters cast on 43 stitches using red yarn and work rows 1 through 62 using the same alternating knit-purl pattern:

• All Odd Rows (1-61): Knit all stitches
• All Even Rows (2-62): Purl all stitches

This straightforward approach on the back side balances the more intricate colorwork of the front, creating a reversible placemat with distinct visual character on each side.

Difficulty Level and Skill Development

Rated as an intermediate project, the Yin-Yang Red Placemat challenges knitters to work with colorwork techniques while maintaining consistent tension across multiple yarn colors. The pattern reinforces fundamental stitches—knit and purl—while introducing the complexity of following a stitch diagram and managing color changes. This makes it an excellent stepping stone for knitters looking to expand beyond basic stockinette stitch projects.

Pattern Format

This knitvana Art Knitting pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions and stitch diagram digitally. The pattern is copyrighted by Melenar, LLC (2011) and represents the independent designer's approach to creating accessible, visually striking knitting projects.