Ukrainian Nyzynka is a colorful embroidery technique originating in the Carpathian Mountains. To describe Nyz as "double layered pattern darning" makes this technique sound easy to master. In practice, it is one of the most challenging of the Ethnic techniques I have ever learned. The technique is seldom seen (other than in museums) and rarely taught.

I am honored to have worked with a wonderful Ukrainian woman – Tania Diakiw O'Neill – to understand the intricacies of this technique. I have great respect for Ukrainian needleworkers, especially those that have worked so hard in educating future generations in this valuable technique.

Ukrainian folk embroidery has been passed down for countless generations, used continuously in native dress and items created for spiritual and ritual use. This embroidery has had a significant role in maintaining the cultural identity of the Ukrainian people, helping to retain the cultural traditions through years of turmoil and suppression by their various neighbors. Particularly in this century, great effort was made by the Ukrainian people to retain their traditions and cultural symbols, through programs developed for the youth.

Nyzynka (translated as "from the bottom") is named for its unique method of working the base pattern from the reverse. Nyz is found in two distinctly different forms: The highly colored form from the Hutsul region in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains, and the black and red style from Eastern Podilia (halfway between Hutsulia and Kyiv.) Folk embroidery in Ukraine has been passed down – virtually unchanged - through many generations. As with many folk arts, specific designs and color combinations are identified as unique to a specific geographic area or village.

The first layer is stitched from the underside of the fabric – the word Nyzynka translates into "from the underneath." This layer is stitched with black embroidery cotton on white linen.

The second layer – called "flowering" by the Ukrainians - is where the color is added. This layer is stitched so that the colored fibers are visible only from the face of the project.

Purchase complete instructions for this technique:
Techniques of Ukrainian Nyzynka

Purchase an additional design, using this technique:
Box Top, Inspired by Ukrainian Nyzynka