• folk embroidery cross stitch with repeating tile design in blue
  • folk embroidery cross stitch with repeating tile design in blue
  • folk embroidery cross stitch with repeating tile design in blue
  • folk embroidery cross stitch with repeating tile design in blue
  • folk embroidery cross stitch with repeating tile design in blue
  • house of stone carpets mosaic floor ravenna italy
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Efimia cross stitch folk embroidery kit

Efimia cross stitch folk embroidery kit

$44.00 USD
$44.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Efimia cross stitch folk embroidery kit is inspired by a mosaic floor from the House of Stone Carpets in Ravenna, Italy, adjacent to the church of St. Efimia. A stunning example of the way geometric motifs travel between mosaic, textile, and embroidery across centuries. Small star and octagon motifs are set within squares, which are set within octagons, creating a design that is rhythmic and energetic at the same time. Worked in warm blues, golden olive, and terra cotta, it has the rich, layered quality of the original mosaic. 

Ravenna's mosaic tradition is one of the great inheritances of Byzantine art, and it was a long-held dream of mine to see them in person, which I finally did in the early 2000s. My husband and I were wandering the streets when we spotted a small door labelled "House of Stone Carpets." We descended several flights of stairs and suddenly found ourselves standing in a Byzantine courtier's grand courtyard, mosaic floors spreading out in every direction. This design is a direct souvenir of that moment.

What you'll make: A 12 x 20" table runner (can also be finished as a bolster cushion cover; lining not included in kit)

What's in your kit:

  • One 14 x 22" piece of 26ct 100% cotton Traditional Groundcloth in natural
  • DMC 6-strand embroidery floss
  • John James size 24 cross stitch needle
  • Full color chart and instructions

Stitches used: Cross stitch Skill level: Beginner Stitch count: 12,765 cross stitches (119 x 227 stitch area)

Please note: the drawn thread hem finishing shown in the photos has to be done after the design is stitched; the fabric in your kit will come with the raw edges serged so they don't unravel while you are stitching.

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Historically-inspired, modern-made!

Avlea Folk Embroidery brings ancient beauty to the modern world with beautiful folk embroidery kits of the finest quality. I design and make each kit by hand in my Central Oregon studio, to give you a wonderful stitching experience no matter your skill level.

Why is folk fabric so special?

Folk fabrics have been used for hundreds of years to make folk costumes and household embroideries. When you work a cross stitch design on them, they give your stitching a beautiful texture and are a delight to stitch on, plus they're made to stand up to daily use. I source mine from a 3rd-generation family mill in Athens, Greece so you can have an authentic stitching experience.

What if I'm new to cross stitch?

One of the wonderful things about cross stitch folk embroidery is that you can learn how to do it in a couple of hours and enjoy it for a lifetime! If you're new, watch my How To Cross Stitch video to get started on your folk embroidery journey.

How to videos

So, you've been stitching a while now?

I can't wait to share traditional folk embroidery with you! The intricate designs, the unique color palettes, the wonderful texture of folk fabrics will provide you with stitching joy. I suggest browsing my Runners & Squares sections as they have the most intricate designs to appeal to an experienced stitcher and every design is available as a kit or a PDF pattern.

Cross stitch runners & squares