Kolimbari Diamonds cross stitch folk embroidery kit

The Kolimbari Diamonds cross stitch folk embroidery kit is inspired by the textile traditions of Crete, where intricate geometric designs featuring stars, knots, and diamonds have been worked in long bands across both woven and embroidered textiles for centuries. This table runner version brings that rich geometric vocabulary to life in a traditional multi-color palette of garnet, coral, navy blue, turquoise, leaf green, soft yellow, and taupe — a combination that is at once complex and deeply harmonious. This was my first Cretan-inspired design and I particularly love the unique color palette.

Cretan geometric embroidery is some of the most geometric in the Greek tradition, and the arrow shapes that radiate outwards from the central band remind me of tridents, a common symbol in Greek mythology.

What you'll make: A 13 x 20" table runner with fringed edges

What's in your kit:

• One 16 x 26" 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: Confident Beginner Stitch count: 7,931 cross stitches (163 x 263 stitch area)

Please note: the fringe 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.