Taline's Tulips Small cross stitch folk embroidery kit

The Taline's Tulip Small cross stitch folk embroidery kit shares the same origin as the large version--an heirloom folk embroidery shared with me by Taline Voskeritchian, who asked me to keep it alive. This version centers on a single central motif of crosses, tulips, and arrows, a design found in both Armenian and Greek folk embroideries in several variations, and is a more approachable version of this extraordinary design. The same sophisticated palette of coral, warm blue, green, old gold, garnet, alizarin, and turquoise, grounded by black outlining, and the same beautiful interplay of bold geometric elements, intricate backstitch, and graceful negative space. This version features a single central motif stitched on a smaller piece of linen.

What you'll make: A 15 x 19" table runner

What's in your kit:

• One 17 x 21" piece of 30ct European linen in Vanilla
• DMC 6-strand embroidery floss
• John James size 24 cross stitch needle
• Full color chart and instructions

Stitches used: Cross stitch, backstitch Skill level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate Stitch count: 6,992 cross stitches, 11,001 backstitches (194 x 254 stitch area)

Krista's note: for Taline's Tulips Small, Maria used 1 strand of DMC for all backstitches, but I have included enough floss for you to use 2 strands for all backstitches and you can see that effect in the photos of Taline's Tulps Large. 

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.