Avlea Folk Embroidery Bitkit Floret Border - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Floret Border Bitkit – Embroidery Pattern by Krista West

The Floret Border Bitkit by Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery is a charming counted thread embroidery pattern inspired by a vintage 1940s embroidery booklet discovered in the basement of a needlework shop in Thessaloniki. Rooted in the rich tradition of Mediterranean Folk Embroidery, this design brings old-world artistry into contemporary needlework with a graceful, timeless aesthetic.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative border design measuring 7½ x 10½ inches with a stitch count of 58 x 89 stitches. The finished piece features a repeating arrangement of small, lively flowers framed by intricate corner detailing. The design is intentionally structured so that the center section can be left open, allowing a candle or vase to rest there when the embroidery is displayed on a table or dresser. Alternatively, stitchers may choose to fill the center with an additional motif — such as a monogram — and transform the finished piece into a decorative pillow. The versatility of this design makes it suitable for a wide range of home décor applications.

Design Inspiration and Style

The Floret Border draws directly from Mediterranean folk embroidery traditions, reflecting the floral motifs and geometric border structures commonly found in vintage Balkan and Greek needlework. The original source — a 1940s booklet — lends the design an authentic historical character, while its clean execution keeps it fresh and appealing for modern stitchers. The combination of a repeating floral border with carefully composed corner details is a hallmark of traditional European folk embroidery, where borders were used to frame household linens, table coverings, and decorative textiles.

Techniques Used

This is a counted thread embroidery pattern, meaning the stitcher works by counting threads on an evenweave fabric rather than following a printed or stamped design. Counted thread work is a precise and methodical technique that rewards careful attention to stitch placement, producing crisp, even results. The method is well-suited to geometric and folk-inspired designs like this one, where symmetry and regularity are central to the overall effect.

• Counted thread embroidery — working from a charted grid onto evenweave fabric by counting individual fabric threads
• Border and corner composition — constructing a repeating motif that turns corners with coordinated detailing
• Center placement planning — leaving or filling the central field depending on intended use

Stitches Used

While the pattern is presented as a beginner-level project, it employs the foundational stitches characteristic of counted thread and folk embroidery traditions. The charted format guides stitchers through the placement of each element across the 58 x 89 stitch grid. The design is accessible to those new to counted embroidery while still offering the visual complexity and satisfaction of a folk-style border with corner detailing.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for a specific and carefully chosen set of materials to achieve its traditional look:

• Fabric: One piece of 26-count counted thread fabric, cut to 11 x 13 inches. The pattern notes that photos show the piece stitched on Avlea Folk Embroidery's Traditional Groundcloth, which is the recommended fabric for achieving an authentic result.
• Thread: DMC Floss in three colors:
  • 12 yards of DMC 815 — Garnet
  • 9 yards of DMC 3012 — Light Grey Green
  • 4 yards of DMC 224 — Shell Pink
• Needle: A John James size 24 tapestry needle is included when the kit version is purchased. A tapestry needle, with its blunt tip and large eye, is the standard tool for counted thread embroidery as it passes between fabric threads without splitting them.

Format and Availability

The Floret Border Bitkit is available as a