Avlea Folk Embroidery Lunette - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Lunette – Embroidery Pattern by Krista West

The Lunette is a counted thread embroidery pattern designed by Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery, inspired by a decorative metalwork window screen encountered while walking in San Francisco. The finished piece measures 8 x 9-3/4 inches (including hem), with a stitch area of 5-3/4 x 7-1/4 inches spanning 75 x 97 stitches. This design is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible to stitchers of all locations.

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

The Lunette draws on a rich visual tradition that spans centuries and cultures. Its classic interlocking rectangular motif echoes patterns found in Roman tile work, Art Deco ornamentation, and mid-century modern textiles. This timeless geometric vocabulary makes the Lunette feel simultaneously historical and contemporary — a hallmark of Avlea Folk Embroidery's Mediterranean folk embroidery aesthetic. The design is rendered in a striking two-color palette of turquoise and garnet, creating bold visual contrast on a neutral counted thread ground.

What Is Being Made

The primary project is a small counted thread embroidery piece suitable for framing, display, or use as a decorative textile. Because the design is built from simple repeating rectangles, Krista West notes that it can easily be adapted into a larger table runner or pillow cover by working additional repeats on a larger piece of fabric. This versatility makes the Lunette an excellent pattern for stitchers who want to explore scaling a geometric design beyond its original dimensions.

Techniques Used

• Counted thread embroidery – The design is worked by counting threads on an evenweave fabric rather than following a printed or stamped guide. This technique requires careful attention to the fabric grid and rewards the stitcher with precise, consistent results.
• Geometric repeat patterning – The interlocking rectangular motifs are constructed through methodical repetition, making the pattern straightforward to follow once the initial repeat is established.
• Pattern adaptation – The PDF includes guidance on how to extend the design into larger formats such as table runners or pillow covers by repeating the core motif across a wider fabric.

Stitches Used

As a counted thread embroidery pattern rated at beginner difficulty, the Lunette relies on foundational embroidery stitches well-suited to geometric designs worked on evenweave fabric. The simple repeating rectangular forms are characteristic of stitches such as cross stitch or similar counted stitches commonly used in the Mediterranean folk embroidery tradition that Avlea Folk Embroidery specializes in. The straightforward stitch structure means that even those new to counted thread work can achieve clean, satisfying results.

Materials Required

• Fabric: One piece of 12 x 14-inch, 26-count counted thread fabric. The pattern photographs show Avlea's Traditional Groundcloth, which provides the characteristic neutral background seen in the finished piece.
• Thread: DMC Floss in two colors:
  • DMC 815 Garnet – approximately 18 yards
  • DMC 3810 Turquoise – approximately 9 yards
• Needle: A John James size 24 tapestry needle is recommended. Note that if a kit version is purchased, the needle is included along with the fabric and floss.

Who This Pattern Is For

The Lunette by Krista West is an ideal project for beginner embroiderers who want to explore counted thread work through a visually rewarding geometric design. Its limited two-color palette, simple repeating structure, and modest finished size make it approachable without sacrificing the sophisticated, art-historical character that defines Avlea Folk Embroidery's Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic. More experienced stitchers will appreciate the pattern's adaptability and the opportunity to scale it into larger home décor pieces.