Avlea Folk Embroidery Aegean Octagon Table Mat - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Aegean Octagon Table Mat – Embroidery Pattern by Krista West

About This Pattern

The Aegean Octagon Table Mat is a downloadable PDF embroidery pattern designed by Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery. Inspired by Mediterranean folk embroidery traditions, this design draws on ancient Aegean motifs to create a table mat that is both historically rooted and elegantly modern. The finished piece measures 9 x 12-1/2 inches, making it perfectly proportioned for use as a tray cloth, coffee table centerpiece, or dining room table accent.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a counted thread embroidery table mat in a sophisticated, monochromatic colorway. The design features a clever double use of a single ancient X motif: at the center of the cloth, the motif is embroidered as a series of Xs, while in the border, the same motif is reversed and worked as octagons. This interplay between positive and negative space gives the piece its striking geometric character and visual depth, all achieved with a single thread color for a refined, cohesive look.

Design Style and Inspiration

The Aegean Octagon pattern belongs to the tradition of Mediterranean folk embroidery, a rich heritage of geometric needlework that has been practiced across the Aegean region for centuries. The octagon is one of the most enduring motifs in this tradition, appearing on textiles from Greece, Turkey, and surrounding cultures. Krista West and Avlea Folk Embroidery specialize in making these historic patterns accessible to contemporary stitchers, preserving their authenticity while presenting them in a beginner-friendly format.

Techniques Used

• Counted thread embroidery – the foundation technique of this pattern, where stitches are placed by counting threads in the fabric rather than following a printed or transferred design
• Cross stitch – the primary stitch used to build the central X motif design
• Reversed motif work – a technique where the same geometric unit is inverted to create the octagon border, demonstrating how a single motif can yield two distinct visual effects
• Monochromatic color work – using a single floss color throughout to achieve a sophisticated, tone-on-tone aesthetic

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (X stitch) – used to form the central geometric motif across the body of the table mat
• Octagon stitch formation – the reversed application of the same counted X unit, creating the border octagons through a mirrored counting sequence

Materials Required

• Fabric: One 15 x 19 inch piece of 26-count counted thread fabric – this even-weave fabric works similarly to Aida cloth used in cross stitch, with two fabric threads equaling one stitch square
• Thread: Approximately 46 yards of DMC floss 924 (gray green very dark) – a single, deep teal-toned floss that gives the piece its elegant, monochromatic character
• Tools: An embroidery hoop and an appropriate embroidery needle

Skill Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated beginner level, making it an excellent choice for stitchers who are new to counted thread embroidery or who are transitioning from Aida-based cross stitch to even-weave fabrics. The single-color design eliminates the complexity of color management, allowing the beginner to focus on counting and stitch placement. At the same time, the sophisticated geometric result means that even experienced embroiderers will find the finished piece a worthy addition to their home.

Pattern Format and Care Notes

The Aegean Octagon Table Mat pattern is available as a downloadable PDF from Avlea Folk Embroidery, designed by Krista West and originally published in 2019. The pattern includes guidance on working with counted thread fabrics and notes