Avlea Folk Embroidery Anatolian Odalesque - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Anatolian Odalesque Table Mat – Embroidery Pattern by Krista West

The Anatolian Odalesque Table Mat is a stunning counted thread embroidery pattern designed by Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery, available as a downloadable PDF. Rooted in the rich visual traditions of ancient Roman tile work and Byzantine ornamentation, this design brings centuries of Mediterranean folk art into a contemporary home setting. The finished piece measures 12 x 20 inches (180 x 300 stitches) and is intended primarily as a decorative table mat or desk cloth, though the pattern notes that it could also be adapted into a pillow or wall hanging.

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

The central motif of the Anatolian Odalesque is a series of interlocking lanterns, each containing a delicate floral spray at its center. This repeating geometric structure draws directly from Anatolian and broader Mediterranean folk embroidery traditions, blending ancient pattern-making with a palette that feels fresh and modern. The color scheme of coral, turquoise, peacock blue, and golden olive gives the design a vibrant yet harmonious quality that works across a wide variety of interior décor styles, from bohemian and eclectic to classic and traditional.

What Is Being Made

• Project type: Decorative table mat (also suitable as a pillow front or wall hanging)
• Finished dimensions: 12 x 20 inches
• Stitch count: 180 x 300 stitches
• Style: Mediterranean folk embroidery with Anatolian and Byzantine influences

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent entry point into the world of counted thread embroidery. The primary technique is counted thread embroidery, which works similarly to cross-stitch on Aida cloth, but uses a linen or evenweave fabric where two threads equal one "square" of the grid. Stitchers familiar with Aida cloth will find the transition to counted thread fabric straightforward with the guidance provided in the PDF.

• Counted thread embroidery: The foundation of the entire design, worked by counting fabric threads to place stitches precisely across the grid
• Cross-stitch: The main stitch used to build the interlocking lantern motifs and overall geometric structure of the design
• Outline stitch: Used specifically to define and add intricate detail to the floral spray in the center of each lantern, providing a lovely contrast to the filled cross-stitch areas
• Drawn thread hem: Referenced as a finishing technique for the edges of the table mat, consistent with traditional linen finishing methods

The pattern includes instructional sketches showing how to work both the first and second passes of each cross-stitch, making it easy for beginners to understand proper stitch formation and direction.

Stitches Used

• Cross-stitch – primary stitch for the lantern and geometric fill areas
• Outline stitch – used for the floral spray detail within each lantern motif

Materials Required

The pattern calls for counted thread fabric, with the photographed sample stitched on Legacy Linen 30-count in "Coconut", cut to 16 x 24 inches to allow for finishing margins around the 12 x 20-inch design area. A needle and embroidery hoop of the stitcher's choosing are also required.

The thread palette uses DMC embroidery floss in five carefully selected shades:

• DMC 3032 – Medium Mocha Brown (80 yards – the most heavily used color, forming the primary outlines and structure)
• DMC 349 – Coral (20 yards)
• DMC 924 – Peacock Blue (8 yards)
• DMC 598 – Turquoise (