Avlea Folk Embroidery Etruscan Diamonds Square - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Etruscan Diamonds Square – Embroidery Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Etruscan Diamonds Square is a downloadable PDF embroidery pattern by designer Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery, a brand dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of Mediterranean folk embroidery. This stunning 20-1/2 inch square design is based upon an original prika — a bridal chest embroidery — rooted in Etruscan heritage that dates back approximately 2,000 years. The pattern features a bold, geometric composition of Xs, Os, diamonds, and stars, arranged in a repeating motif that is as visually striking today as it was in antiquity.

Worked in a traditional Mediterranean color palette, the design combines dark and light corals and blues with warm gold accenting. Black outlining is used throughout to throw the colors into sharp, vibrant relief — a hallmark of authentic folk embroidery traditions from this region. The finished piece makes a beautiful table setting accent, such as a decorative square cloth or centerpiece textile.

What You Will Make

Following this pattern, embroiderers will create a 20-1/2 inch square embroidered textile suitable for use as a table topper, decorative cloth, or display piece. The design is worked on a 24 x 24 inch piece of counted thread fabric, with the finished edges hemmed to complete the square. The example shown in the pattern photographs uses Avlea's own 26-count traditional groundcloth, though any comparable counted thread fabric may be used.

Techniques Used

• Cross-stitch on counted thread fabric: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Unlike Aida cloth, traditional handwoven groundcloth requires working over two threads to equal one square, giving approximately 13 squares per inch. The pattern includes a helpful note guiding stitchers through this adjustment.
• Outline stitch: After completing the cross-stitches, an outline stitch is used to define and frame the motifs, a technique characteristic of authentic folk embroidery styles and central to achieving the bold, graphic look of this design.
• Drawn thread hemming: To finish the edges of the square, a thread is pulled two inches from the finished embroidery edge on each side. The resulting channel guides a clean, straight trim. The hem is then pressed over 1/2 inch twice and sewn by hand using sewing thread.
• Hemstitching (optional): As an alternative finishing method, the pattern references a hemstitching technique demonstrated on the Avlea Folk Embroidery website, offering a more decorative edge finish.

Stitches Used

• Cross-stitch – the foundational stitch forming all geometric motifs including the diamonds, stars, Xs, and Os
• Outline stitch – used after cross-stitching to define and outline the pattern elements, adding depth and contrast

Materials Required

• Fabric: A 24 x 24 inch piece of counted thread fabric; the pattern photo shows Avlea's 26-count traditional groundcloth, though other counted thread fabrics are suitable
• Thread (DMC floss):
  • DMC 310 (black) – 50 yards
  • DMC 355 (red) – 30 yards
  • DMC 729 (gold) – 17 yards
  • DMC 924 (teal) – 27 yards
  • DMC 351 (coral) – 25 yards
  • DMC 598 (light turquoise) – 5 yards
• Embroidery hoop – to keep fabric taut while stitching
• Sewing thread – for finishing the hemmed edges

Skill Level and Format

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an accessible introduction to counted thread folk