Avlea Folk Embroidery Mediterranean Floral Table Runner - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Mediterranean Floral Table Runner – Downloadable PDF Pattern by Krista West

About This Embroidery Pattern

The Mediterranean Floral Table Runner is a stunning counted thread embroidery pattern designed by Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery. The finished table runner measures 17 x 29 inches and features a beautifully embroidered floral border that frames central folk-inspired floral motifs. Worked in a vibrant, warm palette of garnet, coral, blue, golden olive, and greens, this design draws on traditional Mediterranean folk embroidery aesthetics and is versatile enough to complement many home décor styles. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it easy to get started right away.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative embroidered table runner suitable for dining tables, sideboards, or console tables. The design incorporates a repeating floral motif with a coordinating border, both characteristic of Mediterranean folk embroidery traditions. The finished piece is as functional as it is beautiful, making it an ideal handmade home accessory or a thoughtful handcrafted gift.

Techniques Used

• Counted thread embroidery – the primary technique used throughout the pattern. Unlike stamped embroidery, counted thread work requires the stitcher to count fabric threads or squares to place each stitch accurately, following a charted design rather than a pre-printed outline.
• Cross-stitch on traditional groundcloth – the pattern is worked on a counted thread fabric where two threads equal one "square" of standard Aida cloth. The PDF includes a helpful diagram showing how to work and finish each cross-stitch on this type of fabric.
• Hem finishing by pulled thread method – to finish the edges, a thread is pulled from the fabric two inches from the embroidered edge to create a channel, which is then used as a guide for trimming and hemming. The hem is pressed over twice at half-inch intervals and sewn by hand.
• Optional drawn thread hemstitching – an advanced decorative finishing technique referenced in the pattern as an alternative to a standard hand-sewn hem, lending an even more traditional Mediterranean look to the finished piece.
• Optional fringe finishing – either pre-made or hand-made fringe can be sewn to each end of the runner for a classic, traditional Mediterranean finish.

Stitches Used

• Cross-stitch – the foundational stitch of this pattern, worked using two strands of DMC floss over the counted thread fabric. The PDF provides clear diagrams for beginning and completing each cross-stitch correctly on traditional groundcloth.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for counted thread fabric cut to approximately 21 x 33 inches to allow for finishing margins. The photos in the pattern show Avlea Folk Embroidery's own 26-count Traditional Groundcloth, though stitchers may choose a similar counted thread fabric of their preference. No knitting needles or crochet hooks are required — this is a needle and thread embroidery project.

The following DMC embroidery floss colors are specified:

• DMC 815 Garnet – 39 yards
• DMC 469 Green – 11 yards
• DMC 3012 Light Green – 14 yards
• DMC 349 Coral – 21 yards
• DMC 932 Golden Olive – 8 yards
• DMC 806 Peacock Blue – 4 yards

Additional supplies include an embroidery hoop and sewing thread for finishing the hem.

Difficulty Level and Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is rated beginner level, making it an excellent choice for those who are new to counted thread embroidery or who are transitioning from standard Aida cloth cross-stitch to traditional groundcloth. The PDF includes guidance on how traditional groundcloth differs from Aida, with clear diagrams to support newer stitchers. The straightforward cross-stitch