Avlea Folk Embroidery Kievan Cross - Downloadable PDF

Avlea Folk Embroidery Kievan Cross – Cross Stitch Pattern Overview

The Kievan Cross is a downloadable PDF cross stitch pattern designed by Krista West for Avlea Folk Embroidery, a brand dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Mediterranean and Eastern European needlework. This particular design draws directly from the vibrant heritage of Ukrainian folk embroidery, where bold geometric crosses arranged within grid-like squares are a signature motif found on traditional garments and sacred textiles alike.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece measures 9-1/4 x 13-1/4 inches and is worked over 99 x 147 stitches. The design is intended to function as a versatile decorative cloth, well suited for use as a table centerpiece or displayed on a shelf. Its proportions and repeating structure also make it straightforward to scale up into larger cloths by repeating the core motif.

The pattern is inspired by the nabrаznyk, a highly decorative cloth traditionally placed over icons in Ukrainian homes. This cultural context gives the finished piece a meaningful connection to living folk tradition, making it both a beautiful object and a small piece of embroidery history.

Design Details and Colorway

The Kievan Cross features a lively arrangement of crosses set within a grid of squares, rendered in a red and blue colorway that carries the cheerful, energetic spirit characteristic of Ukrainian folk textiles. The design includes a lovely border that frames the central motif and contributes to its finished, polished appearance.

• Navy (DMC 311): 11 yards required
• Bright coral (DMC 349): 25 yards required

The two-color palette keeps the project approachable while still delivering the bold, graphic impact that defines traditional Ukrainian needlework.

Techniques Used

Cross stitch is the primary and sole technique used in this pattern. It is a form of counted thread embroidery, meaning the stitcher works by counting threads in the fabric rather than following a printed or transferred design. Each stitch is formed by making two diagonal stitches that cross at the center, creating the characteristic X shape. When worked consistently across a counted ground fabric, these stitches build up into precise geometric patterns with clean, even edges — a quality that makes cross stitch especially well suited to the bold, symmetrical motifs of folk embroidery traditions.

Because this is a counted thread project, accuracy in counting is key, but the repetitive and geometric nature of the Kievan Cross design makes it very forgiving and easy to follow, even for those newer to the craft.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the entire design, worked over the even-weave ground fabric by counting threads

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials to complete the Kievan Cross:

• Fabric: One piece of 12 x 16 inch counted thread fabric; the pattern notes that project photos show Avlea's 26 ct Traditional Groundcloth, an even-weave fabric designed specifically for counted embroidery work
• Thread (floss): Standard six-strand embroidery floss in two colors — 11 yards of DMC 311 (navy) and 25 yards of DMC 349 (bright coral)
• Needle: A John James size 24 tapestry needle is recommended; this blunt-tipped needle is the standard choice for counted thread work as it passes between fabric threads without splitting them

If purchased as a kit rather than a standalone PDF, the kit includes the fabric, floss, and a John James size 24 tapestry needle alongside the pattern instructions.

Skill Level and Format

The Kievan Cross is rated as a beginner level project, making it an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch and to the broader world of folk embroidery. The straightforward two-color palette, geometric