This striking design of eight-pointed stars within octagons set off by double squares is easy to work yet has a beautiful intricacy. It is based upon a textile dating to 1820 from the island of Chios, a time in which embroidery work in the Greek islands had Italianate influence. This design most likely appealed to the embroideresses of Chios because of its eight-pointed star motif which was used widely throughout Byzantine art as the number eight symbolized the “eighth day of creation,” resurrection, and new life.
The original textile was worked in muted shades but this fresh version features saturated tones of coral, teal, antique gold, and olive green. It can be worked as a tray cloth, pillow, wall hanging, or framed textile (instructions included for these finishing options). It would also be lovely worked as a table runner with three repeats of the design worked horizontally!
 
7” by 7” (exclusive of finishing)/93 x 93 sts
 
 
My high quality kits come with everything you need to make the runner in the photos--26 count 100% cotton Traditional Groundcloth (imported from Greece), DMC floss, full color SOC (symbol-on-chart) pattern, along with a John James size 24 tapestry needle. The raw edges of the fabric are serged for your convenience, so you can start stitching as soon as you open the kit!
 
Also available as a pattern download