This beautiful design is a favorite among needleworkers in Greece and I have seen it in numerous variations over the years, from small table mats with a single motif to larger table runners with multiple motifs in a half-drop repeat. A simple two-tone palette with a light shade outlined in a darker shade is a classic technique used in many folk embroideries and is shown here to great effect. The delicate scroll work, two cross motifs, and a small palmette flourish create a design resplendent with ancient art motifs.
 
Finished size (exclusive of finishing): 11-1/4 x 19 inches
Stitch count: 143 x 251/12660 total sts/10416 backsts
Note: White Traditional Groundcloth has a slightly uneven count which mimics handwoven fabrics so this design will be slightly larger in one direction even though it is the same number of sts in both directions
 
My high quality kits come with everything you need to make the runner in the photos--26ct 100% cotton white Traditional Groundcloth, DMC floss, full color SOC (symbol-on-chart) pattern with both a close up and a full size schematic so you know how many repeats to work, 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 here
Sample stitched by Elizabeth Ostler