Kristtorn - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
- Motif: Classic cross stitch embroidery featuring a wreath of holly leaves and red berries in green and red shades inspired by winter nature.
- Size: 15 × 15 cm
- Thread: Danish Flower Thread
- Fabric: Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) – Linen 12B
- Designer: Gerda Bengtsson
Kristtorn - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
"Kristtorn" (Holly) - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB) is an atmospheric embroidery design in cross stitch inspired by winter greenery and bright red berries. The motif is arranged as a decorative wreath of holly with finely serrated leaves and small red berries winding harmoniously in a circle. The embroidery has a classic and calm expression that suits both Christmas and winter table settings beautifully.
Gerda Bengtsson was known for her botanical embroidery designs, where plants and flowers were portrayed with great precision and understated elegance. In this motif, the characteristic holly leaves are highlighted in different green shades, creating depth and life within the wreath. The small red berries provide delicate contrast and add warmth and winter atmosphere to the embroidery.
The wreath shape gives the motif balance and a timeless expression. The open centre keeps the design light and elegant, while the many green leaves create a dense and lush composition. The embroidery is especially well suited as a doily / napkin, adding a classic Nordic touch inspired by nature to the table.
The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme linen fabric 12B. The fine linen allows for small, detailed cross stitches that highlight the leaf shapes and berries with great precision. The shades of the thread create a natural and harmonious play of colour that enhances the botanical expression.
The motif is beautifully suited to the winter months and the Christmas table, though the simple and nature-inspired design also makes the embroidery suitable throughout the rest of the year. The combination of green leaves and red berries creates a calm and decorative overall impression that feels both classic and lively.
About Haandarbejdets Fremme
Since 1928, Haandarbejdets Fremme has been an important part of Danish embroidery art and needlework tradition. The organisation is known for quality designs focused on craftsmanship, timeless motifs and high-quality materials.
Many of Haandarbejdets Fremme’s most beloved botanical designs were created by Gerda Bengtsson. Her embroidery designs are known for their naturalistic forms, harmonious colours and calm Nordic expression and have inspired embroiderers in Denmark and internationally for generations.
