Røllike - placemat - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

Røllike - placemat - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

A botanical motif for the table

"Røllike" (Yarrow) - placemat - Gerda Bengtsson (GB) is a classic cross stitch embroidery with a simple and elegant botanical composition. The motif features a tall yarrow plant growing along the right side of the placemat. At the top are small pink flower heads gathered into airy clusters. Beneath the flowers, the slender green stem continues down through the design.

The leaves are an important part of the expression. They are narrow, feathery and arranged along the stem in alternating positions. This gives the plant a natural and light appearance. At the bottom, visible roots appear in warm yellow and brown shades. The roots complete the motif and give the plant a full botanical character.

The placemat has a green border running along the outer edge. The border frames the light background and creates calmness around the motif. The open centre provides space for plates, glasses and cutlery. This makes the embroidery both decorative and practical for table settings.

Yarrow, border and delicate colour transitions

The motif is kept within a calm colour palette. Green shades dominate the stem, leaves and border. The pink flowers create a soft focal point at the top, while the yellow root threads add warmth at the bottom. The balance between green, pink and yellow gives the placemat a fresh appearance without becoming visually busy.

The yarrow is placed asymmetrically on the right-hand side, giving the placemat a light and modern expression. The large open area on the left makes the motif more functional for use on the table. It also ensures that the embroidery remains visible when the placemat is in use.

The size of 30 × 42 cm suits a single place setting beautifully. The placemat can be used for summer dining, lunch settings or a simple coffee table arrangement. It can also be combined with other botanical placemats from the same tradition. The motif pairs especially well with porcelain, glass and natural materials.

Haandarbejdets Fremme and materials

The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) linen fabric 12B. The linen gives the placemat a classic and calm texture. Danish Flower Thread adds lively expression to the green, pink and yellow shades, perfectly complementing Gerda Bengtsson’s botanical designs.

Haandarbejdets Fremme is known for embroidery designs of high quality and clear motifs. In this design, that tradition can be seen in the clean composition and precise botanical rendering. Gerda Bengtsson has created a motif where the yarrow stands elegantly on its own while also functioning beautifully on a practical textile.

Yarrow is especially suitable for the lightly experienced embroiderer. The motif is manageable, yet the leaves and small flower heads require precision. The border provides a calm structure throughout the stitching process. The finished result is a classic placemat with a refined botanical expression for the table.