Ottoman Inspired Cross Stitch Motifs by Maria Diaz

The Ottoman Empire once stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Adriatic Sea, covering much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia and North Africa – including modern-day Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Egypt. Although founded way back in 1299,
it was with the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 that transformed the Ottoman realm into one of the most powerful empires in history.

So many cultures are encompassed within the Ottoman Empire. You have Moorish, Persian, and Byzantine influences mixed with European folk art.

In this book is a small flavor of what is available, offering some beautiful repeat patterns and borders, using rich jewel colors and wonderful styles evident in Ottoman ornamental art. These designs would work brilliantly on cushions, blankets and table linens. You could even use them to adorn the edge of a shirt cuff or other garments.