The Dedication Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

The Dedication cross stitch pattern was inspired by a 1908 painting of the same name by British artist Edmund Blair Leighton. In his tribute to medieval times, a young knight is kneeling before the priest in his white tunic and chain-mail armour, offering his sword and his life in service to the realm.

The overall design symbolises loyalty, courage, devotion and service and carries a powerful spiritual energy. Now you can stitch it for yourself.

The Project

This is a very large full-coverage cross stitch and measures 63.5cm x 82.0cm (350 x 452 stitches) when completed on 14-count Aida cloth. The project requires 93 different DMC colours and you’ll be completing 158,200 stitches. So it’s going to take a while.

My interpretation of this artwork is a close replica of the original painting and I think you’ll enjoy recreating the young knight’s ornate tunic, helmet and armour as well as the embroidered gown and headdress of his beautiful lady companion. Other fantastic details include the stained glass window, tapestried floor coverings, church ornamentation, stone pillars, and outdoor scene through an open doorway. I simply adore the Knight’s devoted steward standing at the door with his horse. It brings a strong element of loyalty into the piece.

To make stitching just that little bit easier, I’ve included an extra chart in your download pack that has been specially formatted for the Pattern Keeper App. PK is the best way to manage full-coverage cross stitch projects.

The Series
I have charted all three paintings from Edmund Leighton’s Code of Chivalry series. The paintings were extremely popular at the turn of the 20th century and were well-received by the Royal Academy. Now you can stitch them for yourself.

The Artist

Edmund Blair Leighton was a British artist who lived between 1852 and 1922. He is famous for his stunning interpretations of medieval legends and romantic scenes in the style of the Pre-Raphaeliete and Romantic period artists. Look for more cross stitch patterns inspired by his fantastic artworks in the store, there is about ten.