Tree of Life embroidery: meaning of the symbol and kits in beads and cross stitch

The Tree of Life is one of the oldest motifs in Ukrainian embroidery: roots, trunk and crown stand for the past, present and future of a family, while birds and fruit on the branches mean abundance and the continuation of life. Abris Art makes six kits with this design: four bead embroidery versions on art canvas, a pattern without beads and a cross stitch kit.

What the Tree of Life means

The world tree appears in almost every culture; in Ukraine it lives on rushnyk towels, embroidered shirts and painted Easter eggs. The roots are the memory of ancestors, the trunk is the present generation, the flowering and fruiting branches are children and grandchildren. Two birds on either side of the trunk mean a couple and harmony at home; flowers stand for health and beauty; fruit for prosperity. That is why an embroidered Tree of Life is a traditional gift for a wedding, a housewarming or the birth of a child — a wish that the family line continues and the house stays full.

Where to hang the finished piece

Traditionally the tree was placed where the family gathers — above the table or in the "holy corner". In a modern home it works in the living room above a sofa or chest of drawers, in the bedroom above the headboard, or in the hallway as a house talisman. Bead embroidery sparkles in side light, so hang it opposite a window or under a directed lamp; cross stitch looks best in soft, diffused light.

Tree of Life kits by Abris Art

• Cross Stitch Kit "Tree of life" — 270×370 mm · 9 colours · View kit →
• Bead Embroidery Kit on Art Canvas "Tree of life" — 230×460 mm · 17 colours · View kit →
• Bead Embroidery Kit on Art Canvas "Spring tree of life" — 230×460 mm · 17 colours · View kit →
• Bead Embroidery Kit on Art Canvas "Summer tree of life" — 230×460 mm · 17 colours · View kit →
• Bead Embroidery Kit on Art Canvas "Winter tree of life" — 230×460 mm · 16 colours · View kit →
• Bead Embroidery Pattern on Art Canvas "Magic Tree of Life" — 300×300 mm · 22 colours · View kit →

Beads or cross stitch: how to choose

• Bead embroidery on art canvas (AB-317 and the seasonal versions AB-597, AB-598, AB-599). The pattern is printed on the canvas, there is nothing to count, and the finished piece shimmers in the light. The 230×460 mm format is a vertical panel that suits a narrow wall or the space between windows. Level is above medium because of the number of colours, but there is only one technique — the monastery stitch, learned in an hour.
• Pattern without beads (AC-277 "Magic Tree of Life", 300×300 mm). Just the canvas with the printed design and a key for Preciosa beads — for those who already have beads or want their own palette.
• Cross stitch (AH-193, 270×370 mm). The classic version on Aida fabric with DMC floss, high level: many colours and fine detail. For experienced stitchers who enjoy a long project — expect 80–120 hours.

Three tips for a neat result

1. In bead kits with a large crown, stitch in horizontal rows rather than colour by colour, so the canvas does not distort.
2. In cross stitch, the trunk and thin branches are backstitched after all the crosses, so the outline sits on top and does not "sink".
3. Never iron bead embroidery — stretch it on stretcher bars; cross stitch is ironed face down through a damp cloth.

Related designs: bead embroidery talismans, wedding rushnyk kits and icons and talismans.