Italian Gnomes Mini Set of 4 Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes

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Italian Gnomes Mini Set of 4 Machine Embroidery Designs brings four recognizable Italian characters into one coordinated collection: a Roman gladiator with a plumed helmet and shield, a pizza chef holding a whole pizza, a Venetian carnival lady in an ornate purple costume and a Venice gondolier with a striped shirt, straw boater and oar.

The four independent designs can be stitched as one Italian-themed series or used separately on kitchen towels, aprons, linen napkins, wine-bottle sleeves, travel pouches, tote bags and souvenir gifts. Each character is supplied in four original sizes, giving 16 design-and-size variants in every listed machine format.

For more characters built around professions, holidays and national themes, browse the Gnome Machine Embroidery Designs collection.

Design Information

Roman Gladiator

Size: 68.4x97.9 mm (2.69x3.85"), Stitches: 13545
Size: 75.2x107.8 mm (2.96x4.24"), Stitches: 15589
Size: 82.9x118.4 mm (3.26x4.66"), Stitches: 17950
Size: 91.0x130.2 mm (3.58x5.13"), Stitches: 20706

Pizza Chef

Size: 65.4x98.0 mm (2.57x3.86"), Stitches: 15364
Size: 72.1x107.7 mm (2.84x4.24"), Stitches: 17954
Size: 79.3x118.5 mm (3.12x4.67"), Stitches: 20801
Size: 87.1x130.3 mm (3.43x5.13"), Stitches: 24111

Venice Carnival Gnome

Size: 72.1x98.0 mm (2.84x3.86"), Stitches: 17784
Size: 79.3x107.8 mm (3.12x4.24"), Stitches: 20401
Size: 87.2x118.4 mm (3.43x4.66"), Stitches: 23709
Size: 96.0x130.2 mm (3.78x5.13"), Stitches: 27579

Gnome Gondolier

Size: 76.0x98.0 mm (2.99x3.86"), Stitches: 15353
Size: 83.6x107.8 mm (3.29x4.24"), Stitches: 17774
Size: 92.0x118.5 mm (3.62x4.67"), Stitches: 20412
Size: 101.2x130.3 mm (3.98x5.13"), Stitches: 23734

Formats: .dat, .dst, .exp, .hus, .jef, .jef+, .jpx, .pec, .pes, .sew, .vip, .vp3, .vp4, .xxx

Hoop and embroidery-field guide

Check both dimensions against the machine's permitted stitching field. The physical plastic frame may be larger than the area in which the needle is allowed to sew.

Madeira Classic Rayon 40 chart from the gallery

The public gallery includes readable worksheets for the four smallest files. The numbers below come from those original worksheets; they were not estimated from the stitched photographs. The squares are screen representations of the chart colors, so physical thread sheen, lighting and monitor settings will change their appearance.

Programmed color-block order shown for the 4x4 files

Follow the worksheet supplied with the exact selected file, especially when a color repeats later in the sequence. Do not use automatic color sorting: a repeated shade can return after another block to place an upper detail or secure the final structure. If another thread brand is used, the Royal Present Madeira thread converter can suggest the nearest alternative; compare the result with a physical thread chart for a color-critical project.

Fabric, stabilizer, needle and thread

Practical tips for these four characters

1. Start with a real test stitch. The small files already contain 13,545–17,784 stitches in narrow vertical shapes, so the final fabric and backing must control the density without becoming board-stiff.
2. Use the smallest compatible hoop. Less unsupported fabric helps the gondolier's oar, Roman shield edge and final outlines stay registered.
3. Align a set by the feet, not by the design centers. The four silhouettes have different widths and visual weights. A common floor line makes four towels or one long panel look intentional.
4. Keep the original color-block order. The repeated white, red, pink, olive and gray steps are part of the construction, not accidental duplicates.
5. Slow down for the small accessories and final outline. If the fabric begins to move or the upper thread frays, reduce speed to approximately 500–650 stitches per minute around the pizza toppings, carnival trim, shield, moustache and oar.
6. Prefer a light or mid-tone background. Black is the unifying final detail in all four charts. On very dark fabric, stitch a test first or place the characters on a pale fabric panel so the outlines remain readable.
7. Use the supplied sizes instead of automatic scaling. Shrinking these filled characters can overload the small facial, stripe and costume details; enlarging can leave satin areas too loose.

Italian-themed project ideas

• a set of four linen kitchen towels, one Italian character per towel;
• a pizza-night apron featuring the chef on the front pocket;
• wine-bottle sleeves with the Roman, Carnival and Gondolier designs;
• travel pouches, passport wallets and tote-bag panels inspired by Rome and Venice;
• four place-setting napkins for an Italian dinner;
• a long cushion or framed textile panel arranged on one common baseline;
• housewarming gifts for pizza lovers, travelers or an Italian restaurant.

The chef also pairs naturally with designs from the All Sorts Kitchen embroidery collection. For washable towels, aprons and napkins, use the care steps in the Embroidery Care: Washing, Drying and Ironing Guide.

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German Gnome with Pretzel 4 sizes

Frequently asked questions

How many designs and sizes are included?

The set contains four independent characters: Roman Gladiator, Pizza Chef, Venice Carnival Gnome and Gnome Gondolier. Each comes in four original sizes, giving 16 design-and-size variants in every listed machine format.

Do all four designs fit a 4x4 hoop?

Only the four smallest files fit a true 100x100 mm field. Their exact heights are 97.9 or 98.0 mm, so confirm the usable field on the machine screen before stitching.

Does the largest Gondolier fit a 100x140 mm hoop?

No. Its exact published size is 101.2x130.3 mm (3.98x5.13"), so the width exceeds a 100 mm field. Use a 130x180 mm field for that file.

Which designs work best on kitchen towels?

The Pizza Chef is the most direct kitchen motif, but all four work as a coordinated Italian set. Choose a size that leaves enough clear fabric around the character and does not cross a towel band, border or thick hem.

What stabilizer should be used on a linen towel?

Use medium tear-away on stable medium-weight linen. For thin, loose or easily distorted fabric, use a firmer backing or light cut-away, especially for the larger Chef and Carnival files. Test the exact combination before stitching the finished towel.

Can the designs be used on wine-bottle sleeves?

Yes. Embroider the sleeve panel while it is flat, before the side seam, lining or drawstring is assembled. Measure the usable front panel and choose the original file that leaves room for seam allowances and the bottle's curve.

Can the Italian colors be changed?

Yes, but keep strong contrast between adjacent fills and preserve the final dark details. Follow the original stitch order even when substituting colors because repeated shades return later for construction reasons.

Why can the final outline shift away from the fills?

The usual causes are fabric movement, insufficient backing, stretched knit, an overly large hoop, a worn needle or excessive speed. Support the complete stitched area, hoop without distortion and slow down for the final details when necessary.

How should all four gnomes be arranged on one panel?

Print templates at 100% scale, establish one common floor line and balance the gaps by the outermost stitches rather than by the file centers. Use one continuous piece of backing beneath the entire four-character composition.