For My Daughter - PDF

For My Daughter – Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern by Kooler Design Studio

For My Daughter (KDS# 1919) is a counted cross stitch embroidery design created by designer Sandy Orton for Kooler Design Studio, Inc., a well-established independent design house based in Lafayette, California. Released in 2016 and available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is classified as an advanced-level embroidery project and is presented as part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection. It is designed as a heartfelt decorative piece, making it an ideal gift or keepsake for a daughter.

Design Overview

This is a single decorative embroidery design intended to be displayed as a finished piece. The chart includes a personalization line, allowing stitchers to add a custom name or message, making each finished piece uniquely personal. The overall composition combines elegant lettering and decorative motifs worked in a rich palette of floss colors, accented with metallic Kreinik braids for added visual impact and a luxurious finish.

Stitch Count and Fabric Sizing

The design has a stitch count of 122 stitches wide by 164 stitches high. Depending on the fabric count chosen, the finished stitched area will measure approximately:

• 14 Count: 8¾ inches wide × 11¾ inches high
• 16 Count: 7⅝ inches wide × 10¼ inches high
• 18 Count: 6¾ inches wide × 9 inches high

The pattern recommends adding 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric, ensuring sufficient border for framing or finishing. The design is specifically charted for 14 Count Parchment Aida, a warm, neutral-toned evenweave fabric that complements the color palette beautifully and provides a classic, heirloom-quality background.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This is a multi-technique embroidery pattern that goes well beyond basic cross stitch, which contributes to its advanced difficulty rating. Stitchers will work with a variety of stitch types, each adding texture, dimension, and fine detail to the finished piece. The techniques used include:

• Full Cross Stitches – the primary stitch used to fill in the main areas of the design, worked using 1 or 3 strands of floss depending on the area
• Quarter Stitches (¼ Stitches) – used alongside full stitches to create smooth curves and refined edges, also worked in 1 or 3 strands
• Backstitch – used for outlining, lettering, and fine detail lines, worked in 1 or 2 strands for varying line weights
• French Knots – small, raised decorative knots that add tactile texture and visual interest, worked in 1 or 2 strands
• Straight Stitch – simple linear stitches used for decorative accents, worked in 2 strands
• Specialty Stitch – an additional decorative technique that adds further dimension and elegance to the design, worked in 2 strands

The combination of these techniques requires a confident stitcher who is comfortable managing multiple stitch types, varying strand counts, and metallic threads simultaneously. The use of French knots and specialty stitches in particular elevates the complexity and the finished appearance of the piece.

Materials Required

Fabric

The pattern is designed to be stitched on 14 Count Parchment Aida fabric. Aida is the most widely used counted cross stitch fabric, featuring an evenly woven grid structure with clearly defined holes that guide needle placement. The parchment colorway provides a warm, antique-toned base that enhances the overall aesthetic of this sentimental design.

Threads and Floss

The design uses a combination of standard embroidery floss (listed with symbols in the chart