Grapes On The Vine Big Stitch - PDF

Grapes On The Vine Big Stitch – Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1646)

Grapes On The Vine Big Stitch is a charming counted cross stitch decoration pattern designed by Nancy Rossi for Kooler Design Studio. Published under design number KDS# 1646, this downloadable PDF chart brings a classic botanical motif — a lush cluster of grapes hanging on the vine — to life through bold, easy-to-see stitching. The "Big Stitch" designation refers to the use of a low-count Aida fabric, which produces larger, more visible stitches that are especially welcoming for beginners or anyone who prefers a faster, more relaxed stitching experience.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative needlework piece featuring a grape vine design, suitable for framing, finishing as a home accent, or incorporating into seasonal and harvest-themed décor. The finished piece makes an elegant addition to kitchen, dining room, or autumn-inspired decorating schemes. Because the design is rated as beginner difficulty, it is an excellent starting point for those new to counted cross stitch while still offering a satisfying, polished result.

Design Size and Stitch Count

The chart carries a stitch count of 84 wide × 84 high stitches. Depending on the fabric count chosen, the finished design dimensions vary:

• 6 Count Aida: approximately 14w × 14h inches — the primary recommended fabric for this Big Stitch design
• 8 Count Aida: approximately 10½w × 10½h inches
• 11 Count Aida: approximately 7⅝w × 7⅝h inches

As noted in the chart instructions, stitchers should add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow sufficient border for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs two core counted cross stitch techniques:

• Full Cross Stitches – the primary technique used to fill in the grape clusters, leaves, vine, and background elements of the design
• Backstitching – used to add fine outlines and detail work, giving the grapes and vine their defined, finished appearance

Cross stitch is a form of counted embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are placed on an even-weave or Aida fabric by following a gridded chart. Each square on the chart corresponds to one stitch on the fabric, making it straightforward to follow even for those new to the craft. Backstitching, worked after the full stitches are complete, runs in straight lines along the grid to create crisp outlines and fine details that bring the design to life.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked with 6 strands of embroidery floss on 6 Count Aida, producing bold, highly visible coverage ideal for the Big Stitch style
• Backstitch – worked with a reduced strand count of 2 strands of embroidery floss, creating fine, delicate detail lines that contrast with the chunky full stitches

Materials Referenced

The chart specifies stitching on 6 Count White Aida fabric as the primary recommended ground cloth. Aida is a stiff, even-weave cotton fabric woven with clearly defined holes that guide needle placement, making it the most beginner-friendly choice for counted cross stitch. The lower the count number, the larger the weave holes and resulting stitches — 6 Count Aida produces particularly large, bold stitches that are easy to see and work quickly.

The design is stitched using embroidery floss, with the chart providing a full Floss and Symbol Listing that maps specific thread colors to the symbols printed on the grid. 6 strands of floss are used for full cross stitches, and 2 strands are used for backstitching. A standard cross stitch needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count is required. No yarn, knitting needles, or crochet hooks are involved in this embroidery project.

About the Designer and Publisher

This pattern is part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection, produced by