Alphabet Floral Sampler - PDF

Alphabet Floral Sampler – Kooler Design Studio Cross Stitch Pattern (KDS# 1227)

The Alphabet Floral Sampler (KDS# 1227) is a charming and detailed cross stitch embroidery pattern designed by Nancy Rossi for Kooler Design Studio. Originally published in 2011, this downloadable PDF chart combines a full decorative alphabet with floral motifs to create a classic sampler-style piece, ideal for framing, gifting, or displaying as home décor. It is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it well-suited for stitchers who are comfortable with basic cross stitch and are ready to work with a larger, more complex multi-color design.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a floral alphabet sampler — a traditional needlework format in which every letter of the alphabet is presented alongside decorative botanical elements such as flowers and foliage. Samplers have a long history in embroidery as both a learning exercise and a showcase piece. The finished design can be displayed as a framed decoration, making it a meaningful and timeless addition to any home. A personalization line is included in the chart, allowing stitchers to add a custom name, date, or message to make the piece uniquely their own.

Design Size and Stitch Count

The chart has a stitch count of 149 stitches wide by 188 stitches high. The finished size of the embroidered design will vary depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 10 Count fabric: approximately 14⅞ inches wide × 18¾ inches high
• 14 Count fabric: approximately 10⅝ inches wide × 13⅜ inches high
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 9¼ inches wide × 11¾ inches high
• 18 Count fabric: approximately 8¼ inches wide × 10⅜ inches high

As noted in the pattern, stitchers should add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting their fabric to allow adequate margins for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs three core embroidery techniques commonly used in counted cross stitch work:

• Cross Stitch: The primary stitch used to fill in the design, worked with 3 strands of floss. Cross stitch creates the solid, textured areas of color that form the letters and floral imagery.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining and adding fine detail and definition to the design, worked with 1 strand of floss. Backstitch creates crisp, clean lines that give the finished piece a polished, professional look.
• Straight Stitch: Also worked with 1 strand of floss, used for specific accent details within the design. Straight stitches are single, individual stitches placed to add fine decorative touches.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – 3 strands, the foundation of the design
• Backstitch – 1 strand, for outlines and fine detail
• Straight Stitch – 1 strand, for accent details

Materials – Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida fabric, which is the standard recommended ground fabric. Aida is a woven evenweave fabric with a clearly defined grid of holes, making it ideal for counted cross stitch, especially for intermediate stitchers. The 14-count size means there are 14 stitches per inch, producing a medium-scale finished piece. Stitchers may also choose 10, 16, or 18 count Aida or evenweave fabric to adjust the finished size.

Materials – Floss

The pattern uses DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss in a rich and varied palette of over 30 colors. The color range spans soft florals, greens, purples, and neutrals, reflecting the botanical and alphabet theme of the sampler. Specific DMC colors referenced in the chart include: