American Eagle - PDF

American Eagle Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS #903 / 4860)

The American Eagle is a striking counted cross stitch decoration pattern designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio, Inc. (KDS #903 / 4860), published in 2010 as part of the Kooler Classic Charts series. This downloadable PDF delivers a detailed, patriotic eagle motif intended as a decorative piece — ideal for framing, displaying in a home, or gifting as a handcrafted keepsake. The design is rated intermediate difficulty, making it well-suited for stitchers who are comfortable with counted work and ready to tackle a more complex, multi-color composition.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single decorative cross stitch piece featuring a bold American Eagle design. With a stitch count of 169 stitches wide by 129 stitches high, it is a substantial project that renders impressive detail in the eagle's feathers, coloring, and form. The finished size varies depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14-count fabric: approximately 16⅞ inches wide × 12⅞ inches high
• 16-count fabric: approximately 10½ inches wide × 8 inches high
• 18-count fabric: approximately 9⅜ inches wide × 7⅛ inches high

Stitchers are advised to add 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting their fabric to allow for framing and finishing margins.

Recommended Materials – Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14-count Ivory Aida cloth. Aida is the most widely used evenweave fabric for counted cross stitch, featuring a uniform grid of holes that makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately. The ivory colorway provides a warm, classic background that complements the rich, patriotic color palette of the eagle design. While 14-count is the charted standard, the pattern also provides finished dimensions for 16-count and 18-count fabric, giving stitchers flexibility to work at their preferred scale.

Recommended Materials – Floss

The pattern uses DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss exclusively. A total of over 30 DMC colors are listed in the floss and symbol chart, creating a rich, nuanced palette that captures the eagle's natural coloring, patriotic red and blue tones, and detailed shading. Key colors referenced in the chart include:

• DMC 310 – Black, used for bold outlines and deep shadow areas
• DMC 321 and 666 – Reds, contributing to patriotic accent elements
• DMC 336 and 797/798 – Deep and medium blues for flag or sky elements
• DMC 300 and 938 – Very dark browns for rich feather detailing
• DMC 437, 543, 841, 842 – Warm tans and light browns for feather gradation
• DMC 781 and 783 – Golden yellows, likely used for the eagle's beak and talons
• DMC 743 and 3823 – Pale and medium yellows for highlights
• DMC 413, 414, and 415 – A range of grays for subtle shading and dimension
• DMC 762 – Very light pearl gray for feather highlights
• DMC 469 – Avocado green, possibly used in foliage or banner elements
• DMC 610, 611, and 613 – Drab browns for earthy, textured areas
• DMC 902 – Very dark garnet, adding depth to red tones
• DMC 223, 304, 317, 931, 932 – Additional accent and shading colors
• DMC 3722, 3772 – Muted rose and dark brown-rose tones
• Blanc – White