Discovery of the New World - PDF

Discovery of the New World Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS #2148)

Discovery of the New World is a downloadable PDF cross stitch chart designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio, Inc. (catalog number KDS #2148). Released in 2018 as part of the Kooler Classic Charts series, this intermediate-level embroidery design is intended as a decorative piece and celebrates the historical theme of exploration and the Age of Discovery. The pattern is delivered as a digital PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase.

What Is Being Made

Stitchers will create a finished decorative embroidery piece suitable for framing or display. The design measures 170 stitches wide by 130 stitches high, producing a richly detailed scene. At various fabric counts, the finished stitched area works out to the following approximate dimensions:

• 14 Count Aida: approximately 12⅛ inches wide × 9¼ inches tall
• 16 Count Aida: approximately 10⅝ inches wide × 8⅛ inches tall
• 18 Count Aida: approximately 9⅜ inches wide × 7⅛ inches tall

An additional 4–6 inches should be added to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing and finishing margins.

Recommended Materials

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count Touch of Blue Aida fabric, a lightly tinted evenweave cloth that complements the color palette of the design. Aida cloth is the most widely used fabric for counted cross stitch because its woven grid of evenly spaced holes makes it straightforward to count and place stitches accurately, making it an excellent choice for intermediate-level projects.

The floss called for throughout the pattern is DMC six-strand cotton embroidery floss. The palette is extensive and richly varied, including the following DMC color numbers:

• 210, 312, 321, 322, 402, 436, 437, 562, 563, 712, 725, 738, 739, 745, 758, 783, 798, 816, 838, 840, 841, 920, 922, 945, 986, 3347, 3371, 3755, 3778, Blanc

This broad range of hues — spanning blues, reds, golds, greens, tans, and neutrals — allows for detailed shading and a vibrant, historically evocative finished piece. Most colors require one skein; a small number of colors (712, 738, 739, 922, and Blanc) require two skeins, reflecting their heavier use across the design.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs three distinct embroidery techniques, each serving a specific visual purpose:

• Full Cross Stitch (Cross Stitch): The primary stitch used to fill the design. Each full cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the center of a fabric square, creating a neat X shape. Three strands of DMC floss are used for all full cross stitches, giving the work good coverage and a slightly raised, textured appearance.
• Quarter Stitch (¼ Stitch): Used to refine curved edges and add fine detail within the design. A quarter stitch covers only one quarter of a fabric square, allowing for smoother outlines and more precise shaping of motifs. Three strands of floss are also used for quarter stitches, maintaining visual consistency with the full cross stitches.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining, defining fine details, and adding crisp linear elements such as rigging, lettering, or figure contours. Backstitch creates a continuous line by working stitches backward along the design. One strand of DMC floss is used for all backstitching, producing a fine, precise line that does not overwhelm the filled areas.

Techniques and Skill Level

This pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty. Stitchers should be comfortable working with a large color palette,