Hang in there - PDF

Hang in There – Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern by Kooler Design Studio

Hang in There (KDS #1874) is a charming counted cross stitch embroidery design created by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio. Published in 2016 as part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection, this downloadable PDF pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those new to counted cross stitch as well as experienced stitchers looking for a relaxing, rewarding project. The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery, perfect for framing, gifting, or displaying in the home.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single decorative embroidery design with a stitch count of 77 stitches wide by 105 stitches high. Depending on the fabric count chosen, the finished stitched area varies in size:

• 10 Count Aida: approximately 7⅝ inches wide by 10½ inches tall
• 14 Count Aida: approximately 5½ inches wide by 7½ inches tall
• 16 Count Aida: approximately 4¾ inches wide by 6½ inches tall
• 18 Count Aida: approximately 4¼ inches wide by 5¾ inches tall

As specified in the chart, the design is intended to be stitched on 10 Count Light Blue Aida fabric. Stitchers should add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several classic embroidery techniques that together create a detailed, textured, and visually rich finished piece. Each technique serves a specific purpose in building up the design's color, outline, and dimensional detail:

• Full Cross Stitch: The primary technique used to fill in the main areas of the design, worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss over one square of Aida fabric.
• Quarter Stitch (¼ Stitch): Used to refine curved edges and add detail to areas where a full cross stitch would appear too blocky, also worked with 3 strands.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining, lettering, and fine detail work. The pattern specifies using either 1 or 2 strands depending on the area being stitched, allowing for both delicate and bolder outlines.
• French Knots: Small, raised knots that add dimensional texture and fine dot-like details to the composition, worked with 1 strand of floss.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked with 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss
• Quarter Stitch – worked with 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss
• Backstitch – worked with 1 or 2 strands of DMC embroidery floss
• French Knot – worked with 1 strand of DMC embroidery floss

Materials Referenced

The pattern calls for DMC embroidery floss in a wide range of colors. The full palette includes the following DMC thread numbers:

• DMC 310 (Black), 317 (Pewter Gray), 318 (Light Steel Gray), 415 (Pearl Gray)
• DMC 744 (Pale Yellow), 746 (Off White), 760 (Salmon), 762 (Very Light Pearl Gray)
• DMC 772 (Very Light Yellow Green), 818 (Baby Pink), 838 (Very Dark Beige Brown)
• DMC 840 (Medium Beige Brown), 841 (Light Beige Brown), 975 (Golden Brown), 976 (Medium Golden Brown)
• DMC 977 (Light Golden Brown), 995 (Dark Electric