Nautical Sampler - PDF

Nautical Sampler Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS #1767)

The Nautical Sampler is a charming counted cross stitch decoration pattern designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio, Inc., a well-established independent design house based in Lafayette, California. Published in 2017 and catalogued as KDS #1767, this downloadable PDF chart brings a classic nautical theme to life through a richly detailed sampler format — a beloved tradition in embroidery that combines multiple motifs, borders, and design elements into a single cohesive composition. The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery suitable for framing, gifting, or displaying in a home setting.

Design Overview and Finished Size

The Nautical Sampler features a stitch count of 173 stitches wide by 134 stitches high, making it a generously sized project with plenty of visual detail. Depending on the fabric count chosen, the finished embroidered area will measure:

• 14 Count: approximately 12¼ inches wide by 9½ inches high
• 16 Count: approximately 10¾ inches wide by 8⅜ inches high
• 18 Count: approximately 9½ inches wide by 7⅜ inches high

Stitchers are advised to add 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing margins and hoop space. The design is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch for newer embroiderers while still offering enough detail to engage more experienced needleworkers.

Techniques Used

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

• Full Cross Stitch: The primary stitch used to fill in the design, worked with 3 strands of floss. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the center, creating a neat X shape on the fabric grid.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining, fine detail, and lettering, worked with 1 strand of floss. Backstitch creates a continuous, clean line that defines shapes and adds crispness to the finished design.
• Straight Stitch: An accent technique also worked with 1 strand of floss, used selectively to add fine linear details that cannot be achieved with cross or backstitch alone.

Together, these three techniques give the Nautical Sampler its characteristic depth and texture — the filled cross stitches provide bold color, while the single-strand backstitch and straight stitch refine the imagery with precision.

Materials – Fabric

The design is intended to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida cloth, the most widely used ground fabric in counted cross stitch. Aida is a woven cotton fabric with an evenly spaced grid of holes that guides needle placement, making it especially well-suited for beginners. The white colorway provides a bright, clean background that allows the nautical color palette to read clearly. Stitchers may also choose to work on 16 Count or 18 Count Aida for a finer, more detailed finish at a smaller physical size.

Materials – Floss and Thread

The pattern uses DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss, the industry-standard thread brand known for its consistent color quality and wide availability. The full palette includes a rich selection of colors suited to a nautical theme, spanning deep navy and ocean blues, warm sandy tones, rich reds, and natural greens. The complete DMC color list includes:

• DMC 304 – deep red
• DMC 310 – black (used for both cross stitch and backstitch)
• DMC 350 – medium coral red
• DMC 413 – dark pewter grey (backstitch)
• DMC 414 – dark steel grey
• DMC 415 – pearl grey
• DMC 501, 502, 503 – a graduated range of blue-greens