Portrait of Christ - PDF

Portrait of Christ Cross Stitch Pattern – PDF Download by Kooler Design Studio

This downloadable PDF pattern, Portrait of Christ (KDS #1941), is a Kooler Classic Charts design created by Linda Gillum of Kooler Design Studio, Inc. It is a counted cross stitch embroidery chart depicting a portrait of Christ, intended as a decorative piece suitable for framing or display. The pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it an excellent project for stitchers who have moved beyond basic sampler work and are comfortable managing shading, detail work, and multiple thread colors within a single design.

About the Design

The Portrait of Christ is a single, detailed figurative design rendered in counted cross stitch. As a portrait-style composition, it relies on careful color blending and precise stitch placement to capture depth, shading, and the subtle tonal transitions characteristic of realistic portraiture in needlework. The design carries a reverent, classic aesthetic consistent with the Kooler Classic Charts series, which is known for timeless, heirloom-quality embroidery subjects.

Stitch Count and Finished Size

The design has a stitch count of 84 stitches wide by 112 stitches high. Finished dimensions vary depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14 Count fabric: approximately 6 inches wide by 8 inches high
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 5¼ inches wide by 7 inches high
• 18 Count fabric: approximately 4⅝ inches wide by 6¼ inches high

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

Techniques Used

This pattern employs three core counted embroidery techniques that work together to build the portrait's detail and dimension:

• Full Cross Stitches: The primary stitch used to fill the design, worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss. Full cross stitches form the foundational blocks of color that build up the image.
• Quarter Stitches (¼ Stitches): Also worked with 3 strands of floss, quarter stitches allow for smoother curves and more refined edges within the portrait, which is especially important in figurative and facial detail work.
• Backstitching: Worked with a single strand of embroidery floss (1 strand), backstitching is used to add fine outlines, define contours, and sharpen details such as facial features. This technique is critical in portrait designs for giving the finished piece a polished, realistic appearance.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked over one square of evenweave or Aida fabric
• Quarter Stitch (¼ Cross Stitch) – worked into a corner of a fabric square for refined shaping
• Backstitch – worked as a single running line stitch for outlining and detail

Materials Referenced

Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida fabric. Aida is the most widely used evenweave fabric for counted cross stitch, featuring a clearly defined grid of holes that makes it easy to count stitches accurately. The 14 count designation means there are 14 stitches per inch, offering a balanced scale that is comfortable for intermediate stitchers. White Aida provides a clean, bright ground that allows thread colors to read clearly, which is particularly important in a portrait design where color accuracy and contrast contribute to the likeness.

Embroidery Floss

The pattern includes a Floss and Symbol Listing specifying the thread colors required. The chart uses symbol-coded squares corresponding to individual floss colors, allowing stitchers to follow the design grid precisely. Embroidery floss is typically a 6-strand divisible cotton thread; this pattern calls for 3 strands for full and quarter stitches and 1 strand for backstitching, which is standard practice for achieving smooth coverage and fine detail on