Santa and Animals Stocking - PDF

Santa and Animals Stocking Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS #1570)

The Santa and Animals Stocking is a charming cross stitch embroidery pattern designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio, Inc., catalogued as KDS #1570. Published in 2014, this festive holiday decoration pattern is delivered as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for stitchers eager to create a beautiful, personalized Christmas stocking. The design features a classic holiday scene with Santa and animals, rendered in a rich and detailed color palette that brings warmth and tradition to any seasonal décor.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a decorative Christmas stocking intended for display as a holiday decoration. The stocking shape is outlined within the chart itself, with a dedicated Stocking Shape Outline and a Personalization Line included as non-stitched guides, allowing crafters to customize the piece with a name or message. At 14 count, the completed stitched area measures approximately 9-5/8 inches wide by 15-3/4 inches tall, making it a generously sized, heirloom-quality stocking suitable for framing, hanging, or gifting.

Design Details and Stitch Count

The design has a stitch count of 135 wide by 220 high, offering a substantial and detailed composition. The pattern can be stitched on different fabric counts to achieve varying finished sizes:

• 14 Count: approximately 9-5/8w × 15-3/4h inches
• 16 Count: approximately 8-1/2w × 13-3/4h inches
• 18 Count: approximately 7-1/2w × 12-1/4h inches

Crafters are advised to add 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric, ensuring adequate margin for finishing and framing.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level embroidery pattern that incorporates multiple counted cross stitch techniques, giving the finished piece depth, definition, and fine detail. The techniques used include:

• Full Cross Stitch – the primary technique used to fill in the main areas of the design, worked with 3 strands of floss
• Quarter Stitch (1/4 Stitch) – used to create smooth curves and refined edges within the design, also worked with 3 strands of floss
• Backstitch – used for outlining, fine detail, and definition throughout the design, worked with a single strand of floss for crisp, precise lines
• French Knots – used as decorative accent stitches, worked with a single strand of floss to create small, textured dots ideal for eyes, berries, or other fine details

The combination of these four techniques is characteristic of intermediate counted cross stitch work. Quarter stitches in particular require careful attention to placement on the fabric grid, and backstitching demands a steady hand to achieve clean outlines. French knots add a tactile, dimensional quality that elevates the overall appearance of the finished piece.

Stitches Used

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

Materials Referenced

The pattern specifies stitching on 14 Count White Aida fabric as the recommended base material. Aida cloth is the most widely used fabric in counted cross stitch due to its evenly woven, easy-to-count grid structure, making it well-suited for both beginners and experienced stitchers. The design uses DMC embroidery floss throughout, with a comprehensive color palette of over 30 shades. Notable DMC colors listed in the floss and symbol chart include:

• DMC 310