Sugar Skull Blue - PDF

Sugar Skull Blue Counted Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS #1754)

The Sugar Skull Blue is a decorative counted cross stitch design created by Maria Parrish for Kooler Design Studio, a well-established independent design house based in Lafayette, California. Released under catalog number KDS #1754, this vibrant pattern is part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection and is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for stitchers eager to get started right away.

The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery project, perfectly suited for framing, displaying as seasonal décor, or incorporating into a variety of home accessories. The bold sugar skull motif draws on the iconic imagery of Day of the Dead folk art, rendered here in a striking palette anchored by bright turquoise tones alongside vivid accent colors.

What You Will Make

This pattern produces a single, detailed sugar skull design worked on fabric. At 14-count Aida cloth, the finished stitch area measures approximately 5 inches wide by 7 inches tall (70 stitches wide by 98 stitches high). The design can also be scaled by working on different fabric counts:

• 14 Count: 5w × 7h inches
• 16 Count: 4⅜w × 6⅛h inches
• 18 Count: 3⅞w × 5⅜h inches

Stitchers are advised to add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting their fabric to allow sufficient border for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern incorporates a variety of classic embroidery techniques, making it an excellent project for beginner to intermediate cross stitchers who want to build their skills while creating a striking finished piece. The techniques included are:

• Full Cross Stitch – the primary stitch forming the bulk of the design, worked over one square of Aida fabric
• Quarter Stitch (¼ Stitch) – used to create smooth curves and fine detail within the design
• Backstitch – worked in a single strand to outline shapes and add crisp definition to the finished image
• Straight Stitch – used for linear detail elements, worked with 2 strands of floss
• French Knots – small, textured knots that add dimensional detail and decorative accents, worked with either 1 or 2 strands depending on the symbol indicated in the chart

The combination of these stitches gives the sugar skull its characteristic decorative flourishes and intricate surface texture, elevating it beyond a simple flat design.

Stitches at a Glance

• Full Cross Stitch – 3 strands of floss
• Quarter Stitch – 3 strands of floss
• Backstitch – 1 strand of floss
• Straight Stitch – 2 strands of floss
• French Knots – 1 or 2 strands of floss (as indicated per color in the chart)

Materials Required

The pattern is designed to be stitched on 14-count White Aida fabric, the most widely available and beginner-friendly counted cross stitch ground. Aida cloth features an even, open weave with clearly defined holes that guide needle placement, making it ideal for those new to the craft as well as experienced stitchers who appreciate its clarity.

All thread colors are specified using DMC embroidery floss, a universally available six-strand cotton floss. The full color palette includes the following DMC shades:

• DMC 310 – Black
• DMC 606 – Bright Orange-Red
• DMC 747 – Sky Blue-Very Light
• DMC 892 – Carnation-Medium
• DMC 894