A Wreath For Summer - PDF

A Wreath For Summer Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1452)

A Wreath For Summer is a charming counted cross stitch decoration pattern designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1452). Published in the Kooler Classic Charts series, this downloadable PDF pattern is rated as beginner-friendly and is ideal for stitchers looking to create a beautiful seasonal wreath design to display as home décor. The finished piece makes a lovely handmade decoration celebrating the warmth and color of summer.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative summer wreath design rendered in counted cross stitch. With a stitch count of 91 wide by 90 high, the design is nearly square and works up to a range of finished sizes depending on the fabric count chosen. It is intended as a standalone decorative piece — perfect for framing, displaying in a hoop, or finishing as a seasonal home accent.

Finished Size Options

• 10 Count fabric: approximately 9w × 9h inches
• 14 Count fabric: approximately 6½w × 6⅜h inches
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 5⅝w × 5⅝h inches
• 18 Count fabric: approximately 5w × 5h inches

As noted in the pattern, stitchers should add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow adequate margins for finishing and framing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several classic counted cross stitch techniques that make it accessible to beginners while still producing a polished, detailed result:

• Full Cross Stitches – the primary stitch used to fill the design with color and form the main body of the wreath motif
• Quarter Stitches (¼ Stitches) – used to refine curves and edges, giving the design a smoother, more defined outline
• Backstitching – used for fine detail work, outlines, and definition throughout the design, adding depth and crispness to the finished piece

Counted cross stitch is a form of embroidery worked on evenweave or Aida fabric, where each stitch is placed over a counted number of fabric threads or holes, following a gridded chart. The technique is well-suited to beginners because the fabric guides stitch placement naturally.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss
• Quarter Stitch (¼ Cross Stitch) – worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss
• Backstitch – worked with 1 or 2 strands of embroidery floss depending on the area of the design

Materials – Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida fabric. Aida is the most popular fabric choice for counted cross stitch, particularly for beginners, as its woven grid of evenly spaced holes makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately. The count number refers to the number of stitches per inch — a 14 count fabric produces 14 stitches per linear inch. Stitchers may also choose alternative fabric counts (10, 16, or 18 count) to achieve a larger or smaller finished size.

Materials – Embroidery Floss

The pattern uses DMC embroidery floss throughout, with a comprehensive color palette that captures the lush, vibrant tones of a summer wreath. The full floss listing includes the following DMC thread colors:

• DMC 301 – medium brown-red
• DMC 310 – black
• DMC 349 – dark coral red
• DMC 350 – medium coral red
• DMC 351 – coral
• DMC 352 – light coral
• DMC 353 – peach
• DMC 472 – ultra