Rose PDF

Rose Cross Stitch Chart – Kooler Classic Charts KDS# 1563 by Barbara Baatz Hillman

This Rose PDF is a downloadable cross stitch chart from Kooler Design Studio, designed by Barbara Baatz Hillman and catalogued as KDS# 1563. Part of the beloved Kooler Classic Charts collection, this beginner-friendly embroidery pattern captures the timeless beauty of a rose in a compact, highly versatile format. Whether you are new to counted cross stitch or a seasoned stitcher looking for a satisfying decorative project, this chart offers a rewarding experience with a stunning floral result suitable for framing, greeting cards, ornaments, or a wide range of home décor applications.

What Is Being Made

The finished design is a counted cross stitch rose intended as a decorative embroidery piece. With its classic floral subject matter, the completed work is well suited for display as a framed decoration, incorporated into a handmade card, stitched onto a pillow, or used as a small ornamental accent in any home setting. The design is listed under the decorations project category, making it an ideal choice for gift-giving or seasonal display.

Design Specifications and Stitch Count

The chart is worked on a 60-stitch wide by 60-stitch high grid, giving stitchers a clear and manageable composition. The physical finished size varies depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 10 Count fabric: approximately 6w × 6h inches
• 12 Count fabric: approximately 5w × 5h inches
• 14 Count fabric: approximately 4¼w × 4¼h inches
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 3¾w × 3¾h inches

Kooler Design Studio recommends adding 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting your fabric to allow sufficient margin for framing or finishing. This flexibility across multiple fabric counts makes the pattern accessible to stitchers who prefer different levels of detail and finished size.

Recommended Materials and Fabric

The design is stitched on 14 Count White Aida as the primary recommended fabric. Aida cloth is the most popular fabric choice for counted cross stitch, particularly for beginners, because its evenly woven grid of holes makes it straightforward to count and place stitches accurately. The white ground allows the rose's colors to appear vivid and true to the chart's original palette.

For thread, the pattern uses embroidery floss, with a detailed Floss and Symbol Listing provided within the chart. Specific floss colors are keyed to symbols on the chart grid, allowing stitchers to select the correct shades for each area of the rose design. Embroidery floss is typically a six-strand divisible cotton thread, and this pattern specifies precise strand counts for different stitch types.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs two core counted embroidery techniques that together create a polished, detailed floral image:

• Full Cross Stitches: The primary technique used to fill in the body of the rose design. Full cross stitches are formed by crossing two diagonal stitches over one fabric square, creating the characteristic X shape that gives cross stitch its name. These stitches build up the color blocks and shading of the rose petals, leaves, and background.
• Backstitching: Used for outlining and adding fine detail and definition to the design. Backstitch creates a continuous line that sharpens edges, defines petal contours, and adds realism and depth to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss for solid, well-covered color areas
• Backstitch – worked with 1 strand of embroidery floss for fine, precise outlining and detail work

The use of 3 strands for full stitches on 14 Count Aida ensures good coverage and a slightly textured, rich appearance, while the single strand of backstitch keeps detail lines crisp and delicate without overpowering the cross-stitched areas.

Skill Level and Suitability