Bunny Nest - PDF

Bunny Nest Counted Cross Stitch Pattern – KDS #2141 by Kooler Design Studio

The Bunny Nest is a charming counted cross stitch decoration design created by Linda Gillum and published by Kooler Design Studio, Inc. under catalog number KDS #2141. Released in 2018, this intermediate-level embroidery project is available as a downloadable PDF and is part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection. The finished piece depicts a decorative bunny nest scene, making it an ideal seasonal or Easter-themed decoration for the home.

What Is Being Made

Stitchers will create a detailed needlework decoration featuring a bunny nest motif. With a stitch count of 130 stitches wide by 129 stitches high, this is a substantial and rewarding project. The finished design size varies depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14 Count Aida: approximately 9¼ inches wide by 9⅛ inches high
• 16 Count Aida: approximately 8⅛ inches wide by 8 inches high
• 18 Count Aida: approximately 7⅛ inches wide by 7⅛ inches high

The pattern is designed to be stitched on 14 Count Hunter Green Aida fabric, which provides a rich, earthy background that complements the naturalistic color palette of the design. Stitchers should add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow sufficient border for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs two core counted embroidery techniques that are standard in the cross stitch tradition:

• Full Cross Stitch: The primary technique used to fill in the design. Each full cross stitch is worked using 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss, creating solid, well-defined coverage over the Aida fabric.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining, detail work, and adding fine definition to the design elements. Backstitching is worked with just 1 strand of floss, producing crisp, clean lines that bring the bunny nest scene to life with precision and depth.

Counted cross stitch is a form of embroidery in which each stitch is formed over a set number of fabric threads or Aida squares, following a gridded chart. The technique allows stitchers to recreate detailed, pixel-like images with great accuracy. Backstitch, worked in a continuous running line, is layered on top of the cross stitched areas to add contour and fine detail that cross stitch alone cannot achieve.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – worked with 3 strands of DMC floss
• Backstitch – worked with 1 strand of DMC floss for fine outlining and detail

Materials – Floss and Fabric

The pattern calls for DMC embroidery floss in a wide and carefully curated palette of colors that together evoke the soft, natural tones of a springtime nest scene. The full color list includes the following DMC thread numbers:

• DMC 211 – Lavender-Light
• DMC 304 – Red-Medium
• DMC 309 – Rose-Deep
• DMC 310 – Black
• DMC 334 – Baby Blue-Medium (used for both cross stitch and backstitch)
• DMC 340 – Blue Violet-Medium
• DMC 469 – Avocado Green
• DMC 471 – Avocado Green-Very Light (used for both cross stitch and backstitch)
• DMC 472 – Avocado Green-Ultra Light (note: 2 skeins required)
• DMC 503 – Blue Green-Medium
• DMC 543 – Beige Brown-Ultra Light
• DMC 730 –