Curiosity PDF

Curiosity Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern by Kooler Design Studio

Curiosity is a decorative counted cross stitch design created by Nancy Rossi and published by Kooler Design Studio, Inc. under design reference KDS#905 / 41487. Released in 2010 as part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection, this intermediate-level embroidery pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it easy to access and begin stitching right away. The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery project, ideal for framing or display.

About the Design

The Curiosity pattern features a rich and detailed composition with a substantial stitch count of 112 stitches wide by 140 stitches high. This generous size allows for impressive detail and a full, visually engaging finished piece. The design is rendered across a wide palette of DMC embroidery floss colors, incorporating warm earth tones, deep jewel tones, soft neutrals, and botanical greens to create depth and dimension.

Depending on the fabric count chosen, the finished design will measure approximately:

• 14 Count: 11⅛ inches wide by 14 inches high
• 16 Count: 7 inches wide by 8¾ inches high
• 18 Count: 6⅛ inches wide by 7¾ inches high

Stitchers are advised to add 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing and finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs two core counted embroidery techniques that are fundamental to the cross stitch craft:

• Full Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design, worked with 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss. Cross stitch is formed by making two diagonal stitches that cross at the center, filling each square on the fabric grid with a single color. When worked consistently, this technique produces the smooth, pixelated appearance characteristic of counted cross stitch.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining, detailing, and adding fine linear definition to the design. Backstitch is worked with 1 strand of DMC floss, creating crisp, precise lines that sharpen edges and enhance the overall visual clarity of the finished piece. Specific DMC colors 310 is noted for backstitching in the floss listing.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch — worked over one square of Aida fabric using 3 strands of floss
• Backstitch — worked using 1 strand of floss for fine detail and outlining

Materials Required

Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count Ivory Aida fabric. Aida is the most widely used fabric for counted cross stitch, featuring an even, open weave with clearly defined holes that guide needle placement. The Ivory colorway provides a warm, classic background that complements the earthy and jewel-toned floss palette used in this design. Stitchers may also choose to work on 16 Count or 18 Count Aida for a smaller finished size.

Embroidery Floss

The pattern calls for a large selection of DMC embroidery floss, a standard six-strand cotton floss widely available at craft retailers. The full color palette includes the following DMC thread numbers:

• Warm and earthy tones: DMC 301, 356, 402, 420, 422, 945, 975, 3047, 3776, 3778, 3825
• Deep and rich tones: DMC 221, 309, 327, 791, 793, 839, 902, 3721
• Botanical greens: DMC 319, 367, 470, 472, 906
• Neutrals and soft tones: DMC 310, 413, 415, 451, 3743, 3078, Blanc
• Warm g