Fiestaware Collection - PDF

Fiestaware Collection Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1606)

The Fiestaware Collection is a charming counted cross stitch pattern designed by Barbara Baatz Hillman for Kooler Design Studio, a well-established independent design house based in Lafayette, California. Published under catalog number KDS# 1606, this downloadable PDF pattern celebrates the iconic, colorful aesthetic of classic Fiestaware ceramic dishware, making it an ideal project for stitchers who love vintage Americana kitchenware themes. The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery — perfect for framing, displaying in a kitchen, or gifting to a Fiestaware enthusiast.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single cohesive decorative design inspired by the bold, cheerful colors and rounded forms associated with Fiestaware pottery. The composition features the characteristic vibrant palette of this beloved American dinnerware line, rendered in thread on fabric. The finished embroidery is suited for display as wall art or a framed decorative piece in a home setting.

Design Specifications and Stitch Count

The chart is precisely sized and provides stitch counts and finished dimensions across multiple fabric counts, giving stitchers flexibility in how large or small they wish to work the design:

• Stitch Count: 192 stitches wide × 150 stitches high
• 14 Count Aida: approximately 13¾ inches wide × 10¾ inches high
• 16 Count Aida: approximately 12 inches wide × 9⅜ inches high
• 18 Count Aida: approximately 10⅝ inches wide × 8⅜ inches high
• An additional 4 to 6 inches should be added to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing and finishing margins

Techniques Used

This pattern employs the foundational techniques of counted cross stitch embroidery, a craft in which stitches are placed on an even-weave fabric by counting threads or holes to follow a charted grid. It is rated as a beginner level project, making it accessible to those who are new to cross stitch while still offering enough detail and color variety to engage more experienced needleworkers.

• Full Cross Stitches: The primary technique used to fill in the design, worked using 3 strands of embroidery floss for rich, solid coverage on 14 Count Aida
• Backstitching: Used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the design, worked using 1 or 2 strands of embroidery floss depending on the area being outlined — fewer strands create finer, more delicate lines

Cross stitch itself is one of the oldest and most universally practiced forms of hand embroidery. Each full cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the center of a fabric square, and when worked consistently in the same direction, they create a smooth, uniform texture across the finished piece. Backstitching adds crisp outlines and lettering that give a design its finished, polished look.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – the dominant stitch, forming the body and color blocks of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlining, detail work, and fine linear elements throughout the composition

Materials Referenced

While the pattern does not specify individual brand names for all materials, the following fabric and thread specifications are clearly stated in the chart instructions:

• Fabric: 14 Count White Aida is the recommended base fabric. Aida cloth is the most popular fabric for counted cross stitch due to its clearly defined grid of holes, making it easy to count stitches accurately — ideal for beginners.
• Embroidery Floss: The pattern includes a Floss and Symbol Listing chart that maps specific thread colors to symbols used on the grid. Multiple colors are used to capture the vivid, multi-toned palette characteristic of Fiestaware designs. Floss is used at 3 strands for full stitches and 1–