Love Takes Flight Sampler - PDF

Love Takes Flight Sampler – Cross Stitch Pattern PDF by Kooler Design Studio

The Love Takes Flight Sampler is a charming counted cross stitch sampler design created by Barbara Baatz Hillman for Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1634). Published in 2013, this intermediate-level embroidery pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF and is intended to be stitched as a decorative piece — perfect for framing, gifting, or displaying as a heartfelt handmade decoration. Kooler Design Studio, based in Lafayette, California, is well known for producing high-quality, professionally charted needlework designs, and this sampler is a fine example of their classic chart series.

About the Design

As a sampler, this pattern brings together a variety of decorative motifs and lettering elements in a cohesive composition — a tradition with deep roots in embroidery history. Samplers have long been used to showcase a stitcher's skill across multiple techniques and motifs, and the Love Takes Flight Sampler carries on that tradition with a romantic, uplifting theme suggested by its title. The design is well-suited to intermediate embroiderers who are comfortable working from a symbol-coded chart and managing multiple floss colors.

Stitch Count and Sizing

The pattern provides a generous stitch count of 154 stitches wide by 191 stitches high, giving stitchers flexibility across a range of fabric counts. Finished design dimensions vary depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14 Count: approximately 11 inches wide by 13⅝ inches high
• 16 Count: approximately 9⅝ inches wide by 11⅞ inches high
• 18 Count: approximately 8½ inches wide by 10⅝ inches high

The pattern recommends adding 4 to 6 inches to each measurement when cutting your fabric, ensuring adequate margin for framing or finishing.

Recommended Materials and Fabric

The design is specified to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida cloth, which is the standard recommendation included in the chart. Aida fabric is the most widely used ground cloth for counted cross stitch, featuring an evenly woven grid that makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately. While 14 Count White Aida is the primary recommendation, the sizing information provided for 16 Count and 18 Count fabrics means stitchers can adapt the project to finer evenweave or linen fabrics if preferred, achieving a smaller, more detailed finished piece.

For thread, the pattern uses embroidery floss with a full floss and symbol listing included in the PDF. The chart specifies:

• 3 strands of floss for full cross stitches
• 2 strands of floss for backstitching

Standard six-strand divisible embroidery floss — such as DMC or similar brands — is the typical material used with patterns of this type. A tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count completes the materials list.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This is a counted cross stitch pattern, meaning the stitcher works directly from a charted grid rather than a printed or stamped design on fabric. Each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric, and symbols within each square indicate which floss color to use. The techniques involved in completing this sampler include:

• Full cross stitches — the primary stitch used to fill in the design, worked over one square of Aida fabric using 3 strands of floss
• Backstitching — used for outlines, fine details, lettering, and definition within the design, worked with 2 strands of floss; backstitch adds crisp lines and dimension that cross stitch alone cannot achieve

Cross stitch itself is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the center to create an X shape. Consistent stitch direction — ensuring the top diagonal always crosses in the same direction — is an important technique for a polished, professional result. Backstitching is worked in a running line, with each stitch sharing a hole with the previous one, and is typically completed after all cross stitches in an area are finished.

Pattern Format and Licensing