Puppies and Kittens Birth Record - PDF

Puppies and Kittens Birth Record Cross Stitch Pattern by Kooler Design Studio

This Puppies and Kittens Birth Record is a charming counted cross stitch pattern designed by Linda Gillum for Kooler Design Studio (KDS #1793), based in Lafayette, California. Released in 2018 as part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection, this design is a delightful keepsake piece intended as a decorative birth record — a timeless way to commemorate the arrival of a new baby with a whimsical animal theme featuring puppies and kittens. It is rated as a beginner-friendly embroidery project, making it accessible to those who are just learning the craft as well as experienced stitchers looking for an enjoyable, rewarding project.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a decorative birth record suitable for framing and displaying in a nursery or gifting to a new parent. The design incorporates a personalization line where the baby's birth details can be recorded, though this line itself is not stitched — it serves as a guide for hand-lettering or other personalization after the embroidery is complete. The overall composition features the signature Kooler Design Studio style of detailed, colorful illustration rendered in counted cross stitch, here centered on the endearing imagery of puppies and kittens.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch — the primary technique, worked by counting threads on an even-weave fabric and placing X-shaped stitches according to the color-coded chart
• Full cross stitch — used throughout the main design to build color, form, and detail in the puppy and kitten motifs
• Backstitch — used for outlining, fine detail work, and lettering, giving the finished design crisp definition and a polished, professional look

Counted cross stitch is one of the most approachable forms of hand embroidery. Each stitch is formed over a set number of fabric threads, following a gridded chart where each square represents one stitch. The regularity of the grid makes it easy for beginners to follow along, while the combination of full cross stitches and backstitching allows for both bold color fills and delicate linear details in a single piece.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch — worked with 3 strands of embroidery floss for the majority of the design
• Backstitch — worked with 1 strand of embroidery floss for fine outlines and detail lines

Design Specifications and Stitch Count

The design has a stitch count of 169 wide by 120 high, giving it a generous size that allows for plenty of detail in the puppy and kitten imagery. The finished dimensions vary depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14 count fabric: approximately 12 inches wide by 8½ inches high
• 16 count fabric: approximately 10½ inches wide by 7½ inches high
• 18 count fabric: approximately 9⅜ inches wide by 6⅝ inches high

An additional 4 to 6 inches should be added to each measurement when cutting the fabric, to allow for framing and finishing.

Materials — Fabric

The pattern is designed to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida cloth. Aida is the most popular fabric choice for counted cross stitch, featuring a woven grid of evenly spaced holes that guide needle placement and make counting straightforward — ideal for beginners. Higher count Aida (16 or 18 count) produces a smaller, finer finished piece and is equally suitable for this design.

Materials — Floss and Colors

The pattern uses DMC embroidery floss, one of the most widely available and trusted brands of six-strand cotton embroidery thread. The full color palette includes a rich range of shades to bring the puppies and kittens to life with warmth and dimension. The complete floss list includes:

• DMC 301 — medium brown-red
• DMC 310 (Black) — 2 skeins required