Striped Parrot Tulip - PDF

Striped Parrot Tulip Cross Stitch Pattern – Kooler Design Studio (KDS# 1258)

The Striped Parrot Tulip is a beautifully detailed counted cross stitch chart designed by Barbara Baatz Hillman for Kooler Design Studio, published under catalog number KDS# 1258. This downloadable PDF pattern is part of the Kooler Classic Charts collection and depicts a striking striped parrot tulip — a variety of tulip renowned for its dramatically fringed, flame-streaked petals and bold, painterly coloration. The finished piece is intended as a decorative embroidery project, ideal for framing, displaying as home décor, or incorporating into needlework gifts.

About the Design

The Striped Parrot Tulip design showcases the intricate, variegated petal markings characteristic of the parrot tulip flower, rendered through a rich and carefully chosen palette of DMC embroidery floss. The composition has a stitch count of 124 stitches wide by 180 stitches high, making it a substantial and rewarding project for intermediate-level embroiderers. The design features lush botanical detail, with layered colors conveying depth, shadow, and the distinctive striped markings of the bloom.

Finished Size Options

Because counted cross stitch is worked on fabric with a specific thread count, the finished dimensions of this design will vary depending on the fabric count chosen. The chart provides the following size references:

• 10 Count fabric: approximately 12-3/8 inches wide × 18 inches high
• 14 Count fabric: approximately 8-3/4 inches wide × 12-3/4 inches high
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 7-3/4 inches wide × 11-1/4 inches high
• 18 Count fabric: approximately 6-7/8 inches wide × 10 inches high

The pattern specifies that 4 to 6 inches should be added to each measurement when cutting your fabric, to allow sufficient border for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This is a counted cross stitch pattern, a form of embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are placed on an even-weave or Aida fabric by counting threads or squares on a printed chart. The technique is well-suited to creating detailed, pictorial designs with precise color placement. Two primary embroidery techniques are used in this design:

• Full Cross Stitch: The main technique used to fill in the design, worked with 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the center of a fabric square.
• Backstitch: Used for outlining and adding fine detail and definition to the design, worked with 1 strand of DMC embroidery floss. Backstitch creates clean, continuous lines that bring crispness and realism to botanical subjects like flower petals and stems.

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 outlining and detail

Materials Required

The pattern is designed to be stitched on 14 Count White Aida fabric, which is the recommended ground fabric specified in the chart. Aida is a popular, beginner- and intermediate-friendly evenweave fabric with clearly defined holes that make counting and stitch placement straightforward. The design uses DMC embroidery floss — a widely available, colorfast six-strand cotton thread. The full color palette includes the following DMC thread colors:

• DMC 310 (Black) – used for both cross stitch and backstitch
• DMC 321 (Red)
• DMC 413 (Dark Pewter Gray)
• DMC 414 (Dark Steel Gray)
• DMC 436 (Tan)