Asian Bellpulls - PDF

Asian Bellpulls Cross Stitch Pattern by Kooler Design Studio – Downloadable PDF

The Asian Bellpulls pattern, catalog number KDS#914 / 42853, is a Kooler Classic Charts design created by Nancy Rossi and published by Kooler Design Studio, Inc. in 2010. This intermediate-level embroidery project produces elegant decorative bellpulls inspired by Asian aesthetics — a timeless style of wall hanging that adds a sophisticated, handcrafted accent to any home décor. The pattern includes two distinct designs, labeled Design A and Design B, each stitched separately and finished as a long, narrow decorative panel.

What You Will Make

Bellpulls are a classic form of decorative needlework, traditionally displayed as vertical wall hangings. Each finished piece in this pattern is a tall, slender cross-stitched panel with an Asian-inspired motif. When mounted on bellpull hardware — typically metal or wooden rods with hanging loops — these pieces make striking home decorations. Both Design A and Design B share the same stitch count and finished dimensions, making them a natural matching pair that can be displayed together or separately.

Finished Size and Stitch Count

• Stitch Count: 63 stitches wide × 237 stitches high, for each individual design
• On 14-count fabric: approximately 6¼ inches wide × 23⅝ inches high
• On 16-count fabric: approximately 3⅞ inches wide × 14¾ inches high
• On 18-count fabric: approximately 3½ inches wide × 13⅛ inches high
• Add 4–6 inches to each measurement when cutting fabric to allow for framing and finishing

Techniques and Stitches Used

This is a counted cross stitch embroidery pattern, meaning stitchers follow a charted grid to place each stitch precisely on evenweave or Aida fabric. The pattern employs a combination of four distinct embroidery techniques, each serving a specific visual purpose in the finished design:

Cross Stitch

The primary stitch used throughout both designs. Cross stitches are worked using 3 strands of floss and form the main body of color and imagery in each bellpull. Cross stitch involves forming an X-shaped stitch over the intersections of the fabric weave, building up a pixelated image block by block.

Backstitch

Backstitch is used with 1 strand of floss for outlining and adding fine detail and definition to the design. This technique involves stitching backward along a line, creating a smooth, continuous outline that sharpens edges and adds realism or decorative linework to the motifs.

Straight Stitch

The pattern also calls for straight stitches, worked with 1 strand of floss. Straight stitches are single, flat stitches placed in a specific direction to suggest texture, fine lines, or decorative details that cross stitch alone cannot achieve.

French Knots

French knots are worked using 1 strand of floss and add small, raised, dimensional dots to the design. These are a classic embroidery accent stitch, created by wrapping the thread around the needle before inserting it back through the fabric, producing a neat, rounded knot on the surface.

Materials – Floss and Fabric

Fabric

Both designs are intended to be stitched on 14-count Lite Oatmeal Aida cloth. Aida is the most widely used counted cross stitch fabric, woven with evenly spaced holes that guide stitch placement. The warm, neutral tone of Lite Oatmeal Aida complements the earthy and jewel-toned color palette of the Asian-inspired motifs beautifully.

Embroidery Floss

The pattern uses DMC embroidery floss throughout, with one special exception. The full palette includes a rich range of colors suited to Asian decorative themes — warm terracottas, soft greens, earthy browns, muted golds, and