A fluffy white cat strikes a pose in red heart-shaped sunglasses and a polka-dot scarf tied at the neck — a fun, graphic little portrait with plenty of personality. It’s worked in DMC thread across a compact 164 × 200 stitch grid.
The background is left unstitched around the cat, so the finished piece has a clean, die-cut look once it’s framed or hooped. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and both the color and black & white chart downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 164 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 5.9″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 11.7″ × 14.3″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 12 DMC thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 25–45 hours, varying by skill level and stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download — the Color Chart, Black & White Chart, a One Page Pattern version, and a Pattern Keeper app file are all included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Pale Blue, Soft Aqua, Light Oatmeal, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for just 12 colors, so it’s a light, manageable floss list
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop or Q-snap frame — this design is compact, so a standard hoop works well
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- Black makes up the largest share of stitches here (it outlines the whole design) — stitch the black outline first to anchor the shape, then fill in the color areas from there.
- With only 12 colors, this pattern is a great pick if you want something less overwhelming to organize than a big multi-color piece — a simple floss box or small bobbins will do.
- Since the background is left unstitched, take care to keep your tension even around the edges of the design so the outline stays crisp against the bare fabric.
- The scarf’s polka dots are small, isolated stitches — a printed copy or pattern-tracking app helps you keep count of them as you go.
Color & Symbol Guide
Download the Pattern
Color Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadBlack & White Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadOne Page Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadPattern Keeper App File
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for DMC brand thread. The color key lists all 12 DMC numbers used, along with the name and stitch count for each.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 11.7″ × 14.3″ / 29.8 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 10.3″ × 12.5″ / 26.0 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 9.1″ × 11.1″ / 23.1 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 8.2″ × 10.0″ / 20.8 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 7.5″ × 9.1″ / 18.9 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 6.6″ × 8.0″ / 16.7 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 5.9″ × 7.1″ / 14.9 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No — the background is left unstitched around the cat, so the fabric itself shows through. This gives the finished piece a clean, graphic look rather than a filled-in scene.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 25–45 hours in total. With only 12 colors and an open background, this one moves faster than a full-coverage design of a similar stitch count.
What’s included in the download?
Four files: the full-color chart, a black & white chart you can print and mark up by hand, a condensed one-page version of the pattern, and a file formatted for the Pattern Keeper app if you prefer to stitch from your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
This cool cat design is a fun, approachable stitch — a manageable 12-color palette and a compact grid make it a nice change of pace from a big full-coverage scene, without losing any of the personality.
Grab both chart versions below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
