A wide-eyed ginger kitten peeks out from a lush tangle of flowers in this charming design: deep rose and pink peony-style blooms, navy blue wildflowers, tiny orange berry sprigs and dark slate leaves frame that sweet striped face. The warm tangerine and apricot tones of the kitten pop beautifully against the cooler blues and grays around it.
Worked in just 13 DMC colors on a 109 × 200 stitch grid, with full cross stitches only, it’s a satisfying mid-size project that finishes into a tall, frame-ready piece. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key and all four free downloads: the color chart, the black & white chart, the one-page chart and the Pattern Keeper file.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 109 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 3.9″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 7.8″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 13 DMC thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands
Estimated Time: roughly 40–70 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the big rose-pink bloom at the top left and the start of the kitten’s ear. Each color has its own symbol, and the grid is marked every 10 stitches so it’s easy to keep your place.
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download: Color Chart, Black & White Chart, One Page Chart and Pattern Keeper versions are all included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Light Beige, Soft Yellow, Natural, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC embroidery floss in 13 colors: 225, 310, 318, 413, 500, 640, 722, 740, 899, 967, 3350, 3842 and 3856
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 109 × 200 shape well)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- DMC 3350 (Dusty Rose, Ultra Dark) is by far the biggest color at 2,904 stitches, so buy an extra skein of it up front to avoid a dye-lot mismatch halfway through.
- Several colors are used very sparingly: DMC 318 has only 78 stitches and DMC 310 just 107, mostly in the kitten’s eyes and small flower centers. One skein each is plenty.
- The kitten’s fur mixes four close warm shades (722, 740, 967 and 3856). Stitch under good daylight and double-check symbols in the face area, where they sit side by side.
- Start with the kitten’s face and eyes. Getting that expression right early makes the rest of the piece feel rewarding as the flowers fill in around it.
- The background is left unstitched, so choose your fabric color carefully. White or antique white makes the navy and rose tones pop the most.
- Carry threads only over short distances on the back. Across the open fabric areas, long carries can shadow through light Aida.
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
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for DMC brand thread. All 13 colors are listed in the color key with their DMC numbers and names.
Does this pattern use any blended colors?
No. Every stitch uses a single DMC color with 2 strands, so there’s no need to combine two shades in the needle. That keeps things simple, which is part of why it’s rated Intermediate.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose. Add at least 3″ (7–8 cm) of margin on every side for framing:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 7.8″ × 14.3″ / 19.8 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 6.8″ × 12.5″ / 17.3 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 6.1″ × 11.1″ / 15.4 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 5.5″ × 10.0″ / 13.8 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 5.0″ × 9.1″ / 12.6 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 4.4″ × 8.0″ / 11.1 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 3.9″ × 7.1″ / 9.9 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the kitten and flowers stand out against it. That also means fewer total stitches (about 14,700) than a full-coverage piece of the same size.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 40–70 hours. With only 13 colors and whole stitches throughout, it moves along steadily, and many stitchers finish a piece this size in a few weeks of regular sessions.
What’s the difference between the four downloads?
The Color Chart shows colored symbols across several pages, and the Black & White Chart is the printer-friendly symbol-only version. The One Page Pattern fits the whole design on a single sheet for a quick overview. The Pattern Keeper file is made for the Pattern Keeper app, so you can mark off stitches digitally on a tablet or phone.
Conclusion
This ginger kitten design packs a lot of charm into a manageable size: a curious little face, bold rose and navy flowers, and a simple 13-color DMC palette with no blends to juggle. It’s a lovely step up for stitchers ready to move beyond small beginner pieces, and it makes a sweet gift for any cat lover.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your floss and enjoy watching that kitten appear stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
