A wide-eyed gray tabby kitten sits framed by a ring of blooming pink roses and green leaves, with rosebuds peeking out on either side. It’s a sweet, romantic design worked in DMC thread across a 200 × 180 stitch grid.
The background is left unstitched around the kitten and roses, so the finished piece has a clean, illustrative look once it’s framed or hooped. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and all four pattern file downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 200 × 180 stitches
Finished Size: from 7.1″ × 6.4″ (28 ct) up to 14.3″ × 12.9″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 19 DMC thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 30–48 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, Light Gray, Soft Beige, Natural, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for 19 colors, a mix of grays and browns for the kitten and dusty rose and green tones for the flowers
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop or Q-snap frame — this design is a good midsize project, so either works well
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- With 19 colors, sort your floss by section before you start — the grays and browns for the kitten, and the dusty rose and green shades for the flowers, so you’re not hunting between the two groups constantly.
- Start with the kitten’s face, since its green eyes and pink nose are the focal point — getting that section right first makes the rest of the piece easier to build around.
- The roses rely on several closely related dusty rose and melon shades — good, consistent light makes those much easier to tell apart.
- Since the background is left unstitched, keep your tension even along the kitten’s fur edges and the rose petal tips so the design stays crisp against the bare fabric.
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 19 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 | 14.3″ × 12.9″ / 36.3 × 32.7 cm |
| 16 ct | 12.5″ × 11.3″ / 31.8 × 28.6 cm |
| 18 ct | 11.1″ × 10.0″ / 28.2 × 25.4 cm |
| 20 ct | 10.0″ × 9.0″ / 25.4 × 22.9 cm |
| 22 ct | 9.1″ × 8.2″ / 23.1 × 20.8 cm |
| 25 ct | 8.0″ × 7.2″ / 20.3 × 18.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 7.1″ × 6.4″ / 18.1 × 16.3 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No — the background is left unstitched around the kitten and roses, so the fabric itself shows through. This gives the finished piece a clean, illustrative look rather than a filled-in scene.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 30–48 hours in total. With 19 colors split between the kitten’s face and the ring of roses, this one takes a bit more time to manage than a simpler single-subject design.
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 kitten and roses design is a sweet, rewarding stitch — the mix of soft gray fur tones and dusty pink blooms makes it a lovely gift piece or a charming addition to any wall, without demanding an oversized time commitment.
Grab all four pattern files below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
