A colorful rooster with a sweeping rainbow tail perches above three hens along a leafy, flower-dotted vine — a cheerful farmhouse scene worked in DMC thread across a 200 × 198 stitch grid.
This design is laid out as a corner motif, with the rooster and vine running up one side and the hens along the bottom, leaving the center open. That makes it a great fit for a corner of a tea towel, tablecloth, or a piece you want to frame with extra breathing room. 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 × 198 stitches
Finished Size: from 7.1″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 14.3″ × 14.1″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 12 DMC thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 14–24 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 Beige, Natural, Soft Oatmeal, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for 12 colors, a lively mix for the rooster’s tail plus softer tones for the hens
- 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
- Since this is a corner design, plan your fabric placement before you start — leave enough margin around the motif for whatever you’re finishing it into (a towel hem, a frame, etc.).
- The rooster’s tail uses several bold, distinct colors — stitch it in color blocks (all the blue, then all the green, then all the red) rather than working row by row.
- The three birds along the bottom share similar yellow and gray-brown tones — good, consistent light makes those easier to tell apart, especially between the two golden hens.
- Since the background is left unstitched, keep your tension even along the vine and feather edges 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 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 | 14.3″ × 14.1″ / 36.3 × 35.9 cm |
| 16 ct | 12.5″ × 12.4″ / 31.8 × 31.4 cm |
| 18 ct | 11.1″ × 11.0″ / 28.2 × 27.9 cm |
| 20 ct | 10.0″ × 9.9″ / 25.4 × 25.1 cm |
| 22 ct | 9.1″ × 9.0″ / 23.1 × 22.9 cm |
| 25 ct | 8.0″ × 7.9″ / 20.3 × 20.1 cm |
| 28 ct | 7.1″ × 7.1″ / 18.1 × 18.0 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No — the background is left unstitched, and the design itself is laid out as a corner motif with the center left open. This makes it a good fit for finishing onto linens like towels or tablecloths, not just framing.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 14–24 hours in total. With 12 colors and an open, corner-style layout, this one moves at a moderate pace.
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 rooster and hens design brings real farmhouse charm to whatever you stitch it onto — the corner layout makes it especially versatile for linens as well as framed wall art, without an overly long color list to manage.
Grab all four pattern files below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
