Pumpkin Patch Chase Kittens Counted Cross Stitch Kit by Merejka K-307

Stitch Pumpkin Patch Chase, a counted cross-stitch kit by Merejka — two calico kittens in patches of black, ginger and white creep through a pumpkin patch, one peeking over the other's shoulder, while a ripe orange pumpkin, a small butterfly and bright orange blossoms on a twisting vine fill the scene with late-summer color.

A little stitcher's folklore: stitchers say a kitten pattern is never finished on schedule, because you stop to admire every whisker. Here the whiskers are worked in fine backstitch, so you will be stopping often.

Why this kit: if you love cats and the warm colors of fall, this one gives you both without tipping into Halloween; 36 DMC shades build soft fur, glossy leaves and the ribbed shine of the pumpkin; and the cappuccino Aida gives the whole picture a warm, sunlit glow.

Kit includes: Zweigart Aida 16-count fabric in cappuccino, DMC stranded cotton in 36 colors and a John James needle. The chart is digital-only through Merejka's free Fantastitch app, so you can zoom into every symbol; no paper chart is included. Frame and hoop are not included.

Follow the on-screen chart and place each cross stitch on the gridded Aida with the indicated DMC shade, working one area at a time. Add the backstitched whiskers, vine tendrils and butterfly outlines last to sharpen the details, then press lightly from the back and frame.

Finished size: 28 x 26.5 cm (11.02 x 10.43 in). A cozy autumn wall picture for a reading nook or kitchen, and a thoughtful gift for any stitcher who shares their home with a cat.