Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral Counted Cross Stitch Kit by Merejka K-317

Stitch Notre-Dame de Paris, a counted cross-stitch kit by Merejka — the great Gothic cathedral rises above the Seine with its twin towers, slender spire and carved rose window, framed by pink blossoming trees and fresh spring greenery along the stone embankment, while a glass-roofed river boat glides past under a soft lilac and peach sky.

A little stitcher's folklore: stitchers say every cathedral piece is really stitched twice — once in thread and once in memory, for every trip you took or still dream of. Paris travelers tend to agree.

Why this kit: if you love Paris or Gothic architecture, this is the view from the river that everyone remembers; 46 DMC shades give the stonework its warm depth and the sky its painterly pastel glow; and French knots and lazy daisy stitches bring the rose window tracery and the blossoms to life.

Kit includes: Zweigart Aida 16-count fabric in ecru, DMC stranded cotton in 46 colors and a John James needle. The chart is digital-only through Merejka's free Fantastitch app, so you can zoom into every window and symbol; no paper chart is included. Frame and hoop are not included.

The design uses full and half cross stitches, backstitch, French knots and lazy daisy stitches, about 40,500 stitches across a 250 x 196 grid. Work section by section from the sky down to the river, add backstitch to the towers and windows, finish with the knots and lazy daisies, then press lightly and frame.

Finished size: 38 x 31 cm (14.96 x 12.20 in). A rewarding project for experienced stitchers who enjoy detailed architecture, and a memorable gift for anyone who loves Paris or European cityscapes.