Spring is beginning to whisper its way in here in the Kansas City area, and there’s nothing I love more than welcoming a new season with a fresh pattern and hoop in hand. Whether you’re stitching beside a sunny window or sneaking in a few quiet moments in the evening, springtime designs always seem to bring a sense of renewal and gentle joy. I’m so happy you’re here today, sharing in that creative spirit with me.
I’m especially excited to introduce a brand new complimentary cross stitch chart that feels perfectly at home this time of year. Cottontail Cottage is a sweet, seasonal design that captures the charm of spring with rich colors, bunny motifs, and fun finishing possibilities. If you’re looking for an easy, colorful stitch to add to your spring lineup, this project may be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out how to get this new, free design!
About Cottontail Cottage
Cottontail Cottage is a complimentary cross stitch pattern created to celebrate the beauty of spring stitching. The design features a cozy cottage nestled among flower‑filled garden motifs that feel fresh, peaceful, and inviting. I teamed up with Valdani for this special project, pairing their beautifully hand‑dyed floss and Stitcher's Cloth with my original design that highlights soft color transitions and timeless spring charm.
Design details include:
- Stitch Count: 88 stitches high × 98 stitches wide
- Finished Size: Approximately 4⅞” × 5½” when stitched on 36‑count fabric
- Techniques Used: Cross Stitch (over two linen threads), Partial Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, and one French Knot
This size makes Cottontail Cottage a wonderfully manageable project—perfect for seasonal stitching that feels satisfying and relaxing without ever feeling overwhelming.
Model Floss: Valdani 6-ply Floss
This design is stitched entirely with Valdani Embroidery Cotton 6‑Ply Floss, a favorite among stitchers who appreciate rich, nuanced color. Valdani 6-ply Floss is known for its hand‑dyed appearance, subtle shading, and vibrant hues that add depth without overpowering the design. These soft, smooth, and colorfast cotton threads are available in an expansive palette of more than 330 hand‑dyed variegated and solid colors, making them a joy to stitch with and a perfect choice for Cottontail Cottage.
For my model, I used two strands of floss for full coverage and added texture on 36‑count fabric (a personal preference). If you prefer the look of stitching with one strand, that works beautifully too!
If you are new to Valdani Embroidery Cotton 6-Ply Floss, this is the perfect project to give it a try and see why it is a favorite in my stitching nest. The Cottontail Cottage chart uses a thoughtfully curated palette that feels both earthy and elegant:
Floss colors used:
- H202 – Withered Green
- H204 – Nostalgic Rose
- H209 – Khaki Black
- H210 – Melancholic Purple
- H211 – Blue Black
- M49 – Subtle Elegance
- O78 – Aged Wine
- O86 – Ripened Plum
- O154 – Antique Gold
- O196 – Muddy Bark
- O505 – Toffee
- O510 – Terracotta Twist
- O537 – Sea Deep
- O575 – Crispy Leaf
Together, these colors create a beautifully cohesive spring palette with just the right balance of warmth, contrast, and softness.
Model Fabric: Valdani Stitcher’s Cloth
The model for Cottontail Cottage is stitched on 36‑count Valdani Stitcher’s Cloth in Natural, a fabric that complements the design beautifully. Stitcher’s Cloth offers a clean, classic foundation for needlework and is made from a premium blend of linen and cotton, combining the smooth softness of cotton with the strength and lovely texture of linen. The result is a fabric that feels wonderful in hand, is durable, wrinkle‑resistant, and a pleasure to stitch on.
The Natural colorway has a warm, neutral tone that is soft and subtle, allowing the floss colors to shine without competing for attention. Using a higher‑count fabric also helps keep the finished piece delicate and refined—making it an ideal choice for decorative finishing such as hoop displays, small seasonal bowl fillers, or spring accents.
Stitching the Design
Cottontail Cottage is stitched over two linen threads using two strands of floss, creating lovely full coverage without feeling heavy. Backstitching adds definition to select areas, and a single French knot is used for the cottage doorknob—a tiny detail that adds just the right touch of character and charm. These classic stitches are simple yet effective, making this project relaxing and enjoyable from start to finish.
Pair your stitching with my very favorite bunny wooden thread bobbins—they match this design perfectly! My Bunny Thread Bobbins are from The Bitsy Brocante Shop and come as a charming set complete with a wooden storage box and a chalkboard marker. The backs of the bobbins are finished with chalkboard paint, allowing you to write the floss number directly on them, then wipe clean and reuse again and again. If you prefer a smaller option, they’re also available as a petite set on a floss ring.
Finishing in a Hoop
When working on the design, I knew right away that I wanted to finish Cottontail Cottage in a wooden hoop, leaving a touch of open space at the top for the sky. This was simply a personal preference—please feel free to use your favorite finishing technique. A hoop finish highlights the natural texture of the fabric and gives the piece a casual, cozy feel that’s perfect for spring decorating.
I stitched the majority of the design in a 7″ hoop and then finished it in a 6″ hoop, allowing the stitching to gently flow over the edge of the hoop. To finish the back, I gathered and laced the linen, then hand‑stitched a 6″ circle of wool felt over the back for a neat, polished finish.
Displayed on a shelf, tucked into a seasonal vignette, or hung on the wall, a hoop‑finished Cottontail Cottage brings a warm, handmade touch to your spring décor.
For display, I paired my hoop with my very favorite Embroidery Hoop Stand from Modern Hoopla. It’s a wonderful way to turn any hoop‑finished design into a shelf or tabletop display. The instructions suggest placing the hoop screw at the bottom so it fits directly into the stand, but I chose to leave mine at the top—I thought I might want the option to hang the piece at a later date.
Download the Chart
A Sweet Addition to Your Spring Stitching
I hope Cottontail Cottage inspires you to slow down, enjoy your stitching time, and welcome spring with a project that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s a design that celebrates simple beauty, quality materials, and the joy of creating something by hand.
Hop on over to my website to download this complimentary pattern and get started right away. I can’t wait to see how you stitch and finish your own version of Cottontail Cottage. Thank you so much for stopping by today, and happy stitching as we welcome the season ahead!
