Closely Kept #2 - Digital Cross Stitch Pattern

Inspired by a cased ambrotype* found in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) online archives, this semi-reproduction interprets the lush frame motif embellishment that’s debossed into the velvet on the left side of the case.

This is the second in a series of numbered patterns that showcase the unique motifs in NMAAHC’s collection of photo cases.

Although most of their identities are lost to time, these cases were surely treasured and closely kept.

This pattern uses only one color, so feel free to switch it out!

This is a digital PDF file of a cross stitch pattern. This is not a tangible, stitched final product.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitch Count: 67 x 75 ; Assisi** - 69 x 77

Finished Size:

14 ct / 28 ct over two = 4.8 x 5.4 in. (12.2 x 13.6 cm) ; Assisi - 4.9 x 5.5 in. (12.5 x 14 cm)
16 ct / 32 ct over two = 4.2 x 4.7 in. (10.6 x 11.9 cm) ; Assisi - 4.3 x 4.8 in. (11 x 12.2 cm)
18 ct / 36 ct over two = 3.7 x 4.2 in. (9.5 x 10.6 cm) ; Assisi - 3.8 x 4.3 in. (9.7 x 10.9 cm)
20 ct / 40 ct over two = 3.4 x 3.75 in. (8.6 x 9.5 cm) ; Assisi - 3.5 x 3.9 in. (8.9 x 9.9 cm)

Stitch Total: 1564 ; Assisi - 3749

Stitch Types: full cross stitches

Amount of Colors: 1

Regular model stitched 1 pulled strand over 1 fabric thread on 25 count Potato lugana by Zweigart with Colour and Cotton floss in Mulberry.

Assisi model stitched 1 pulled strand over 2 fabric threads on 40 count Tibouchina linen by Fox and Rabbit with Roxy Floss Co. floss in Vampish.

PDF includes:

• multi-page pattern in black and white symbols
• multi-page pattern in color symbols
• single page pattern in black and white symbols
• single page pattern in color symbols
• floss key
• DMC conversion recommendations
• compatibility with Pattern Keeper app

Share progress on Instagram using #ShadedStitchery!

*Source: Ambrotype of an unidentified woman and child, photographer unidentified. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Liljenquist Family Collection. URL - https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2011.51.11

**Assisi - a technique originating in Medieval Italy that produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void.

The original ambrotype digital image is part of the public domain with Creative Commons Zero (CC0) designation. Usage of its likeness is allowed under the Smithsonian’s Open Access policy.