Closely Kept No. 4 - Digital Cross Stitch Pattern

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

Closely Kept is 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.

Stitch Count: 63w x 71h ; Assisi** - 68w x 75h

Finished Size:

14 ct / 28 ct over two = 4.5 x 5.1 inches (11.4 x 12.9 cm) ; Assisi - 4.9 x 5.4 inches (12.3 x 13.6 cm)
16 ct / 32 ct over two = 3.9 x 4.4 inches (10 x 11.3 cm) ; Assisi - 4.2 x 4.7 inches (10.8 x 11.9 cm)
18 ct / 36 ct over two = 3.5 x 3.9 inches (8.9 x 10 cm) ; Assisi - 3.8 x 4.2 inches (9.6 x 10.6 cm)
20 ct / 40 ct over two = 3.2 x 3.6 inches (8.1 x 9.1 cm) ; Assisi - 3.4 x 3.75 inches (8.6 x 9.5 cm)

Stitch Total: 1472 ; Assisi - 3628

Stitch Types: full cross stitches

Amount of Colors: 1

Regular model stitched 1 strand over 2 threads on 40 count Cherry Cobbler linen by Roxy Floss Co. with Roxy Floss Co. floss in Piggy Bank.

Assisi model stitched 1 strand over 1 thread on 25 count Seashell evenweave by Roxy Floss Co. with Roxy Floss Co. floss in Tuesday.

Thanks to Nati S. for stitching both models.

PDF includes:

• multi-page patterns in black and white symbols
• multi-page patterns in color symbols
• single page patterns in black and white symbols
• single page patterns in color symbols
• floss key
• compatibility with Pattern Keeper app

Share progress on Instagram tagging @shadedstitchery!

*Source: Tintype of a Civil War Soldier, 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_2011.51.12

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

The original tintype 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.