Sunset Steps

A setting sun above stepped hills and terracotta bands.

48 × 40squares

908full crosses

5colors

Design size

3.43 × 2.86 in

Cut at least 9.50 × 9.00 in of Aida

Stitch mode

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Your colors & materials

Estimate includes 20% extra. Tension and thread travel can change usage.

Symbol & color	Stitches	Single-strand length	Skein equivalent	Buy if needed
A Golden ochre	286	7.36 m	0.153	1 skein
B Rose red	73	1.92 m	0.040	1 skein
C Terracotta	249	6.39 m	0.133	1 skein
D Midnight blue	210	5.38 m	0.112	1 skein
E Warm ivory	90	2.28 m	0.047	1 skein

A six-strand 8 m skein supplies 48 m of single strands. Use matching colors from your stash, or buy at least one skein per color. Screen colors are a guide.

Color names describe the design. Choose matching floss in person; screen colors are not exact brand matches. No DMC mapping is claimed.

Also gather a blunt tapestry needle, a hoop and scissors. Estimated stitching time: 5.7–10.1 hours at 90–160 stitches/hour. This estimate has not been timed by a stitcher.

From first stitch to finish

Prepare your fabric

Cut the suggested fabric size, secure the edges with a zigzag or overcast stitch, and place it in a hoop without stretching the weave.
Find the center

Fold the fabric lightly in both directions. Align the fold intersection with the chart center at column boundary 24 and row boundary 20. Count to the first filled square; blank squares stay unstitched.
Start the first thread

Separate the selected number of strands from six-strand cotton floss. Use a blunt tapestry needle. Leave a short tail on the back and secure it under the first four or five stitches; avoid a knot.
Follow the color order

Work A (Golden ochre), B (Rose red), C (Terracotta), D (Midnight blue), E (Warm ivory). Begin with a nearby central block, then count outward. Count long rows without losing the edge.
Keep your count

One symbol is one full cross over one Aida square. Make lower diagonals in the same direction and top diagonals in the same direction. Check every ten-square line. End and restart thread across gaps longer than five squares.
Finish neatly

Run each ending tail under four or five stitches on the back, then trim. Remove the hoop between sessions. Follow the floss maker's care instructions before washing or pressing; avoid pressing directly on the stitched front.