Advanced cross stitch pattern featuring koi fish swimming in a lush underwater garden with lotus flowers and sunlight reflections.
Free Cross Stitch Pattern Koi Fish

ooking for a Free Cross Stitch Pattern Koi Fish that brings peace, beauty, and challenge to your needlework? This advanced koi fish cross stitch design immerses you in a serene underwater garden, where shimmering koi glide through lily pads, lotus blooms, and soft rays of filtered sunlight. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher craving complexity or a nature enthusiast who appreciates aquatic themes, this counted cross stitch pattern offers a rewarding project worth every stitch.


A Breathtaking Scene in Thread: Pattern Overview

This free cross stitch design captures the quiet grace of koi fish swimming among lush underwater flora. The koi are brought to life using a balanced palette of whites, oranges, golds, and earthy grays. Every fish is finely shaded to suggest glimmering scales and flowing fins in motion. Soft sunlight filters from above, casting delicate reflections across the aquatic plants and enhancing the design’s depth.

The background vegetation includes lotus flowers, lily pads, and submerged greenery, with bubbles subtly rising to create natural rhythm and flow. It’s a visual story of tranquility and life beneath the surface—ideal for wall art, spa room décor, or a centerpiece in a nature-themed stitching collection.


Free Cross Stitch Pattern Koi Fish Difficulty Level: Advanced

This free counted cross stitch pattern is designed for experienced stitchers. Its complexity lies in:

  • Dense stitch areas
  • Frequent color transitions
  • Highly detailed shading in fish and plants

Expect a challenging but deeply satisfying stitching experience, especially if you enjoy technical designs and realistic textures.

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Recommended Fabric and Thread

To bring this underwater world to life, use high-quality materials that enhance the pattern’s detail and color vibrancy.

Suggested Fabric and Floss:

  • Fabric: 14-count Aida cloth in pale blue or hand-dyed aqua shades for an aquatic backdrop
  • Thread: DMC embroidery floss (full list in the chart below)
  • Needles: Size 24 tapestry needles

🧵 Recommended Materials and Tools for Free Cross Stitch Pattern Koi Fish

Get the most out of your stitching session with these essential tools:

  • Premium pure white cotton Fabric: 14-count Aida cloth in soft colors 👉buy on Amazon
  • Floss kit with 124 vibrant skeins 👉buy on Amazon
  • Set of tapestry needles made of stainless steel 👉buy on Amazon

🛠️ Additional Cross Stitch Accessories

Take your crafting comfort to the next level with these helpful additions:

  • Magnifying Glasses with Light for Cross stitching 👉buy on Amazon
  • Set of 12 durable 3″ bamboo embroidery hoops 👉buy on Amazon
  • Beaditive Precision Craft Scissors 👉buy on Amazon
  • 360° rotating beech wood thread rack with 93 spindles and inner storage 👉buy on Amazon
  • Adjustable 44cm beech wood embroidery stand with 360° rotation 👉buy on Amazon
  • Set of 40 fine-tip fabric pens with vibrant, permanent, non-toxic ink 👉buy on Amazon

Convert Pattern Size for 14-Count Aida

Design Size: 300 x 300 stitches
Fabric Count: 14-count Aida

How to Calculate:

  • Width: 300 ÷ 14 = 21.43 inches (54.43 cm)
  • Height: 300 ÷ 14 = 21.43 inches (54.43 cm)

This makes it ideal for framing or showcasing in large embroidery hoops or quilt panels.


DMC Floss Color Table

Here’s a complete list of colors used in this koi fish cross stitch chart. Each floss brings depth, contrast, and texture to the overall design.

SymbolDMC CodeNameStitches
1B5200Snow White490
214Apple Green – Pale2566
316Chartreuse – Light224
4166Moss Green – Medium Light566
5310Black2620
6370Mustard – Medium1874
7371Mustard1249
8433Brown – Medium715
9581Moss Green980
10640Beige Gray – Very Dark4598
11644Beige Gray – Medium5395
12648Beaver Gray – Light5413
13680Old Gold – Dark978
14704Chartreuse – Bright1444
15739Tan – Ultra Very Light3147
16779Cocoa – Dark1339
17895Hunter Green – Very Dark10955
18920Copper – Medium504
19937Avocado Green – Medium4356
20966Baby Green – Medium4156
21987Forest Green – Dark2130
223022Brown Gray – Medium5801
233072Beaver Gray – Very Light4870
243371Black Brown5225
253781Mocha Brown – Dark2325
263815Celadon Green – Dark6787
273816Celadon Green3662
283826Golden Brown772
293849Teal Green – Light2949
303864Mocha Beige – Light1910

Creative Finishing Ideas

This free cross stitch chart is perfect for:

  • Framing in a deep shadow box with a blue mat
  • Displaying as a spa room centerpiece
  • Incorporating into a quilt or cushion panel
  • Pairing with other aquatic or nature-themed xstitch patterns

Personalization Tips

Want to make it yours?

  • Use hand-dyed Aida fabric for a watercolor effect
  • Add metallic floss in the bubbles or koi fins for a shimmer
  • Stitch a custom border with your initials or a quote
  • Blend it into a series of cross and stitch ocean or nature scenes

🧰 Extra Tools Worth Considering

If you’re ready to elevate your stitching setup, these are highly recommended by experienced cross stitchers.

They’re also perfect gift ideas for craft lovers.

  • LED Desk or Clip-On Light – Perfect for evening stitching or working in low-light environments 👉buy on Amazon
  • Portable Embroidery Organizer Bag – Keep your threads, hoops, needles, and projects neatly stored and easy to carry 👉buy on Amazon
  • Water-Soluble Stabilizer Sheets – Great for beginners or working with detailed patterns 👉buy on Amazon
  • Silicone Finger Protectors (Thimbles) – Help reduce discomfort during long stitching sessions 👉buy on Amazon

DOWNLOAD Free Cross Stitch Pattern Koi Fish HERE

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By Grandma Amy

Hi, I’m Grandma Amy! I share free cross stitch patterns. You’ll Find Cute, seasonal, funny, and beginner-friendly patterns. Follow us on Facebook to connect and share your work. Get in Touch if you have Questions or ideas? Message me anytime. Happy stitching! 🧵💗

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