How It's Made: Our Floating Basset Hound

Every pattern has a story—and this one started with a floppy-eared, low-riding pup and a whimsical idea that just wouldn’t let go.

The concept for this design came from the thought that this basset hound looked so long and droopy, he needed a little lift. Enter: one oversized balloon, gently tugging him skyward. The mix of weight and lightness, stubbornness and whimsy—it just felt right.

We wanted this pattern to feel modern, playful, and unmistakably full of character. The basset’s expression had to say “I didn’t ask for this”, and the balloon needed to feel buoyant without being overly cutesy. Think: a minimalist cartoon with personality, stitched in clean lines, bold color and a little extra challenge in the balloon design.

Creating this piece was all about balance. We spent time experimenting with:

• Just the right loop in the balloon string
• The perfect, expressive eyebrows
• Simplified shading to give depth without overwhelming beginner stitchers

The final result? A pattern that makes people smile the moment they see it—and one that’s surprisingly relaxing (and fast!) to stitch.

This basset hound is part of our ongoing series of modern, story-driven cross stitch samplers. Each one is designed to spark joy and feel like a tiny illustration you brought to life with thread.

We hope he lifts your day just a little—just like that balloon.