DMC Christmas Sampler - PAT1144 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Christmas Sampler (PAT1144) – Free Downloadable Embroidery PDF Pattern

The DMC Christmas Sampler (PAT1144) is a festive cross stitch embroidery pattern available as a free downloadable PDF from DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in needlework. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this charming sampler brings classic Christmas imagery to life through a richly coloured chart, making it an ideal seasonal project for stitchers who are comfortable with the basics and ready to work with a multi-colour palette.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a Christmas sampler — a traditional embroidery format that typically combines multiple decorative motifs, symbols, or scenes within a single framed composition. Samplers have a long history in needlework as a way to showcase a variety of stitching skills and colour work. The finished design measures approximately 23.4 × 22.95 cm (9.21 × 9.03 inches) when stitched on the recommended fabric, making it a substantial piece suitable for framing and seasonal display.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over the woven grid of Aida fabric. The coloured chart provided in the PDF guides the stitcher through placement of every stitch using a clear symbol-and-colour legend.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine detail, outlines, and definition to the design. Backstitch creates a continuous line of stitching and is typically worked after the cross stitch areas are complete, bringing crispness and clarity to motifs and lettering.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch — the foundational stitch forming all filled areas of colour and pattern
• Backstitch — used for outlining, detailing, and finishing touches across the design

Colours and Thread

The pattern is specifically designed to be stitched using DMC DIAMANT GRANDÉ Art. 381 metallic thread, which gives the finished sampler a luxurious, sparkling quality perfectly suited to a Christmas theme. The colour palette includes six shades, each listed with a specific DMC DIAMANT GRANDÉ colour number:

• G168 — 1 spool
• G415 — 1 spool
• G317 — 1 spool
• G3852 — 1 spool
• G225 — 1 spool
• G3821 — 1 spool

The use of DMC DIAMANT GRANDÉ thread — a chunky, high-sheen metallic — adds a festive glimmer to the finished piece. This thread is thicker than standard embroidery floss and is designed to cover fabric quickly while delivering a bold, eye-catching finish.

Materials and Tools Required

• Cross stitch fabric / Aida: The design size is based on 11-count Aida, the most widely used cross stitch fabric, which offers a comfortable grid size for intermediate stitchers. Higher count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design; lower counts will produce a larger one.
• Cross stitch needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen Aida count, allowing the thread to pass through the fabric holes without splitting the weave.
• Embroidery hoop (optional): A hoop or frame helps keep the fabric taut and even during stitching, which is particularly helpful when working with metallic threads that can be prone to twisting.
• Scissors: Sharp embroidery scissors for clean thread cuts.

About the Pattern Format

The PAT1144 PDF includes a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch, presented in both English and French (Sampler de Noël). The chart uses a symbol-and-colour legend to identify each DMC DIAMANT GRANDÉ shade, making it straightforward to follow even across a complex multi-colour