Turtle Silhouette

Turtle Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern by Artecy Cross Stitch

The Turtle Silhouette is a striking counted cross stitch design created by Tereena Clarke for Artecy Cross Stitch, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. Based on an original vector image by Kopirin via Vectorstock, this design captures the bold, graphic outline of a turtle in a clean silhouette style that makes it an eye-catching finished piece suitable for framing or display. The pattern reference number is #10385.

What Is Being Made

Stitchers will create a large-format counted cross stitch artwork depicting a turtle silhouette. The completed design measures 230 stitches wide by 250 stitches high, making it a substantial project with impressive finished dimensions across a range of fabric counts. The silhouette style gives the piece a modern, graphic aesthetic that suits both traditional and contemporary home décor.

Finished Size Options

• 14 Count fabric: approximately 16.5 inches wide by 18 inches high (42 cm x 46 cm)
• 16 Count fabric: approximately 14.5 inches wide by 16 inches high (37 cm x 41 cm)
• 18 Count fabric: approximately 13 inches wide by 14 inches high (33 cm x 36 cm)

As a general rule in cross stitch, the higher the fabric count, the smaller the finished piece, because more stitches fit within each inch of fabric. Stitchers can therefore choose their preferred count to control the final size of the project.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those new to counted cross stitch as well as experienced needleworkers looking for a satisfying, straightforward project. The techniques involved include:

• Full cross stitches only — the pattern uses exclusively full cross stitches with no partial stitches, quarter stitches, or three-quarter stitches, keeping the stitching process simple and consistent throughout
• Backstitching — referenced in the pattern instructions for detail work, recommended using a single strand of floss
• Centre-finding and pattern assembly — the multi-page PDF format requires stitchers to locate the centre of the design using the arrows provided at the top and left-hand sides of the pattern pages, then work outward from the centre
• Multi-page pattern navigation — pages are assembled using corner page numbers and a shaded three-row overlap section that helps align adjoining pages; stitchers are advised not to re-stitch the overlap area

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch — the sole stitch type used for the main body of the design, worked over one fabric square at a time
• Backstitch — used for fine detail and outlining where applicable, worked with a single strand of floss

Materials Required

This is an embroidery and counted cross stitch pattern requiring the following materials:

• DMC cotton embroidery floss — the pattern uses 8 DMC cotton colours; specific colour codes are listed in the colour symbol chart included in the PDF
• Two strands of floss are recommended for each full cross stitch, and one strand for backstitching
• Evenweave or Aida fabric — the pattern can be worked on any fabric type, colour, or count of the stitcher's choosing; popular choices include 14 count, 16 count, or 18 count Aida cloth
• Cross stitch needle — a blunt tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count
• Allow at least a few inches of extra fabric on all sides of the design to accommodate framing

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Turtle Silhouette pattern is delivered as a downloadable PDF from Artecy Cross Stitch (artecy.com / artecyshop.com). The PDF