Butterfly in DMC - PAT0396 - Downloadable PDF

Butterfly Cross Stitch Pattern by Floss & Mischief x DMC – PAT0396

This free downloadable PDF embroidery pattern is a collaboration between Floss & Mischief and DMC, featuring a delicate butterfly design worked in cross stitch and backstitch. The finished design measures 12.2 x 6.5 cm (approximately 4.8 x 2.6 inches), making it a compact and satisfying project ideal for framing, hoop art, or embellishing fabric accessories. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a great next step for stitchers who have moved beyond the very basics of counted cross stitch.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a counted cross stitch butterfly, rendered in colour with additional detail added through backstitch outlines. The butterfly motif is a classic subject in needlework, and this design captures elegant wing shapes and fine detail through the careful combination of two complementary embroidery techniques. The compact size makes it versatile — suitable for greeting cards, small frames, embroidery hoops displayed as wall art, or as an embellishment on clothing and accessories.

Techniques Used

• Counted Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre to create a small X shape. Stitches are counted and placed according to a charted grid, where each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric. The PDF includes both a full-colour chart and a black-and-white chart, giving stitchers flexibility depending on their preference or printing setup.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine lines, outlines, and detail work to the butterfly design. Backstitch involves bringing the needle up ahead of the previous stitch and inserting it back at the end of that stitch, creating a continuous, unbroken line. This technique adds definition and crispness to the finished motif, particularly along wing edges and body details.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlines and fine detail as indicated on the colour diagramme

Materials Required

The pattern calls for a straightforward set of embroidery supplies, all clearly listed in the Getting Started section of the PDF:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC): The recommended floss for this project. DMC Mouliné Spécial is a 6-strand divisible cotton embroidery thread, widely regarded as the industry standard for cross stitch and surface embroidery. Stitchers can separate the strands to achieve different levels of coverage and texture depending on the fabric count chosen.
• Aida fabric (cross stitch fabric): The recommended ground fabric for this pattern. Aida is a stiff, evenweave cotton fabric with a clearly visible grid of holes, making it ideal for counted cross stitch. The PDF notes that the size of the finished design depends on the count of the Aida chosen — the higher the count (more stitches per inch), the smaller the finished design. 14-count Aida is recommended for those newer to the craft.
• Cross stitch needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is used for cross stitch to pass through the holes in the Aida fabric without splitting the threads.
• Embroidery hoop (optional): A hoop or frame helps keep the fabric taut and even while stitching, which can improve stitch consistency and make the work easier to handle.
• Scissors: A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors for trimming thread ends neatly.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern available directly from DMC. The chart is presented in two formats within the PDF: a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch diagramme for easy colour reference while stitching, and a black-and-white version for those who prefer to print in greyscale or annotate their own copy. The inclusion of both versions makes this pattern particularly practical and user-friendly. As a DMC