Cactus in DMC - PAT0329 - Downloadable PDF

Cactus in DMC – PAT0329: Free Downloadable Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern

This free downloadable PDF embroidery pattern, produced through a collaboration between Variopinto and DMC, presents a charming Flowered Cactus (Cactus fleuri) design worked in counted cross stitch. Released in 2017 and rated as beginner-friendly, it is an ideal introduction to cross stitch embroidery for those just starting out with needlework. The finished design measures approximately 10.90 × 18.18 cm (4.29 × 7.15 inches) when stitched on the recommended 14-count Aida fabric.

About the Design

The Flowered Cactus motif depicts a decorative cactus in bloom, combining bold botanical shapes with delicate floral detailing. The design is presented in both a full-colour cross stitch chart and a black-and-white chart, giving stitchers flexibility depending on their preference for working from colour or symbol-based diagrams. The bilingual pattern (English and French) reflects the international reach of the DMC brand.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates three classic embroidery stitches, making it a well-rounded project for beginners who want to build a solid foundation in hand embroidery technique:

• Cross Stitch – The primary stitch used throughout the design, worked using 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial thread. Cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of each fabric square, creating a neat X shape that fills the design with colour and texture.
• Backstitch – Used for outlining and adding fine detail, worked with 1 strand of DMC Mouliné Spécial thread. Backstitch creates a continuous, smooth line by working stitches back toward the previous stitch, ideal for defining edges and adding crispness to a design.
• French Knot – Used for decorative accent details, worked with 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial thread. French knots are small, raised knots formed by wrapping the thread around the needle before inserting it back into the fabric, adding a pleasing three-dimensional texture to the finished piece.

Thread Colours

The palette is kept simple and cohesive, using three shades from the DMC Mouliné Spécial range (also referenced as DMC Art 117):

• DMC 3813 – requiring 2 skeins
• DMC 3854 – requiring 1 skein
• DMC 349 – requiring 1 skein
• DMC 310 – referenced in the black-and-white chart for backstitch detailing

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (Art 117MC) in the colours listed above
• Cross stitch Aida fabric – 14-count Aida is recommended for beginners, as it offers the most common and manageable stitch count; the design size stated is based on this fabric count
• Cross stitch needle (a blunt tapestry needle appropriate for Aida fabric)
• Embroidery hoop – optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even
• Scissors

Who Is This Pattern Suitable For?

Rated as a beginner project, the Flowered Cactus pattern is perfectly suited to those new to counted cross stitch. The limited colour palette, manageable design size, and clear charted diagrams make it an approachable first project. The inclusion of backstitch and French knots alongside the main cross stitch also gives newer stitchers the opportunity to practise a broader range of foundational embroidery techniques in a single, satisfying design.

Pattern Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is offered completely free of charge