Antique Floral Banner in DMC - PAT0167 - Downloadable PDF

Antique Floral Banner Cross Stitch Pattern by DMC – PAT0167

The Antique Floral Banner (also known as Bannière florale antique) is a charming cross stitch embroidery pattern designed and published by DMC. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is ideal for beginner embroiderers looking to practice foundational stitching techniques while creating a decorative floral banner with a beautifully vintage, antique aesthetic. The finished design measures 7.5 x 29 cm (approximately 3 x 11.4 inches), making it a slender, elegant piece perfectly suited to wall hangings, framed artwork, or seasonal home décor.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a long, narrow floral banner featuring an antique-inspired botanical design. The vertical format and floral motifs give the finished piece a classic, heritage feel reminiscent of traditional European needlework. Once completed, the banner can be framed, mounted on fabric, or displayed as a decorative textile accent in any home setting. The design's slender proportions make it particularly well-suited to narrow wall spaces, window displays, or as a companion piece alongside other framed embroideries.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches on an even-weave fabric by working two diagonal stitches that cross at the centre. It is one of the most accessible and widely practised embroidery techniques, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. The pattern includes both a coloured cross stitch chart and a black-and-white cross stitch chart for reference.
• Backstitch: Used in combination with cross stitch to add fine detail, outlines, and definition to the floral elements. Backstitch creates a continuous, unbroken line by working stitches backward to meet the end of the previous stitch. It is commonly used in cross stitch projects to sharpen edges and add depth to a design.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the floral banner design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and adding fine detail to the floral motifs

Materials Required

The DMC Getting Started Tool Kit is recommended for this project. The following materials are needed to complete the Antique Floral Banner:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (ref. 117MC): DMC's iconic six-strand cotton embroidery floss, known worldwide for its consistent colour quality, smooth finish, and extensive colour range. Strands can be separated to achieve different levels of coverage and detail.
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida cloth: The pattern is worked on Aida fabric, an even-weave cloth with a regular grid of holes that makes it easy to place stitches accurately. The finished design size of 7.5 x 29 cm will vary depending on the count of the Aida chosen — the higher the count (more stitches per inch), the smaller the finished design. DMC recommends that beginners start with 14-count Aida, which offers a comfortable stitch size that is easy to see and work with.
• Cross stitch needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle designed to pass through the holes of Aida fabric without splitting the fibres.
• Embroidery hoop (optional): A hoop helps keep the fabric taut and even while stitching, which can improve stitch consistency and make the work easier to handle.
• Scissors

Pattern Format and Skill Level

The PAT0167 pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF and is completely free of charge. The PDF includes both a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch and a plain cross stitch chart, giving stitchers multiple reference options as they work. As a beginner-level design from DMC, the pattern uses straightforward techniques and a manageable design size, making it an appro