DMC Be Thankful - PAT1108 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Be Thankful Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1108) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Be Thankful pattern (PAT1108) is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch design from DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery. Featuring the uplifting sentiment "Be Thankful" (presented bilingually as "être reconnaissants"), this charming piece is ideal for intermediate embroiderers looking to create a meaningful, decorative textile artwork. The finished design measures 16 x 16 cm (approximately 6.29 x 6.29 inches), making it a perfectly proportioned square composition suitable for framing, gifting, or home display.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a counted cross stitch sampler built around the phrase "Be Thankful". The design is presented as both a coloured cross stitch chart and a standard cross stitch diagram, giving stitchers two reference views to work from. The square format and motivational wording make it a popular choice for seasonal décor, particularly around harvest and Thanksgiving themes, as well as an evergreen piece for everyday home interiors.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique throughout the entire design, worked by counting squares on the chart and placing stitches accordingly over the weave of the Aida fabric
• Chart reading – the PDF includes a coloured chart and a symbol-based diagram, so stitchers practise interpreting both colour-coded and symbol-coded cross stitch grids
• Hoop mounting – while listed as optional, the use of an embroidery hoop is recommended to maintain even fabric tension and produce neat, consistent stitches

Understanding Counted Cross Stitch

Counted cross stitch is an embroidery technique in which each stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre to create an X shape. The stitcher works directly from a gridded chart, counting threads or squares on the fabric to place each stitch in the correct position. Because the design is not pre-printed on the fabric, accuracy in counting is key — making this an intermediate-level project that rewards stitchers who already have a basic familiarity with the craft.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the entire design, formed by crossing two diagonal stitches to create the characteristic X shape that builds up the lettering and decorative elements of the composition

Materials Required

Thread

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (117MC) – the pattern specifically calls for DMC Mouliné Spécial, a 6-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss renowned for its colourfast properties, smooth finish, and extensive colour range. Stitchers select the number of strands appropriate to their fabric count.

Fabric

• Cross stitch fabric / Aida (Toile Aida) – the pattern is designed to be worked on Aida cloth, a specialist evenweave fabric with a regular grid of holes that guides stitch placement. The finished design size of 16 x 16 cm is based on the fabric count chosen. The pattern notes that a higher fabric count (more stitches per inch) produces smaller individual stitches and therefore a smaller finished design, while a lower count produces larger stitches. 14-count Aida is recommended as a starting point for those newer to the craft.

Needles and Tools

• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle sized to suit the chosen Aida count, allowing the thread to pass through the fabric holes without splitting the weave
• Embroidery hoop – listed as optional but strongly advisable for keeping the Aida taut and preventing the fabric from distorting as you stitch
• Scissors – sharp embroidery scissors for clean thread cuts

Pattern Format and Availability