DMC Robin - PAT1424 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Robin (PAT1424) – Cross Stitch Pattern with Backstitch: A Complete Guide

This free downloadable PDF pattern from DMC (PAT1424) guides embroiderers through stitching a charming robin redbreast — known in French as rouge gorge — using classic counted cross stitch combined with backstitch detailing. Released as part of the DMC Library / Bibliothèque DMC collection, this design is rated at an intermediate difficulty level and is presented bilingually in both English and French throughout the chart documentation.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a counted cross stitch embroidery of a robin, one of the most beloved birds in European needlework tradition. The design captures the robin's iconic appearance, with careful colour placement used to render its distinctive red-orange breast, soft grey tones, and crisp white highlights. The pattern is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch (diagramme point de croix en couleurs avec point arrière), making it accessible for stitchers who prefer to follow a colour-coded grid rather than symbols alone.

Techniques Used

• Counted Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Each cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over a set number of fabric threads to create an X shape. Stitches are placed according to a numbered and coloured grid chart, requiring the embroiderer to count carefully across the fabric.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the robin design. Backstitch creates a continuous line by working stitches backwards along the design, and is typically worked after the cross stitch fill is complete. It is essential for adding crispness to features such as the bird's beak, eye, and feather edges.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch — the foundational stitch forming the body of the robin image
• Backstitch — worked over the completed cross stitch to add outlines and fine detail

Thread Colours and Materials

The pattern specifies a carefully selected palette of DMC thread colours to recreate the robin's natural appearance. The following specific thread references are used in the chart:

• DMC B5200 — a bright white, used extensively for highlights and light feather areas
• DMC 815 — a deep, rich red, used to render the robin's signature red breast
• DMC D415 — a light pearl grey, used for the bird's softer feathered areas and shading

Recommended Materials

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread, Art. 117 MC — the standard 6-strand divisible embroidery floss used for the cross stitch and backstitch throughout the design
• DMC Diamant Thread, Art. 380 — a metallic embroidery thread also listed in the tool kit, offering the option to introduce a subtle sparkle to select areas of the design
• DMC Cross Stitch Fabric, Col. 321 / Aida (Toile Aida) — the recommended evenweave fabric on which the design is stitched; Aida cloth features an evenly spaced grid of holes that makes counting and placing stitches straightforward, making it ideal for intermediate-level projects
• Cross Stitch Needle (Aiguille) — a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for working through Aida fabric without splitting the weave

Pattern Format and Accessibility

The PAT1424 Robin pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from DMC, making it easy to print and use at home. The chart spans multiple pages and includes both a coloured reference diagram and a thread key listing the specific DMC colour codes required. The bilingual English and French presentation reflects DMC's international heritage and makes the pattern accessible to a wide audience of needlework enthusiasts. As an intermediate-level project, it is well suited to stitchers who are comfortable with basic counted cross stitch and are ready to incorporate backstitch outlining for a more polished, detailed finish.