DMC Tumbling Flowers - PAT1356S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Tumbling Flowers Embroidery Pattern (PAT1356S) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Tumbling Flowers pattern (also known as Fleurs en Ronde) is a free, downloadable PDF embroidery design from the DMC 1000 Patterns collection. This intermediate-level project features a charming, repeating arrangement of tumbling floral motifs rendered in a rich palette of DMC thread colours. The design is presented with both a full colour guide and a technical chart, making it accessible to stitchers who are comfortable with basic embroidery techniques and ready to take on a more detailed, multi-colour composition.

About the Design

The Tumbling Flowers motif is a decorative floral arrangement in which blooms appear to cascade or rotate across the fabric — a classic style that suits framed artwork, cushion covers, tote bags, and hoop displays. The pattern includes a colour diagram and a technical chart, giving stitchers both a visual reference and precise placement guidance. The colour guide references specific DMC thread shades identified across multiple colour groups, including references to shades in groups A, B, C, and D (such as A2, A5, B4, B5, B6, C3, C5, C6, and D1), ensuring accurate colour placement throughout the design.

Techniques Used

As an intermediate embroidery pattern, Tumbling Flowers is suited to stitchers who have moved beyond the basics and are confident working with multiple thread colours and following a technical chart. Embroidery at this level typically incorporates a combination of foundational and decorative hand stitches to build up the floral shapes, outlines, and fills. Common techniques relevant to this style of DMC floral embroidery include:

• Satin stitch – used to fill petals and leaves with smooth, solid blocks of colour
• Stem stitch or outline stitch – used to define the edges of floral shapes and create flowing lines
• French knots – often used for flower centres and textural detail in tumbling floral designs
• Straight stitch – used for fine details such as stamens or small accent marks
• Back stitch – commonly employed for precise outlines and delicate linework

Working from both the colour guide and the technical chart simultaneously is the recommended approach for intermediate stitchers, allowing for accurate thread colour placement while maintaining the overall composition of the tumbling floral arrangement.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the use of a No. 12 needle, which is a fine embroidery needle well suited to detailed floral work on evenweave or Aida fabric. The design is intended to be stitched using DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss, with specific shades referenced throughout the colour guide. DMC stranded cotton is a six-strand divisible thread, and intermediate patterns of this type typically call for working with two or three strands depending on the stitch and the desired coverage. The full list of required DMC thread colours is detailed within the PDF colour guide using the alphanumeric shade references provided.

Pattern Format and Availability

The DMC Tumbling Flowers – PAT1356S is available as a free downloadable PDF from DMC. The five-page document includes the colour diagram, technical chart, and instructions, as well as a full tool kit and materials list. It is part of the broader DMC Library collection, which offers a wide range of free embroidery patterns and tutorials. Stitchers are encouraged to share their finished work using the hashtags #dmcthreads and #dmc1000patterns across social media platforms including Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.