Jelly Bean Succulent in DMC - PAT0100 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Jelly Bean Succulent Embroidery Pattern (PAT0100) – Free Downloadable PDF

The Jelly Bean Succulent is a charming counted cross stitch design from DMC, released as part of their Nature series. This free downloadable PDF pattern guides embroiderers through recreating the plump, jewel-toned leaves of a jelly bean succulent plant — a popular and visually striking subject that translates beautifully into the structured geometry of cross stitch. The finished piece captures the fleshy, rounded quality of the succulent's foliage through a carefully chosen palette of greens, pinks, and neutrals.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative cross stitch embroidery of a jelly bean succulent, a type of succulent plant known for its chubby, bean-shaped leaves that often display gorgeous colour gradients from green to rosy pink at the tips. The design is rendered in fine detail suitable for framing, mounting in an embroidery hoop, or incorporating into a finished textile project. It is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it ideal for stitchers who are comfortable with basic cross stitch but ready to work with a more complex colour palette and the addition of backstitch detailing.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Cross stitch involves forming X-shaped stitches over the intersections of an evenweave or aida fabric to build up colour and form. The majority of the succulent's body, leaves, and shading are worked in cross stitch using 2 strands of thread.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used as an outlining and detailing technique to define edges, add fine lines, and bring crispness to the finished design. Backstitch is worked using 1 strand of thread, giving it a delicate, precise quality that enhances the overall appearance without overwhelming the cross stitch fill.
• Satin Stitch: The pattern incorporates DMC Mouliné Satin thread (colour S415), which introduces a lustrous, sheen-rich element to the design. Satin-finish threads catch the light differently from standard cotton floss and can add a subtle shimmer to specific areas of the succulent, enhancing its lifelike quality.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch — worked over aida fabric, using 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial or DMC Mouliné Satin thread
• Backstitch — worked using 1 strand for fine outlining and detail work

Materials Required

Fabric

The pattern is designed for use on 14 or 16 count Aida fabric. Aida is the standard evenweave fabric used for counted cross stitch, with clearly visible holes that guide needle placement. The stitch and skein counts given in the pattern are specifically calibrated for these two counts, so choosing either will give accurate results.

Needles

A tapestry needle, size 26 is recommended. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and a large eye, making them well suited to passing through the holes of aida fabric without splitting the fibres.

Thread

The pattern calls for two types of DMC embroidery thread:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 — the classic 6-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, used for the majority of the cross stitch and all backstitch elements
• DMC Mouliné Satin ART 1008F — a satin-finish embroidery thread that adds a subtle sheen to select areas of the design

Full Colour Palette

The following DMC thread colours are required for this pattern:

• Blanc (White) — 1 skein, cross stitch, 2 strands
• 310 (Black) — 1 skein, used for both cross stitch (2 strands) and backstitch (1 strand)
• 370 — 1 skein,