Woman Silhouette

Woman Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern by Artecy Cross Stitch

The Woman Silhouette is a downloadable PDF cross stitch pattern designed by Tereena Clarke for Artecy Cross Stitch. It features a striking, bold silhouette of a woman rendered entirely in cross stitch, making it an elegant and graphic piece suitable for framing or display. The original image is based on artwork by astra03g via Vectorstock, translated into a clean, stitchable chart by Artecy Cross Stitch's design team.

This pattern is well suited to beginner embroiderers, as it uses only a single DMC cotton colour and exclusively full cross stitches — no fractional stitches, no complex specialty stitches, and no confusing colour changes to manage. The bold silhouette style means the design reads beautifully even for those still developing their tension and stitch consistency.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a woman's silhouette motif worked in cross stitch on evenweave or Aida fabric. The design is pattern number #12636 and measures 160 stitches wide by 199 stitches high. The completed size varies depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 14 count fabric: approximately 11.5 inches wide by 14.5 inches high (29 cm x 37 cm)
• 16 count fabric: approximately 10 inches wide by 12.5 inches high (25 cm x 32 cm)
• 18 count fabric: approximately 9 inches wide by 11 inches high (23 cm x 28 cm)

The higher the fabric count, the finer and smaller the finished piece will be. Stitchers are encouraged to leave several inches of extra fabric around all sides of the design to allow for framing or finishing.

Techniques Used

This pattern relies on the classic counted cross stitch technique, in which stitches are placed over a grid of fabric threads according to a printed chart. Because the design uses only full cross stitches, there are no half stitches, quarter stitches, or three-quarter stitches to navigate — making this an ideal project for those new to counted embroidery.

The pattern spans multiple pages, which are assembled by matching corner page numbers and using the indicated three-row overlap (shown in grey shading) to align sections. Stitchers are advised not to re-stitch the shaded overlap area. The recommended approach is to stitch one page at a time, beginning always at the centre of the pattern. The centre is located by following the arrows printed along the top and left-hand edges of the chart, which mark the halfway point of the stitch count in each direction.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch — the only stitch used throughout the entire design
• Backstitch — referenced in the pattern instructions for optional outlining or detail work, worked with a single strand of floss

In counted cross stitch, a full cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over one fabric square to create an X shape. Consistent stitch direction — always crossing the top stitch in the same direction — is recommended for a neat, professional finish. Backstitch, when used, is a straight running stitch worked after the cross stitches are complete to add fine lines, outlines, or definition to a design.

Materials

• Fabric: Any evenweave or Aida fabric in your preferred colour, type, and count — 14 count, 16 count, or 18 count Aida are specifically referenced. The pattern notes that any fabric colour or type may be used, giving stitchers full creative flexibility.
• Thread: DMC cotton embroidery floss — only one DMC colour is required for the entire design. The pattern recommends using two strands of floss for cross stitches and one strand for backstitching.
• Needles: A standard tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count is used for cross stitch work. Tapestry needles have