Around the World "Paris" Cross Stitch PDF Pattern

Around the World "Paris" Cross Stitch PDF Pattern by AKxStitch

This Around the World "Paris" cross stitch PDF pattern by independent designer AKxStitch brings one of the world's most iconic cities to life in a beautifully compact needlework design. Part of the Around the World series, this Paris-themed piece is a wonderful project for embroidery enthusiasts looking to stitch a travel-inspired keepsake or wall art. The finished design measures 5 x 5 inches (13 x 13 cm) on the recommended fabric, making it an ideal size for framing, hooping, or gifting.

What You Will Make

The finished piece is a 71 x 71 stitch square cross stitch design celebrating the city of Paris. Its compact, symmetrical format makes it perfectly suited for display in a small frame or embroidery hoop. The monochromatic palette gives the design a clean, graphic quality reminiscent of classic travel illustrations and vintage city prints.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate to advanced difficulty and incorporates two core cross stitch techniques:

• Cross stitch — the primary fill technique, worked over the evenweave or Aida grid to build up the main design elements
• Backstitch — used in both one strand and two strands to add fine detail, outlines, and definition to the design

Backstitch is a fundamental embroidery technique in which the needle is brought forward and then stitched backward to meet the previous stitch, creating a continuous, unbroken line. Using it in two different strand weights — as this pattern does — allows for variation in line thickness, giving the finished piece a more refined and detailed appearance. This dual-weight backstitch approach is one of the features that places this design at the advanced end of the intermediate range.

The estimated stitch time is approximately 35 to 50 hours, reflecting the level of detail and the precision required for the finer backstitch elements.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (main body of the design)
• Backstitch with 1 strand (fine detail lines)
• Backstitch with 2 strands (bolder outlines and definition)

Materials Required

This pattern uses a minimal, carefully chosen materials list:

• Thread: DMC 310 (Black) — just a single shade, requiring approximately 10 metres across 2 skeins, calculated with a 30% extra allowance for waste and re-threading
• Fabric: 28 count Evenweave is the recommended base fabric, available in white, beige, or linen colourways. The suggested cut size is 9 x 9 inches (23 x 23 cm) to allow a 2-inch (5 cm) border on each side for framing or finishing

Compatible Fabric Options

The pattern includes a full fabric count conversion chart, so stitchers can work on their preferred fabric type without losing the intended proportions:

• 14 count Aida / 28 count Evenweave — finished size 5 x 5 inches (13 x 13 cm), suggested fabric 9 x 9 inches (23 x 23 cm)
• 16 count Aida / 32 count Evenweave — finished size 4 x 4 inches (11 x 11 cm), suggested fabric 8 x 8 inches (21 x 21 cm)
• 18 count Aida / 36 count Evenweave — finished size approximately 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm), suggested fabric 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm)

Higher fabric counts produce a smaller, finer finished piece, while lower counts result in a slightly larger design with more visible individual stitches. All fabric options are recommended in white, beige, or linen colourways to complement the single black thread.

About the Pattern Format

The Around the World "Paris"