Be Thankful in DMC - PAT0713 - Downloadable PDF

Be Thankful Embroidery Pattern by DMC – PAT0713

The Be Thankful embroidery pattern from the DMC Library is a charming Thanksgiving-themed design measuring 17.3 cm x 17.3 cm. This free downloadable PDF pattern is bilingual, presented in both English and French, and is suited to intermediate-level embroiderers looking to create a decorative seasonal piece with rich texture and colour. The finished design makes a beautiful holiday accent, perfect for framing or incorporating into home décor.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a square embroidered Thanksgiving design featuring the sentiment "Be Thankful" worked in a variety of hand embroidery stitches. The composition uses multiple colour zones, each labelled with a letter code (A through D) and a corresponding stitch type, allowing embroiderers to build up a layered, illustrated design with depth and visual interest. The overall aesthetic is warm and festive, in keeping with traditional Thanksgiving themes.

Embroidery Techniques Used

This pattern draws on four distinct hand embroidery techniques, making it an excellent project for intermediate stitchers who are comfortable with basic needlework and ready to explore more textural approaches:

• Backstitch – A foundational outline stitch used to define edges and create clean, precise lines throughout the design. Backstitch is worked by inserting the needle behind the previous stitch, producing a solid, continuous line ideal for text and outlines.
• Stem Stitch – A classic stitch used for curved lines and stems, created by working forward along the design line while keeping the thread to one side of the needle. It produces a rope-like, twisted effect that adds elegant definition to botanical or flowing elements.
• Long and Short Stitch – A shading technique in which alternating long and short stitches are blended together to create smooth colour gradations and realistic texture. This is particularly effective for filling larger areas with a painterly, dimensional quality.
• Satin Stitch – A smooth filling stitch worked in parallel lines across a shape to create a flat, lustrous surface. Satin stitch is ideal for solid colour fills and gives sections of the design a polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Colour Codes

The pattern uses a clear lettered code system to map stitches to areas of the design:

• Code A – Satin Stitch
• Code B – Backstitch
• Code C – Stem Stitch
• Code D – Long and Short Stitch

Six DMC thread colours are used in the design, each requiring one skein for the stated design size:

• DMC 740 – Colour 1
• DMC 744 – Colour 2
• DMC 928 – Colour 3
• DMC 817 – Colour 4
• DMC 606 – Colour 5
• DMC 352 – Colour 6

The palette combines warm oranges, reds, and soft neutrals, evoking the rich tones of the autumn harvest season.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials for completing the design:

• Thread: DMC Coton Perlé Art 115 No. 5 – a twisted, lustrous pearl cotton thread that gives excellent stitch definition and a subtle sheen. One skein each of the six listed colour codes is required.
• Needle: A No. 12 needle is recommended, which is a fine needle appropriate for working with pearl cotton on fabric.
• Fabric: The pattern calls for a suitable embroidery fabric. To transfer the design, a Magic Sheet combined with a transfer pen and transfer paper is recommended, making it straightforward to accurately reproduce the design onto your chosen fabric.

Pattern Format and Availability