Bleuet Flower in DMC - PAT0866 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Bleuet Flower Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0866) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Bleuet Flower pattern (PAT0866) is a charming cross stitch embroidery design featuring a classic cornflower — known in French as the fleur bleuet. Available as a free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), this bilingual pattern (English and French) is suited to intermediate embroiderers and produces a finished design measuring approximately 9.3 x 9.3 cm (3.66 x 3.66 inches) when stitched on 14-count Aida fabric.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a detailed, colourful rendition of a bleuet (cornflower), stitched entirely in cross stitch with added definition provided by backstitch outlining. The finished piece is compact and square, making it ideal for framing, greeting cards, small hoops, or as an embellishment on fabric items such as pouches or clothing patches.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over the woven squares of Aida fabric. The pattern specifies using 2 strands of embroidery thread for all cross stitch areas, which gives good coverage and a slightly raised, textured finish.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine outlines, detail lines, and definition to the flower petals and other elements of the design. Backstitch is a linear stitch that travels in a continuous line, with each new stitch beginning at the end of the previous one, creating crisp, clean edges that make the motif pop against the fabric background.
• Colour Charting: The PDF includes both a coloured cross stitch chart and a separate symbol-based diagram, allowing stitchers to follow the design with or without colour reference — a helpful feature when working in different lighting conditions.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix) – worked with 2 strands throughout
• Backstitch (Point Arrière) – used for outlining and detail work

Materials Required

The pattern calls for the following materials, all consistent with standard cross stitch practice:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Étoile™ Embroidery Thread – The design uses seven colours, each requiring one skein: C554, C550, C798, C820, C823, C699, and Blanc. This thread range combines DMC's classic stranded cotton with a subtle shimmer, adding a delicate luminosity to the finished flower.
• Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida: The design size is calculated on the basis of 14-count Aida (the most widely used cross stitch fabric, offering 14 stitches per inch). Stitchers may choose a higher or lower count to adjust the finished size accordingly — a higher count produces a smaller, finer design.
• Cross Stitch Needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count is recommended.
• Embroidery Hoop: Listed as optional but strongly recommended to maintain even tension and prevent fabric distortion while stitching.
• Scissors: A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors for clean thread cuts.

Pattern Format and Skill Level

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from the official DMC Library, available at no cost. It is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it well suited to stitchers who are comfortable with basic cross stitch and ready to incorporate backstitch detailing and a multi-colour palette. The relatively small design size — under 10 cm square on 14-count Aida — also makes it an achievable and satisfying project that can be completed in a few sessions. Beginners who have mastered the basic cross stitch can use this pattern to practise colour changes and backstitch finishing techniques.

About the DMC Mouliné Spécial Étoile