DMC A Water Lily - PAT1327 - Downloadable PDF

DMC A Water Lily PAT1327 – Free Downloadable Cross Stitch PDF Pattern

This DMC Water Lily cross stitch pattern (PAT1327) is a beautifully detailed embroidery design featuring a classic water lily motif — known in French as un nénuphar. Released as part of the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), this is a free downloadable PDF chart that brings a serene, botanical subject to life through the timeless art of counted cross stitch. The design is rated intermediate difficulty, making it an ideal project for stitchers who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to work with a more nuanced colour palette and detailed composition.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece depicts a water lily, a popular motif in needlework and textile art due to its graceful, symmetrical form and rich colour possibilities. Water lilies have long been celebrated in decorative arts — from Impressionist painting to Art Nouveau design — and this DMC chart captures that same elegant, nature-inspired aesthetic in thread form. The design is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), meaning the chart itself uses colour-coded symbols to guide placement, making it easier to follow than black-and-white symbol-only charts.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch — the primary technique, where each stitch is placed over a set number of fabric threads or Aida squares according to the chart grid
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) — referenced in the PDF, this technique is used to add finer detail and smoother curves to the design, particularly useful for rendering the rounded petals of the water lily with greater precision
• Colour blending — working with multiple DMC thread colours to achieve shading, depth, and a naturalistic representation of the flower and its surroundings

Counted cross stitch is worked by following a charted grid, where each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric. A full cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre. Quarter stitches, as used in this pattern, involve stitching only into the centre of a fabric square from one corner, allowing for more refined outlines and organic shapes — particularly valuable when stitching floral subjects like petals and leaves.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch — the foundational stitch forming the bulk of the design
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) — used for detail work and smoother edges within the composition

Materials Required

• DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss Art. 117 (DMC Mouliné Spécial 25 Art. 117) — the specified thread for this pattern; a mercerised cotton embroidery floss available in a vast range of colours. The PDF references specific DMC colour codes including 3607, 3609, 322, and 11, providing the exact palette needed to recreate the design accurately.
• 14-count Aida fabric (Toile Aida 5.5 pts/cm) — the recommended evenweave cross stitch fabric, offering a clear grid of holes that makes counting stitches straightforward for intermediate stitchers
• Cross stitch needle — a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for working through Aida fabric without splitting the weave

Pattern Format and Availability

This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from DMC, presented in a clear, multi-page format that includes both the coloured chart and a getting-started materials guide. As part of the DMC Library, it reflects DMC's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality embroidery resources. Stitchers are encouraged to share their finished creations using the hashtag #dmcthreads across DMC's social media communities on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.