DMC Caribou - PAT1438 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Caribou Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1438) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Caribou pattern (PAT1438) is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch design from the DMC Library – Bibliothèque DMC, released in 2020. It features a detailed depiction of a caribou, rendered in counted cross stitch with backstitch detailing. This is an intermediate-level embroidery project that produces a finished design measuring approximately 18.36 × 17.27 cm (7.23 × 6.80 inches) when stitched on the recommended fabric.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single embroidered panel depicting a caribou. The design is worked in colour and uses both cross stitch fills and backstitch outlines to create a naturalistic, textured image of the animal. The finished piece is suitable for framing, mounting, or incorporating into a larger textile project.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over a counted fabric grid. The coloured chart provided in the PDF maps every stitch position precisely.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the caribou design. Backstitch is worked in straight lines following the chart diagram and is essential for bringing sharpness and realism to the finished image.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and detail work as indicated on the backstitch diagram included in the PDF

Materials Referenced

The pattern's getting-started section lists the following materials from the DMC range:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Art. 117MC – the standard six-strand divisible embroidery floss, used for the main cross stitch areas. Colours referenced in the chart include B5200 (white), D415 (pearl grey), and 891 (carnation dark).
• DMC Mouliné Étoile Art. 617 – a shimmering, star-effect embroidery thread that adds subtle sparkle to selected areas of the design
• DMC Diamant Art. 380 – a metallic embroidery thread for additional luminosity and decorative effect
• Cross Stitch Fabric Col. 321 / Aida (Toile Aida): The design is sized based on 14-count Aida, the most widely used counted cross stitch fabric, with 14 stitches per inch. The PDF notes that a higher fabric count will produce smaller stitches and a smaller finished design, while a lower count will produce larger stitches. 14-count Aida is recommended as the starting point, particularly for those newer to the craft.
• Cross stitch needle (Aiguille): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted work on Aida fabric
• Embroidery hoop (Tambour): Listed as optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors (Ciseaux): For trimming thread ends cleanly

Pattern Format and Skill Level

The PAT1438 Caribou PDF is a free, downloadable pattern spanning multiple pages and includes both a coloured cross stitch chart and a separate backstitch diagram, making it straightforward to follow even for those at the intermediate level. The colour symbol legend clearly identifies each DMC thread colour and the number of skeins required. The bilingual presentation in English and French reflects DMC's international publishing standard. Because the design incorporates three distinct thread types — standard stranded cotton, the Étoile shimmer thread, and the Diamant metallic — stitchers will gain useful experience working with mixed thread textures within a single project.