DMC Christmas Tree Cross Stitch Pattern - PAT1654_2

DMC Christmas Tree Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1654_2) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable cross stitch pattern from DMC guides stitchers through creating a classic Christmas tree design — known in French as Sapin de Noël — using coloured cross stitch and backstitch. Published by the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) and released in 2021, this festive embroidery chart is perfectly suited to beginner embroiderers looking to build their skills while producing a charming seasonal decoration or gift.

About the Design

The pattern features a single, beautifully detailed Christmas tree motif rendered in full colour. The finished design measures approximately 12 × 16 cm (4.72″ × 6.29″) when stitched on the recommended 14-count Aida fabric, making it an ideal size for a framed piece, a greeting card insert, or a festive hoop display. The chart is presented in two formats within the PDF: a coloured cross stitch chart for easy colour reference while stitching, and a black-and-white symbol chart for greater precision when identifying individual stitches and thread colours.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary stitch used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over one square of Aida fabric. This stitch creates the solid areas of colour that form the body of the Christmas tree and its decorations.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used as an outlining and detail stitch to add definition, sharpness, and fine linear elements to the finished design. Backstitch is worked in straight lines following the grid of the fabric and is typically added after all cross stitching is complete.

Techniques

This pattern is an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch, a technique in which the stitcher follows a charted grid, counting squares on the fabric to place each stitch in the correct position. Because the design is worked on evenweave fabric with a clearly defined grid, no transfer or tracing is required — the chart itself serves as the complete guide. The combination of full cross stitch for coverage and backstitch for fine detail is one of the most fundamental skill sets in embroidery, making this pattern an ideal learning project.

Materials Required

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117 MC — the pattern calls for six colours of DMC stranded cotton, with quantities ranging from one to two skeins per colour depending on the shade. Exact DMC colour numbers are listed in the pattern legend alongside their corresponding chart symbols.
• Fabric: Cross Stitch Aida Fabric (Toile Aida) — 14-count Aida is specifically recommended, particularly for beginners, as it is the most widely used cross stitch fabric and provides a clear, easy-to-count grid. The design size stated in the pattern is based on 14-count Aida.
• Needle: A cross stitch needle (tapestry needle with a blunt tip) is required. The blunt point allows the needle to pass through the holes of the Aida fabric without splitting the fibres.
• Embroidery Hoop: Listed as optional, but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even while working.
• Scissors: A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors for trimming thread ends neatly.

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated as a beginner-level project, this DMC Christmas tree pattern is ideal for those new to cross stitch or embroidery in general. The limited stitch vocabulary — just cross stitch and backstitch — means stitchers can focus on building confidence and consistency rather than mastering complex techniques. The clearly presented coloured chart and symbol key make it straightforward to follow, even without prior experience. As a free PDF download from the DMC Library, it is also a risk-free way to explore the craft and discover the quality of DMC Mouliné Spécial threads.