DMC Foraged Bouquet - PAT1518S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Foraged Bouquet Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1518S) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Foraged Bouquet is a charming cross stitch embroidery pattern available as a free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library – Bibliothèque DMC. Designed for intermediate-level embroiderers, this pattern captures the natural beauty of a hand-gathered, foraged floral bouquet rendered in a soft, botanical colour palette. The finished design measures 12.4 cm × 16.9 cm (4.88″ × 6.65″) when stitched on the recommended fabric count, making it a beautifully sized piece suitable for framing, hoop display, or incorporation into a larger textile project.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a foraged floral bouquet design worked in counted cross stitch with backstitch detailing. The composition evokes the look of wildflowers and foliage gathered from nature, with layered greens, soft pinks, and muted tones that give the finished piece an organic, hand-picked aesthetic. The design is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch diagram, meaning stitchers receive both a full-colour reference chart and a separate backstitch overlay diagram to guide the finer linear details of the design.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch (point de croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over an equal number of fabric threads to create an X shape. Counted cross stitch requires following a charted grid, where each symbol on the chart corresponds to a specific thread colour and a single stitch on the fabric.
• Backstitch (point arrière): Used to add fine outlines, stems, and detail lines that give the bouquet its definition and botanical realism. Backstitch is worked in a continuous line by bringing the needle back to the end of the previous stitch, creating a solid, unbroken line ideal for delicate linework.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch filling all colour areas of the bouquet
• Backstitch – used for outlines and fine detail work across the design

Colours and Thread

The pattern calls for DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117 MC, the brand's iconic six-strand divisible embroidery floss. The palette consists of five colours, each requiring one skein:

• DMC 760 – a warm, dusty rose pink
• DMC 3328 – a deeper salmon-rose tone
• DMC 3813 – a soft, cool mint green
• DMC 3364 – a fresh, medium leaf green
• DMC 3363 – a deeper, richer medium green for contrast and depth

Additional colour references visible within the chart pages include DMC 367, DMC 502, and DMC 319, which contribute further green and botanical tones to the overall composition. This restrained, nature-inspired palette of pinks and layered greens is well suited to the foraged floral theme.

Materials and Tools Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117 MC – five colours as listed above, one skein each
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida (Toile Aida): The design size of 12.4 × 16.9 cm is based on 14-count Aida, the most widely used cross stitch fabric, which DMC recommends for beginners and intermediate stitchers alike. Higher-count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design; lower-count fabrics will produce a larger one.
• Cross stitch needle (aiguille): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count
• Embroidery hoop (tambour) – optional: Recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors (ciseaux)