Birds in DMC - PAT0522 - Downloadable PDF

Birds in DMC – Embroidery Pattern PAT0522 by Ruby Taylor (Free Downloadable PDF)

This free downloadable embroidery pattern is a collaboration between illustrator Ruby Taylor and DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery thread. Titled Birds (also presented in French as Oiseaux), the design features a beautifully illustrated bird composition worked in a rich palette of DMC Mouliné Spécial Art 117 stranded cotton thread. The finished design measures approximately 10.9 cm x 16.9 cm, making it a versatile piece suitable for framing, hoop art, or embellishing fabric items.

This is an intermediate-level embroidery project, ideal for stitchers who are comfortable with a range of hand embroidery techniques and are ready to explore more expressive, painterly approaches to needlework. The pattern is presented as a bilingual document in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international community of crafters.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a detailed hand-embroidered bird design, worked onto fabric using multiple embroidery techniques to create depth, texture, and a naturalistic illustrative quality. The style is characteristic of Ruby Taylor's distinctive artistic approach, combining bold colour with fine detail. The design is well-suited to display as framed hoop art or as an embellishment on a textile project.

Embroidery Techniques Used

• Backstitch (Point arrière): A fundamental embroidery stitch used for outlines, fine details, and linear elements. Backstitch creates a solid, continuous line that is ideal for defining the edges of shapes and adding precise detail to the bird forms.
• Long and Short Stitch (Passé empiétant): A classic shading technique used to fill larger areas with smooth colour gradations. Rows of alternating long and short stitches interlock to blend colours seamlessly, giving the birds a lifelike, painterly appearance.
• Split Stitch (Point fendu): Often used for outlines and as a foundation for other stitches, split stitch produces a neat, rope-like line. It is particularly effective for curved shapes and fine contour work within the design.
• French Knot (Point de nœud): A classic raised stitch formed by wrapping the thread around the needle before inserting it back into the fabric. French knots add texture and dimension, commonly used for eyes, berries, or decorative dot details within embroidery compositions.

Colour Palette and Thread

The pattern uses DMC Mouliné Spécial Art 117 stranded cotton, worked with 3 strands throughout. The design calls for 10 individual DMC thread colours, each requiring one skein, giving a total of 10 skeins. The specific DMC colour codes used are:

• DMC 987 – 1 skein
• DMC 890 – 1 skein
• DMC 895 – 1 skein
• DMC 893 – 1 skein
• DMC 760 – 1 skein
• DMC 3713 – 1 skein
• DMC 666 – 1 skein
• DMC 742 – 1 skein
• DMC 3072 – 1 skein
• DMC 310 – 1 skein

This palette spans deep greens, soft pinks, bold reds, warm yellows, and classic black, reflecting the vibrant yet naturalistic colour approach typical of Ruby Taylor's illustration style.

Materials and Tools Required

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial Art 117 stranded cotton (10 colours as listed above), used with 3 strands
• Needle: No. 12 embroidery needle, suitable for fine detailed work on fabric
• Fabric: