Apples in DMC - PAT0501 - Downloadable PDF

Apples Embroidery Pattern by Jodie Ruffle x DMC (PAT0501) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable embroidery pattern is a collaboration between designer Jodie Ruffle and DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery thread. The design features a beautifully detailed apple motif — known as pomme in French — rendered in a rich palette of greens, neutrals, and earthy tones. With a finished design size of 17.6 cm x 13.2 cm, this is a satisfying mid-sized project that works beautifully as a standalone hoop piece, a framed artwork, or as an embellishment on fabric goods.

Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern is well suited to embroiderers who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to develop their skills in shading, coverage, and stitch direction. Beginners who have already practiced foundational techniques will also find this an achievable and rewarding challenge.

What You Will Make

The finished piece is an embroidered apple illustration worked in a classic hand-embroidery style. The design uses a colour guide and technical diagram included in the PDF to help stitchers accurately place colours and stitches across the composition. The apple is depicted with careful attention to form, using layered thread colours to suggest volume and natural shading.

Stitches Used

This pattern calls for two core embroidery stitches, both of which are widely used in traditional and contemporary needlework:

• Satin Stitch (Passé Plat): The primary filling stitch used throughout the design. Satin stitch involves placing smooth, parallel stitches closely together to completely cover a shape with thread, creating a flat, lustrous surface. It is ideal for rendering the solid, rounded forms of the apple and its components. Achieving neat, even satin stitch requires careful attention to stitch angle and consistent tension.
• Chain Stitch (Point de Chaînette): A looped stitch that creates a linked, chain-like line. In this design, chain stitch is used for outlines or detail work, adding definition and structure to the composition. It is a versatile stitch that produces a slightly raised, textured line.

Colour Palette and DMC Thread Colours

The pattern uses seven colours of DMC Mouliné Spécial Art 117 embroidery floss, with one skein of each required for the stated design size. The full colour list is as follows:

• DMC 3818 — a deep, rich forest green
• DMC 701 — a bright, vivid green
• DMC 703 — a lighter, fresh chartreuse green
• DMC 369 — a very pale, soft green
• DMC 3866 — an off-white, warm cream
• DMC 841 — a warm, medium beige-brown
• DMC 3021 — a deep, dark brown

The palette moves from deep forest greens through to pale neutrals and rich browns, capturing the natural tones of a ripe apple with its stem and subtle shading. All stitching is worked using 3 strands of the six-strand DMC Mouliné floss throughout the design.

Materials and Tools Required

The PDF specifies the following materials and tools for completing this embroidery project:

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial Art 117 in the seven colours listed above, using 3 strands throughout
• Needle: A No. 12 needle is recommended, which is a fine needle appropriate for detailed embroidery work on fabric
• Fabric: The pattern references a Magic Sheet system combined with a transfer pen and transfer paper to accurately reproduce the design onto your chosen fabric. This transfer method makes it straightforward to position the apple motif precisely before you begin stitching.

Pattern Format and Access