Budgie in DMC - PAT0388 - Downloadable PDF

Budgie Cross Stitch Chart by Floss & Mischief x DMC (PAT0388)

This free downloadable PDF pattern from the Floss & Mischief x DMC collaboration brings a charming budgie (budgerigar) to life in counted cross stitch. Designed with beginner embroiderers in mind, it is an ideal first project for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of cross stitch while creating a delightful decorative piece featuring one of the world's most beloved pet birds.

About the Design

The finished budgie motif measures approximately 10.5 x 11.6 cm (4.1 x 4.6 inches) when stitched on the recommended 14-count Aida fabric. This compact, portrait-style design is perfectly sized for framing, mounting in an embroidery hoop, or incorporating into a handmade card or gift. The pattern is presented in two formats within the PDF: a coloured cross stitch chart for easy visual reference and a black and white chart for printing clarity, giving stitchers flexibility depending on their preference.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch — the sole stitch used throughout this design, making it highly accessible for beginners
• Each cross stitch is worked using 2 strands of embroidery thread throughout the entire piece

Counted cross stitch is a form of embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are placed on an even-weave fabric following a gridded chart. Each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric, making it straightforward to follow even for those who have never picked up a needle before. Because this design uses only a single stitch type, it is an excellent way to build confidence and rhythm before moving on to more complex embroidery techniques.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (worked with 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread)

Colours and Materials

The palette for this budgie design is vibrant and naturalistic, calling for eight shades of DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread, with one skein of each colour required. The specific DMC thread colours used are:

• DMC 995
• DMC 913
• DMC 939
• DMC 734
• DMC 535
• DMC 307
• DMC 3364
• DMC 3823

The recommended fabric is 14-count Aida, which is the most widely available cross stitch fabric and the standard starting point for beginners. The higher the count of your Aida, the smaller the finished design will be, so 14-count provides a comfortable stitch size that is easy to see and work with.

Tools Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread in the eight listed colours
• Cross stitch Aida fabric (14-count recommended)
• Cross stitch needle
• Embroidery hoop (optional, but helpful for keeping fabric taut)
• Scissors

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated as a beginner project, this pattern is perfectly suited to those new to embroidery or cross stitch. With only one stitch type to master and a clear, well-organised chart provided in both colour and black-and-white versions, stitchers of all ages can confidently work through this design. It is also a quick and satisfying project for more experienced needleworkers looking for a relaxing, low-complexity make. As a free PDF download from DMC, it offers exceptional value and instant access to a professionally designed chart.