DMC Ornamental Border - PAT1126 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Ornamental Border Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1126) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Ornamental Border (PAT1126) is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch pattern from the DMC Library, offering embroiderers a beautifully detailed repeating decorative border design. Known in French as Frise Ornementale, this pattern is ideal for adding an elegant, classical finishing touch to a wide range of embroidery projects, from framed artwork and table linens to clothing embellishments and home décor accents.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a repeating ornamental border worked in coloured cross stitch. The design measures 2.63 × 2.24 inches (6.7 × 5.7 cm) per repeat unit and is specifically designed to tile seamlessly — it repeats on both the width and the height, allowing stitchers to extend the border to any length or create an all-over pattern as desired. This versatility makes it suitable for framing as a standalone decorative piece or incorporating into larger embroidery projects.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the pattern. Cross stitch involves forming X-shaped stitches on an even-weave or Aida fabric by working two diagonal stitches that cross at the centre. It is one of the oldest and most widely practised forms of counted embroidery, prized for its clean, graphic appearance and the ability to render detailed designs through a colour-by-number chart system.
• Counted Chart Work: The pattern is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), meaning each square on the grid corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric. Stitchers count threads carefully to position each stitch accurately, making this an intermediate-level skill project.
• Repeating/Tiling Design: A key technique consideration in this pattern is understanding how to match and continue the repeat across both axes, requiring careful counting and planning at join points.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch: The sole stitch type specified in this pattern, used to build the entire ornamental border design using the colour legend provided.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials from the DMC range:

• DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss 25 (Art. 117) / DMC Mouliné Spécial 25 (Art. 117): The standard DMC six-strand divisible cotton embroidery thread, available in a vast range of colours. Stitchers typically work with two strands on 14-count Aida fabric, though the specific strand count for this pattern should be confirmed in the colour legend.
• DMC Diamant Grandé (Art. 381): A premium metallic thread from DMC's Diamant range, offering a bold, lustrous shimmer. The inclusion of Diamant Grandé elevates the ornamental border with a decorative sparkle, lending the finished piece a rich, jewel-like quality suited to its classical border aesthetic.
• DMC Diamant (Art. 380): Another metallic thread from the DMC Diamant collection, finer than the Grandé variant, adding further shimmer and detail to the design.
• Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida 14-Count (Toile Aida 5.5 pts/cm): The recommended ground fabric is 14-count Aida, a popular even-weave cotton fabric with clearly defined holes that make counting and stitching straightforward. At 14 count, there are 14 stitches per inch, producing a fine, detailed result at the stated design dimensions.
• Cross Stitch Needle (Aiguille à Broder): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric is required. The blunt tip passes through the fabric holes without splitting threads.
• Embroidery Hoop (Tambour) — Optional: A hoop or frame is recommended to keep the fabric taut and even during stitching, helping to maintain consistent stitch tension throughout the border repeat.
• Scissors