DMC Summer Vase - PAT1519S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Summer Vase Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1519S) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Summer Vase is a charming coloured cross stitch chart featuring a decorative vase design rendered in rich botanical tones. Published by DMC and available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level embroidery pattern is a rewarding project for stitchers who are comfortable working from a colour-coded chart and incorporating multiple techniques into a single piece.

What Is Being Made

The finished design depicts a Summer Vase — a decorative floral or botanical vase composition worked in counted cross stitch. The design measures 14 cm × 16.36 cm (5.51″ × 6.44″) when stitched on a standard count fabric, though the final size will vary depending on the count of the Aida fabric chosen. A higher fabric count produces smaller, finer stitches and a more compact finished piece, while a lower count yields a larger, bolder result.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch – the primary technique used to fill the design with colour, worked by forming X-shaped stitches over the intersections of an evenweave or Aida fabric
• Backstitch – used to add fine outlines, detail, and definition to the design, giving the Summer Vase its crisp, finished appearance
• Quarter cross stitch – referenced in the chart (as indicated by the 1/4 notation), allowing for smoother curves and more refined edges within the composition

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch – the foundational stitch that builds up the coloured areas of the vase design
• Backstitch – worked over completed cross stitch areas to define outlines and add fine linear detail
• Quarter cross stitch – used selectively to refine curved or diagonal edges within the pattern

Colours and Thread

The pattern uses DMC Mouliné Spécial Art. 117 stranded cotton thread — DMC's classic six-strand embroidery floss, which can be separated to work with fewer strands for finer detail or more strands for greater coverage. The colour palette specified in the chart includes the following DMC thread shades:

• DMC 500 – a very deep, dark forest green
• DMC 367 – a medium pistachio green
• DMC 502 – a soft blue-green
• DMC 3328 – a medium salmon red
• DMC 26 – a soft lilac or pale pink tone

This carefully selected palette of greens, blue-greens, and warm accent tones gives the Summer Vase its fresh, botanical character, evoking lush foliage and delicate blooms typical of a classic summer arrangement.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial thread (Art. 117) in the shades listed above
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida (toile Aida) – the pattern is designed for Aida evenweave fabric; the count selected will determine the final dimensions of the finished piece
• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count
• Embroidery hoop – optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors – for trimming thread ends neatly

Pattern Format and Skill Level

The DMC Summer Vase pattern (PAT1519S) is provided as a downloadable PDF and is completely free of charge. The PDF includes both a coloured cross stitch chart for easy visual reference and a backstitch diagram, making it straightforward to follow even for those relatively new to combining cross stitch and backstitch in a single project. Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is best suited to stitchers who are already familiar with reading a counted chart