DMC Winter Lanscape Cross Stitch Pattern - PAT1970_2

DMC Winter Landscape Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1970_2) – Free Downloadable PDF

This DMC Winter Landscape cross stitch pattern is a beautifully detailed coloured cross stitch chart depicting a serene winter scene. Released as part of the DMC Library collection, this pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible and cost-free project for anyone looking to explore the art of cross stitch embroidery.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a winter landscape (also titled Paysage d'Hiver in French, reflecting DMC's bilingual pattern library). When stitched on the recommended fabric, the design measures approximately 18.5 cm (7.2 inches), making it a manageable yet visually impactful embroidery project. The completed work is suitable for framing, displaying in a hoop, or incorporating into seasonal home décor.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an ideal starting point for those new to cross stitch. The pattern itself uses a straightforward coloured chart format, meaning each symbol or colour block on the grid corresponds directly to a thread colour, simplifying the stitching process considerably. DMC also recommends that beginners start with 14-count Aida fabric, which produces a comfortable stitch size that is easy to see and work with.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch – The primary and only technique used in this pattern. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches on an even-weave or Aida fabric by bringing the needle up through one hole, crossing diagonally to the opposite corner, and completing the X on the return pass. Working from a coloured chart, each square on the grid represents one cross stitch.
• Counted cross stitch – Because the design is presented as a counted chart, stitchers count the squares on the grid and the holes on the fabric to position each stitch accurately, rather than following a pre-printed design on the fabric.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – The foundational stitch of this entire design, worked over one square of Aida fabric per stitch.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies a carefully curated selection of DMC threads and materials to achieve the full visual effect of the winter landscape, including special threads that add shimmer and luminosity to the finished piece:

• DMC Pearl Cotton Art. 115ar/8 (Coton Perlé Art. 115ar/8) – A twisted, lustrous cotton thread that gives a subtle sheen to stitched areas. Pearl Cotton size 8 is finer than size 5, making it well-suited to detailed counted work on 14-count Aida.
• DMC Metallic Pearl Art. 315 (Perlé Métalisé Art. 315) – A metallic pearl thread that adds a glittering, reflective quality to the design, ideal for capturing the sparkle of snow and winter light.
• DMC Light Effect Art. 317w (Effet Lumière Art. 317w) – A specialty thread from DMC's Light Effects range, designed to mimic the appearance of light, adding a magical glow to the winter scene.
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida 14-count, colour 168 (GD1436BX Col.168) – The recommended fabric is a 14-count Aida in colour 168, which provides 14 stitches per inch (approximately 5.5 stitches per centimetre). Aida is the most widely used cross stitch fabric due to its clearly defined holes and even weave, making it particularly suitable for beginners.
• Cross stitch needle – A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is used for cross stitch to pass smoothly through the holes of the Aida fabric without splitting the fibres.
• Embroidery hoop (optional) – A hoop can be used to keep the fabric taut and even while stitching, helping to maintain consistent stitch tension.
• Scissors – Required for cutting and finishing threads.

About the Design Size and Fabric Count

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