DMC Winter Woodland Cross Stitch Pattern - PAT1655_2

DMC Winter Wonderland Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1655_2) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable cross stitch pattern from DMC brings a charming Winter Woodland scene to life through counted cross stitch embroidery. Designed with beginner stitchers in mind, the pattern features a beautifully detailed woodland landscape rendered in a rich seasonal colour palette, making it an ideal introduction to the world of counted cross stitch. The finished design measures approximately 11.63 x 17.09 cm (4.57" x 6.72") when stitched on the recommended fabric, giving crafters a satisfyingly sized piece suitable for framing, gifting, or seasonal home decoration.

What You Will Make

The finished project is a Winter Woodland cross stitch embroidery — a colourful, illustrated scene evoking the quiet beauty of a forest in winter. The design is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch, meaning the pattern grid uses colour-coded symbols to guide placement of each stitch, with backstitch details added to define outlines and fine features within the composition. This type of decorative embroidery piece is well suited to display in a hoop or frame as seasonal wall art.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Each cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over a set number of fabric threads to create an X shape. On Aida fabric, each stitch sits neatly within a woven square, making it straightforward for beginners to count and place stitches accurately.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used as a secondary technique to add fine lines, outlines, and detail work over the completed cross stitch areas. Backstitch creates smooth, continuous lines that give the design definition and a polished, illustrated appearance. It is typically worked after all cross stitching is complete.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch: The foundational stitch of the design, used to fill all coloured areas of the Winter Woodland scene. Each stitch covers one square of Aida fabric and is worked using two strands of thread.
• Backstitch: Applied selectively across the design to create crisp outlines and fine linear details that enhance the overall visual quality of the finished piece.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed to be stitched using DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117 MC, the brand's iconic six-strand divisible embroidery floss, which is widely available and known for its consistent colour quality and smooth finish. The chart specifies a small selection of individual colour numbers, with quantities ranging from one to two skeins per shade depending on coverage needed.

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial Art. 117 MC in the specific colour numbers listed in the pattern legend
• Fabric: Cross Stitch Aida Fabric — DMC recommends 14-count Aida for beginners, as it is the most commonly used cross stitch fabric and the count on which the stated design dimensions are based. Higher count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design, while lower counts will produce a larger one.
• Needle: A cross stitch needle (blunt-tipped tapestry needle), sized appropriately for the chosen fabric count
• Embroidery Hoop: Optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors: Small, sharp embroidery scissors for trimming thread ends neatly

Who This Pattern Is For

Rated as a beginner-level design, the Winter Woodland pattern from DMC is an excellent starting point for anyone new to counted cross stitch. The use of 14-count Aida fabric means the individual stitches are clearly visible and easy to work, and the coloured chart format — where each symbol corresponds directly to a thread colour — removes much of the guesswork for first-time stitchers. The inclusion of backstitch adds a gentle introduction to a second essential embroidery technique without overwhelming a newcomer. Experienced stitchers will also appreciate the design as a relaxing, seasonal project that works up relatively quickly.

Pattern Format