DMC Winter Wreath - PAT1446 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Winter Wreath Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1446) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Winter Wreath (also known as Couronne d'Hiver in French) is a free downloadable cross stitch pattern from DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, this design presents a beautifully detailed seasonal wreath rendered entirely in counted cross stitch with backstitch accents — making it an ideal project for stitchers who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to work with a richer colour palette and finer detailing.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished winter wreath embroidery design, measuring approximately 21.27 cm × 22.18 cm (8.37″ × 8.73″) when stitched on the recommended fabric. The finished piece is suitable for framing, displaying as seasonal home décor, or incorporating into a festive gift. The near-square format gives the wreath a balanced, symmetrical presence that works well in a standard frame.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch – The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of a fabric square, building up the coloured image block by block. The pattern includes a coloured cross stitch chart to guide colour placement.
• Backstitch – Used as an outlining and detailing technique to add definition, sharpness, and fine linear elements to the wreath design. A dedicated backstitch diagram is included alongside the main chart, making it straightforward to identify where these finishing lines are applied.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlines and fine detail work

Materials Required

The pattern calls for a carefully curated selection of DMC threads and embroidery supplies. The thread palette combines three distinct DMC thread ranges to achieve a mix of solid colour, subtle sheen, and festive sparkle:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117MC – the classic six-strand cotton embroidery floss, available in hundreds of colours and known for its consistent quality and smooth finish. This forms the core of the colour work in the design.
• DMC Mouliné Étoile Art. 617 – a lightly sparkling stranded cotton thread that blends colour with a subtle shimmer, adding a delicate luminosity to selected areas of the wreath.
• DMC Diamant Art. 380 – a metallic thread designed specifically for hand embroidery, delivering a bold, eye-catching sparkle. Colour reference D3821 (a warm gold metallic) is specifically noted in the chart, lending a rich, festive quality to the finished piece.
• Cross Stitch Fabric – Aida Col. 500 – the recommended ground fabric is Aida, a woven evenweave fabric with an easy-to-count grid of holes. The finished design size will vary depending on the count (holes per inch) of the Aida chosen; a higher count produces a smaller, finer result.
• Cross Stitch Needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric.
• Embroidery Hoop – listed as optional but recommended to keep the fabric taut and stitches even during work.
• Scissors – for trimming thread ends neatly.

About the Pattern Format

The DMC Winter Wreath PAT1446 is delivered as a downloadable PDF and is available completely free of charge from DMC. The PDF includes both a coloured cross stitch chart for easy colour identification and a separate backstitch diagram for precise detailing guidance. Instructions and materials lists are presented bilingually in English and French, reflecting DMC's international heritage. The pattern is published under © 2020 DMC, all rights reserved worldwide.

Who This Pattern Is Suited For