DMC Woolly Hat - PAT1132 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Woolly Hat Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1132) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Woolly Hat (pattern reference PAT1132) is a free downloadable cross stitch pattern from the DMC Library – Bibliothèque DMC, published in 2019. It features a charming, colourful depiction of a woolly winter hat (bonnet en laine), making it an appealing embroidery project for those who enjoy seasonal and textile-inspired needlework motifs. The finished design measures approximately 14.72 × 13.45 cm (5.79 × 5.29 inches) when stitched on standard 14-count Aida fabric, giving it a satisfying size suitable for framing, card-making, or decorative finishing.

About the Design

The pattern presents a single, self-contained design of a cosy woolly hat rendered in coloured cross stitch with backstitch detailing. The chart is provided as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch diagram (diagramme point de croix en couleurs avec point arrière), meaning stitchers receive both a full colour reference chart and clear backstitch guidance to add fine outlines and definition to the finished piece. The combination of filled cross stitch areas and precise backstitch lines is what gives this style of embroidery its characteristic crisp, illustrated quality.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over the intersections of an evenweave or Aida fabric. When worked consistently in the same direction, cross stitch produces a neat, uniform texture that fills the design with colour.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used to add outlines, fine lines, and detail on top of or around the cross stitched areas. Backstitch is a continuous line stitch that travels backwards relative to the direction of work, creating smooth, defined edges and intricate detail that cross stitch alone cannot achieve.

Materials Required

Threads

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (Art. 117MC): The core thread used for the cross stitch and backstitch elements. DMC Mouliné Spécial is a six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, widely regarded as the industry standard for cross stitch. Stitchers typically separate the strands and use two strands for cross stitch on 14-count Aida, and one strand for backstitch detail.
• DMC Diamant Embroidery Thread (Art. 380): A metallic embroidery thread also specified for this design, adding a sparkling, decorative accent to selected areas of the woolly hat motif. DMC Diamant thread is designed to stitch smoothly and is available in a range of metallic colours, bringing a festive or wintry shimmer to the finished piece.

Fabric

• Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida (Toile Aida): The pattern is designed and sized based on 14-count Aida, the most widely used cross stitch fabric. Aida is a woven fabric with clearly defined holes and a regular grid structure that makes it easy to place stitches accurately. The count refers to the number of stitches per inch — a higher count produces smaller stitches and a finer finished design. Beginners are specifically recommended to start with 14-count Aida.

Tools

• Cross Stitch Needle (Aiguille): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is used for cross stitch on Aida fabric, as it passes through the fabric holes without splitting the fibres.
• Embroidery Hoop (Tambour) – Optional: An embroidery hoop holds the fabric taut during stitching, helping to maintain even tension and prevent the fabric from distorting. While listed as optional, many stitchers find a hoop beneficial for achieving neat, consistent results.
• Scissors (Ciseaux): A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors is recommended for trimming thread ends cleanly.

Difficulty and Suitability

This pattern is listed at an intermediate difficulty level, making it well suited to stitchers who are already comfortable with