Figs in DMC - PAT0506 - Downloadable PDF

Figs Embroidery Pattern by Jodie Ruffle x DMC (PAT0506) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable embroidery pattern is a collaboration between designer Jodie Ruffle and DMC, one of the world's most recognised thread and needlecraft brands. The design features a beautifully illustrated fig motif — a popular botanical subject in contemporary hand embroidery — rendered in a rich, carefully curated colour palette drawn from the DMC thread range. The finished design measures approximately 16.8 cm x 10.9 cm, making it a versatile piece suitable for framing, hoop art, or incorporation into textile projects such as cushions, tote bags, or garments.

About the Design

The Figs pattern captures the organic, lush quality of ripe figs with layered tones and botanical detail. The colour guide references a range of DMC thread shades across multiple colour groups — labelled in the pattern as groups A, B, C, and D — with individual shade references including A5, A6, B7, B8, B9, B10, C6, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. This multi-tonal approach gives the embroidered figs a naturalistic, painterly appearance, with smooth transitions between light and shadow across the fruit, leaves, and background elements.

Techniques Used

As an intermediate-level embroidery pattern, Figs is best suited to stitchers who are comfortable with basic embroidery techniques and are ready to develop their skills in shading and detail work. The pattern uses a colour guide and technical chart to direct placement of stitches and thread colours across the design. Techniques typically employed in this style of botanical embroidery include:

• Satin stitch – for filling smooth areas of the fruit and leaves with solid, lustrous colour
• Long and short stitch – to blend multiple DMC thread shades seamlessly, creating the soft gradients characteristic of botanical illustration
• Stem stitch or outline stitch – for defining the edges of the figs, stems, and leaf veins with clean, flowing lines
• French knots – potentially used for textural detail, such as the characteristic dotted surface of a fig's skin or seed clusters
• Split stitch – as a foundation or outlining technique to support filled areas and maintain crisp edges

Stitches Reference

The pattern's technical chart provides a clear visual diagram to guide stitch direction and colour placement. Working from the DMC colour guide included in the PDF, embroiderers can identify exactly which thread shade corresponds to each area of the design. The use of multiple strands is specified within the instructions, with the number of strands and skeins calculated specifically for the stated design size of 16.8 cm x 10.9 cm.

Materials Required

• DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss – in the shades specified across colour groups A, B, C, and D as listed in the pattern's colour guide
• Embroidery needle – a standard sharp or crewel needle appropriate for the number of strands being used
• Embroidery hoop – to keep the fabric taut and ensure even, consistent stitching
• Evenweave or plain weave fabric – such as linen or cotton, suitable for surface embroidery at the specified design dimensions
• Transfer tools – to transfer the printed pattern diagram onto the fabric prior to stitching

Pattern Format and Availability

The Figs pattern by Jodie Ruffle x DMC is available as a free downloadable PDF from DMC, as part of the DMC Library collection of complimentary patterns and tutorials. The PDF includes a full-colour guide, a technical stitch diagram, and written instructions — everything needed to complete the project. It is published under © DMC 2017, all rights reserved. Embroiderers are encouraged to share their finished creations using the hashtag #dmcthreads across social platforms including Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.