Floral Heart in DMC - PAT0157 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Floral Heart Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0157) – Free Downloadable PDF

The Floral Heart (also titled Coeur floral in French) is a charming and beginner-friendly cross stitch embroidery design published by DMC. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern presents a decorative heart motif beautifully filled with floral elements, making it an ideal project for those new to counted cross stitch as well as experienced stitchers looking for a satisfying, relatively quick make. The finished piece is well-suited for framing, greeting cards, or as a decorative hoop display.

What You Will Make

This pattern guides you through stitching a heart shape composed of floral designs — a classic and universally appealing motif that works wonderfully as a gift or home decoration. The coloured chart provided in the PDF makes it straightforward to follow, even for those who are just beginning their embroidery journey. The design is presented in both a coloured cross stitch chart and a standard cross stitch chart, giving stitchers multiple references to work from across the nine pages of the PDF.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches on an evenweave or Aida fabric by bringing the needle up and down through the fabric in a consistent diagonal direction, then crossing back over to complete the X. It is one of the most accessible embroidery techniques and is ideal for beginners.
• Backstitch: Used in addition to the cross stitch to add fine detail, definition, and outlining to the floral and heart elements. Backstitch creates a continuous, smooth line by working backwards relative to the direction of stitching, giving crisp edges and added dimension to the finished design.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the floral heart design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and detailing within the composition

Materials Required

The pattern references the DMC Getting Started Tool Kit as a recommended resource for beginners, which provides everything needed to begin stitching. The thread specified in the pattern is DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (reference 117MC), which is DMC's iconic six-strand divisible cotton floss — the industry standard for counted cross stitch and embroidery worldwide. DMC Mouliné Spécial is known for its consistent colour, sheen, and wide colour range, making it perfectly suited to the multi-coloured floral palette of this design.

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) in multiple colours as indicated on the coloured chart
• Fabric: Evenweave or Aida cross stitch fabric (standard for counted cross stitch projects)
• Needle: A tapestry needle appropriate for cross stitch (blunt tip to pass through fabric weave without splitting threads)
• Embroidery hoop: Recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even while working

Pattern Format and Difficulty

The Floral Heart PDF is 9 pages long and includes both a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch and a plain cross stitch chart, offering stitchers a clear and easy-to-read guide throughout the project. Rated as a beginner level pattern, it is an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch for those new to the craft, while still being an enjoyable and rewarding stitch for more experienced embroiderers. The pattern is available entirely free of charge as a downloadable PDF from DMC, copyright 2017.