Product Description
Tropical Branch With Details Embroidery Pattern by Sew & Saunders x DMC – Free Downloadable PDF
This free downloadable embroidery pattern, created in collaboration between Sew & Saunders and DMC, guides stitchers through the creation of a beautifully detailed tropical branch design. Rated as intermediate difficulty, the pattern is well suited to embroiderers who are comfortable with foundational hand stitching techniques and are ready to add more refined detail work to their practice. The finished piece captures the lush, layered look of tropical foliage, making it an ideal project for nature-inspired home décor, framed textile art, or hoop displays.
What Is Being Made
The design features a tropical branch with intricate leaf details, rendered in a carefully selected palette of muted, botanical greens and warm gold tones. The pattern includes a full colour guide and a technical chart that maps out all leaf details using coded letter references, making it straightforward to follow even for those newer to reading embroidery diagrams. The bilingual instructions (English and French) reflect the international reach of the DMC brand and the Sew & Saunders collaboration.
Techniques Used
This pattern draws on three classic hand embroidery techniques, each serving a distinct visual purpose within the tropical branch composition:
- Stem Stitch (Point de tige) – Code Letter A: A foundational embroidery stitch worked in overlapping diagonal stitches to create smooth, rope-like lines. In this design, stem stitch is used to define the structural elements of the branch and leaf outlines, giving the composition its organic, flowing quality.
- Satin Stitch (Passé plat) – Code Letter B: A filling stitch worked in closely packed parallel stitches to create a smooth, solid surface. Satin stitch is used extensively across the leaf forms, as indicated by the technical chart, which shows B1 references repeated across the majority of the leaf areas. This technique gives the leaves their full, dimensional appearance.
- Back Stitch (Point arrière) – Code Letter C: A precise, clean stitch used for fine line work and detailing. Back stitch appears in the leaf detail areas (referenced as A3 in the technical chart), adding crisp definition and texture that elevates the overall realism of the tropical motif.
Stitches Used
- Stem Stitch – for branch and outline work
- Satin Stitch – for filled leaf surfaces
- Back Stitch – for fine leaf detail lines
All stitches are worked using 3 strands of thread throughout the entire design, which produces good coverage and a consistent texture across the finished piece.
Colours and Thread
The pattern uses DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 stranded cotton embroidery floss in three carefully chosen shades:
- DMC 501 – a deep, muted blue-green; 2 skeins required
- DMC 522 – a soft, sage fern green; 1 skein required
- DMC 832 – a warm antique gold; 1 skein required
This restrained three-colour palette creates a sophisticated, botanical aesthetic. The contrast between the cooler greens and the warm gold of DMC 832 adds visual depth and highlights the intricate detail work within the leaf structures.
Materials and Tools Required
- Needle: No. 12 embroidery needle, suitable for fine detailed work with stranded cotton
- Thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 stranded cotton in shades 501, 522, and 832
- Fabric: The pattern specifies a suitable embroidery fabric or toile of the stitcher's choice
- Design Transfer: A magic sheet, transfer pen, or transfer paper is recommended to accurately transfer the tropical branch motif onto the fabric before stitching begins
Specifications
| Brand: | DMC |
| Craft: | Embroidery |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |