Wolf in DMC - PAT0391 - Downloadable PDF

Wolf Cross Stitch Pattern by Floss & Mischief x DMC – PAT0391

This free downloadable PDF from DMC, created in collaboration with Floss & Mischief, provides a complete cross stitch chart for stitching a Wolf design. The pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch for those new to the craft. The finished design measures approximately 9.4 x 12 cm (3.7 x 4.7 inches) when worked on 14-count Aida fabric, offering a satisfying yet manageable project size.

What You Will Make

The finished piece is a detailed wolf portrait rendered entirely in cross stitch. The design uses a carefully chosen palette of eight thread colours to capture the natural tones and shading of a wolf, ranging from deep blacks and cool greys through to warm taupes and creamy off-whites. The chart is provided in two formats within the PDF: a full colour chart and a black and white chart, giving stitchers flexibility depending on their preferred working method or printing setup.

Techniques Used

The pattern uses a single primary embroidery technique:

• Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch of counted needlework, formed by making two diagonal stitches that cross at the centre to create a small x shape. Each stitch occupies one square of the Aida fabric, and by following the chart square by square, stitchers build up the complete wolf image. All stitches in this pattern are worked using 2 strands of thread.

Cross stitch is one of the most approachable embroidery techniques because it requires no freehand drawing or complex needle movements. The gridded Aida fabric acts as a built-in guide, making it straightforward for beginners to count and place stitches accurately.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (worked with 2 strands) – the sole stitch used throughout the entire design, keeping the technique accessible and consistent for newcomers to embroidery.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) – the pattern calls for eight colours, each requiring one skein: DMC 310 (black), DMC 646 (dark beaver grey), DMC 647 (medium beaver grey), DMC 3023 (light brown grey), DMC 3032 (medium mocha beige), DMC 822 (light beige grey), DMC 712 (cream), and DMC 307 (lemon yellow). This palette creates the naturalistic, layered colouring of the wolf.
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida – 14-count Aida is specifically recommended for beginners and is the count on which the stated design size is based. Higher count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design.
• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric.
• Embroidery hoop – listed as optional but helpful for keeping fabric taut and stitches even while working.
• Scissors – for trimming thread ends neatly.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

The pattern is delivered as a downloadable PDF and is available free of charge. It includes bilingual instructions in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international reach. The PDF contains three pages: the colour chart, the black and white chart, and a getting-started guide covering tool requirements, design size information, and the full colour legend with DMC thread numbers and skein quantities. This makes it a self-contained resource that requires no additional reference materials to get started.

Ideal For

• Beginner embroiderers looking for their first counted cross stitch project
• Stitchers who enjoy wildlife and nature-themed needlework
• Those already familiar with DMC