Beetle in DMC - PAT0387 - Downloadable PDF

Beetle Cross Stitch Pattern by Floss & Mischief x DMC (PAT0387) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable PDF pattern is a collaboration between Floss & Mischief and DMC, presenting a charming Beetle cross stitch design suitable for embroiderers of all levels, with a particular focus on beginners. The finished design measures 7.8 x 11.6 cm (3.1 x 4.6 inches), making it a compact and achievable project that can be completed in a relatively short time. It is an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch for those just starting their embroidery journey.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a detailed beetle motif worked in counted cross stitch on Aida fabric. The design is decorative and naturalistic in character, capturing the form of a beetle with careful colour placement and fine outline detail. Once completed, the piece can be framed, mounted, or used as an embellishment on a variety of textile projects.

Pattern Charts Included

• Coloured cross stitch chart – a full-colour diagramme showing the placement of each stitch with colour coding to guide thread selection
• Black and white cross stitch chart – an alternative diagramme useful for printing or for stitchers who prefer symbol-based reading
• Backstitch diagramme – a separate chart specifically indicating where backstitch is applied to add fine outlines and detail to the finished beetle design

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique, where X-shaped stitches are placed over a grid of Aida fabric following the chart square by square
• Backstitch – used to add crisp outlines, fine lines, and detail work that cross stitch alone cannot achieve; backstitch is worked after the cross stitch is complete and significantly enhances the definition of the beetle's form

Counted cross stitch is one of the most accessible embroidery techniques available. Because the Aida fabric has a clearly visible woven grid, stitchers simply count squares and place stitches accordingly, making it easy to follow a charted design without needing to transfer a pattern by hand. Backstitch, worked in a simple running line that doubles back on itself, is equally beginner-friendly and adds a polished, illustrative quality to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the design, forming the body of colour across the beetle motif
• Backstitch – used for outlining and fine detail, as shown in the dedicated backstitch diagramme included in the PDF

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) – the recommended floss for this pattern; DMC Mouliné Spécial is a 6-strand divisible cotton thread known for its consistent colour, sheen, and wide availability
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida – the pattern recommends 14-count Aida as the most suitable choice for beginners; the count refers to the number of stitches per inch, and 14-count produces a stitch size that is easy to see and work with
• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for working through the holes of Aida fabric without splitting the weave
• Embroidery hoop – listed as optional but recommended to keep the fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors – for trimming thread ends neatly

Design Size and Fabric Count Notes

The finished design size of 7.8 x 11.6 cm (3.1 x 4.6 inches) is based on a specific fabric count. As noted in the pattern, the higher the fabric count, the smaller the resulting design. Stitchers wishing to produce a larger beetle can choose a lower-count Aida, while those wanting a finer, more detailed finish may opt for a higher count. 14-count Aida is explicitly recommended for beginners as the most commonly available and easiest to work with.