Zweigart Autumn Leaves - 106-65 - Downloadable PDF

Zweigart Autumn Leaves Embroidery Pattern (106-65) – Free Downloadable PDF

The Zweigart Autumn Leaves pattern (reference 106-65) is a free, downloadable PDF embroidery design from Zweigart, the renowned German needlework fabric manufacturer established since 1877. True to its name and tagline — "Leaves are falling, autumn is calling" — this design celebrates the warm, rich tones of the autumn season through a decorative needlework composition featuring falling leaves. It is rated as a beginner level project, making it an ideal introduction to counted embroidery for newcomers while still offering a satisfying, seasonally inspired result for more experienced stitchers.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished embroidered piece depicting an autumnal leaves motif, designed to be worked on counted embroidery fabric. The completed piece is suitable for framing, use as a decorative panel, or incorporation into home textile projects. Because Zweigart provides fabric recommendations across multiple counts and fiber compositions, stitchers have considerable flexibility in choosing the final size and texture of their finished work.

Techniques Used

The pattern calls for three classic hand embroidery techniques that are fundamental to counted needlework:

• Cross Stitch (Kreuzstich / point de croix) – The primary technique used to fill the design. Cross stitch involves forming X-shaped stitches over the intersections of an evenweave or Aida fabric, following a charted grid. It is the cornerstone of counted embroidery and is particularly well-suited to beginners.
• Back Stitch (Rückstich / point arrière) – Used for outlining, adding fine detail, and defining the edges of the leaf shapes. Back stitch creates a clean, continuous line and gives the design crisp definition against the filled cross stitch areas.
• French Knot (Knötchenstich / point de noeud) – A dimensional stitch used to add texture and decorative accent points within the design. French knots are formed by wrapping the thread around the needle before inserting it back into the fabric, creating a small raised knot on the surface.

Stitches and Thread Colors

The pattern provides a comprehensive thread color key compatible with multiple leading thread brands, giving stitchers the freedom to work with their preferred supplies:

• Anchor thread colors referenced include: 403, 306, 340, 1003, 884, 879, 300, 268, 267 and others
• DMC thread colors referenced include: 310, 378, 745, 3820, 782, 922, 356, 919, 561, 937, 469
• Paintbox Crafts thread equivalents are also provided for each color
• MEZ thread numbers are listed as an additional reference

The palette draws on deep autumnal shades — warm oranges, russet reds, golden yellows, and earthy greens — faithfully evoking the colors of falling leaves in the season.

Recommended Fabrics and Materials

Zweigart recommends several of their own signature evenweave and Aida fabrics, each identified by their trademark Orange Line selvedge thread — a hallmark of Zweigart's "Made in Germany" quality standard, guaranteeing colorfastness, precise weaving, and easy care. The recommended fabric options are:

• Zweigart Stern-Aida (3706) – 14 count (54 stitches per 10 cm), 100% cotton. Color options listed include 611, 300, 720. Aida is the most beginner-friendly counted fabric, with clearly visible holes that guide each stitch placement.
• Zweigart Belfast (3609) – 32 count (126 threads per 10 cm), 100% linen. Color options include 326, 6016, 3008, 3217. Belfast linen produces a finer, more refined finish and is typically stitched over two threads.
• Zweigart Edinburgh (3984) – 36