DMC Cocker Spaniel - PAT1496S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Cocker Spaniel Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1496S) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable PDF pattern from DMC features an adorable Cocker Spaniel design worked in cross stitch with backstitch detailing. Released as part of the DMC Library, this intermediate-level embroidery chart is a wonderful project for stitchers who are comfortable with basic cross stitch and are ready to add refined detail work through backstitch. The finished piece captures the characteristic soft, flowing coat and expressive features of the beloved Cocker Spaniel breed.

What You Will Make

The pattern produces a coloured cross stitch portrait of a Cocker Spaniel, rendered in warm, naturalistic tones. The design is presented as a full colour chart alongside a separate backstitch diagram, allowing stitchers to first build up the body of the design with cross stitches before adding fine outlines and details with backstitch. The result is a charming, lifelike representation of the dog that would suit a framed picture, cushion cover, or decorative hoop display.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over a counted fabric grid. This technique builds up the colour, form, and shading of the Cocker Spaniel's coat and features.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine lines, outlines, and detail on top of the completed cross stitch areas. Backstitch is essential in this pattern for defining the dog's facial features, coat texture, and overall silhouette, giving the finished piece a polished, illustrative quality.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch forming all filled areas of colour
• Backstitch – used for outlining and fine detail work as indicated on the separate backstitch diagram included in the PDF

Colour Palette

The design uses a carefully selected range of DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread shades to recreate the warm, golden-brown tones typical of a Cocker Spaniel's coat. The specific thread colours referenced in the chart include:

• DMC 436 – a warm tan, used extensively throughout the coat areas
• DMC 433 – a deeper medium brown for shading and depth
• DMC 3031 – a very dark mocha brown used for the deepest shadows and defining features
• DMC 3750 – a very dark navy blue, used as a rich dark accent

Together, these shades create a realistic, layered appearance that mimics the natural colouring of the breed, with lighter tones providing highlights and darker shades adding dimension and contrast.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (117MC) – the recommended thread for this pattern, a 6-strand divisible cotton floss available in the specific shade numbers listed on the chart
• Evenweave or Aida fabric – a counted fabric is required for cross stitch; the grid structure of Aida cloth makes it particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate stitchers alike
• Tapestry needle – a blunt-tipped needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on evenweave or Aida fabric
• Embroidery hoop or frame – recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even throughout the project

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This is a downloadable PDF pattern, available completely free of charge directly from DMC. The file contains a coloured cross stitch chart as well as a separate backstitch diagram, providing clear visual guidance for both stages of the stitching process. Instructions are presented in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international heritage.

The pattern is rated at an intermediate difficulty level, making it most suitable for stitchers who are already familiar with counted cross stitch and comfortable reading a colour chart. The inclusion of backstitch adds an extra layer of technique that elevates the design beyond a purely beginner project, rewarding those with some prior embroidery experience with a beautifully detailed finished result.