DMC Decorative Vase - PAT1517S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Decorative Vase Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1517S) – Free Downloadable PDF

This DMC Decorative Vase is a beautifully detailed coloured cross stitch chart available as a free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library. Designed for intermediate-level embroiderers, this pattern invites stitchers to recreate an ornamental vase design using classic counted cross stitch techniques. The finished piece makes an elegant decorative artwork, perfectly suited for framing or displaying as a home accent.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a decorative vase rendered entirely in cross stitch. The design draws on traditional decorative motifs, translating the intricate details of an ornamental vase into a charming needlework piece. As a coloured chart, the pattern provides a clear, easy-to-follow visual guide that maps each stitch to a specific DMC thread colour, making it straightforward to achieve a vibrant and accurate result.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique throughout the pattern, where X-shaped stitches are placed over a counted grid of fabric threads to build up the image square by square
• Colour charting – the PDF provides a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme pont de croix en couleurs), allowing stitchers to match thread colours directly to the printed diagram
• Thread management – working with multiple DMC Mouliné thread colours requires careful organisation and blending to achieve smooth colour transitions across the vase design

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the entire design, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over a consistent number of fabric threads to create the vase motif

Materials Referenced

The pattern references the following materials under its getting started / commencer tool kit section:

• DMC Mouliné Art. 117 Embroidery Thread – the specified thread for this project, a premium stranded cotton embroidery floss available in a vast range of colours. DMC Mouliné is the industry-standard choice for counted cross stitch, prized for its consistent twist, colour-fastness, and smooth finish.
• Embroidery fabric – counted cross stitch is traditionally worked on evenweave or Aida fabric, which provides the uniform grid needed for accurate stitch placement
• Embroidery needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the fabric count is the standard tool for cross stitch work
• Embroidery hoop or frame – recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even throughout the project

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This pattern is published by DMC as part of the DMC Library collection and is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible to anyone wishing to begin the project. The chart is presented in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international reach. The intermediate difficulty rating suggests that while a working knowledge of counted cross stitch is helpful, the pattern remains approachable for confident beginners looking to advance their skills. The coloured chart format eliminates the need to decode complex symbol-only diagrams, offering a more intuitive stitching experience.

About the Craft

Cross stitch is one of the oldest and most widely practised forms of embroidery, characterised by its satisfying repetition and the way complex images emerge stitch by stitch from a simple grid. Counted cross stitch, as used in this DMC Decorative Vase pattern, relies on the stitcher counting fabric threads rather than following a printed outline, resulting in crisp, precise imagery. DMC Mouliné stranded cotton is the thread of choice for this craft worldwide, offering six separable strands that can be used in varying combinations to suit different fabric counts and desired coverage levels.