DMC Flowers Tambourine - PAT1082 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Flowers Tambourine Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1082) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Flowers Tambourine (also known as Tambourin de Fleurs in French) is a charming coloured cross stitch chart featuring a floral design worked in counted cross stitch with backstitch detail. This free downloadable PDF pattern is part of the official DMC Library collection and is suitable for intermediate embroiderers looking to develop their counted cross stitch skills with a decorative floral motif.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a floral tambourine-inspired design rendered entirely in counted cross stitch and backstitch. The finished piece is a colourful, decorative embroidery that showcases flowers in a classic needlework style. The bilingual presentation of the pattern (English and French) reflects the international reach of the DMC brand and its library of free resources.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique, worked from a coloured chart with symbol references corresponding to specific DMC thread colours
• Backstitch – used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the floral motif, giving the finished design a crisp, polished appearance
• Quarter cross stitch – referenced in the chart notation, allowing for smoother curves and more refined edges within the floral shapes

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the design, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of each fabric square
• Backstitch – a straight running stitch worked backwards to create continuous lines and outlines over the completed cross stitch areas
• Quarter cross stitch – a partial cross stitch used to achieve more detailed and rounded shapes within the design

Materials Required

• DMC Pearl Cotton / Coton Perlé Art. 115 AR No. 8 – the specified thread for this project, a lustrous, twisted cotton thread that gives excellent coverage and a subtle sheen on the finished piece
• DMC colour B5200 – specifically referenced in the pattern chart, this is DMC's bright white thread, used as part of the floral colour palette
• Aida 14-count cross stitch fabric (Toile Aida 14 ct / 5.5 pts/cm) – the recommended evenweave fabric, providing a clear grid of holes that makes counting stitches straightforward for intermediate stitchers
• Cross stitch needle (Aiguille à broder) – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for working through the Aida fabric without splitting the weave
• Embroidery hoop (Tambour) – listed as optional but recommended to keep the fabric taut and even while stitching, helping to maintain consistent stitch tension throughout the project

Pattern Format and Accessibility

The DMC Flowers Tambourine PAT1082 is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from the DMC website. The chart is presented in full colour with a clear symbol key, making it accessible for stitchers who are comfortable reading a counted cross stitch diagram. The pattern is bilingual, presented in both English and French, reflecting DMC's global crafting community. Stitchers are encouraged to share their finished creations using the hashtag #dmcthreads across DMC's social media platforms including Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Stitchers should be comfortable with reading a coloured cross stitch chart, working backstitch for detail, and managing multiple thread colours. Those familiar with basic cross stitch who wish to advance their skills will find this floral design an enjoyable and rewarding project.