DMC Scandinavian Fir Tree - PAT1425 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Scandinavian Fir Tree Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1425) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Scandinavian Fir Tree is a charming cross stitch embroidery pattern available as a free downloadable PDF from DMC. Inspired by the clean, geometric aesthetic of Nordic folk art, this design features a stylised fir tree rendered in a classic two-colour palette, making it an appealing project for stitchers who enjoy Scandinavian-themed home décor and seasonal needlework.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a Scandinavian-style fir tree embroidery, stitched onto cross stitch fabric. At the recommended fabric count, the completed design measures approximately 17.09 × 20.18 cm (6.72 × 7.94 inches), making it a versatile size suitable for framing, mounting in a hoop, or incorporating into a handmade card or cushion cover. The bold, graphic silhouette of the fir tree lends itself perfectly to festive and winter-themed projects.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of a fabric square, building up the design block by block. The pattern is supplied as a coloured cross stitch chart, making it straightforward to follow.
• Backstitch: Used as a secondary technique to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the design. The PDF includes a dedicated backstitch diagram alongside the main coloured chart, clearly indicating where backstitch should be applied over the cross stitched areas.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (point de croix) – the foundational stitch that fills the body of the fir tree design
• Backstitch (point arrière) – worked on top of or around the cross stitches to create crisp outlines and fine linear detail

Colours and Thread

The design uses just two thread colours, keeping the palette bold and graphic in true Scandinavian style:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Art. 117 MC – B5200 (Snow White) – 2 skeins required
• DMC Mouliné Spécial – colour 336 (Navy Blue) – quantity as specified in the chart legend

DMC Mouliné Spécial is a six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, widely regarded as the industry standard for cross stitch and embroidery. Its consistent dye lots and smooth, lustrous finish make it ideal for achieving neat, even stitches on Aida fabric.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117 MC in colours B5200 and 336
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida (Toile Aida) – the pattern design size is based on 14-count Aida, the most widely used cross stitch fabric, recommended especially for those newer to the craft. Higher-count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design; lower counts will produce a larger one.
• Cross stitch needle (aiguille) – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count
• Embroidery hoop (tambour) – optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors (ciseaux)

Difficulty Level and Who This Pattern Suits

This pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty. While the two-stitch technique combination of cross stitch and backstitch is accessible to those with some prior experience, the Scandinavian geometric design requires careful chart-reading and consistent tension to achieve a polished result. Complete beginners who have already practised basic cross stitch on 14-count Aida will find this a rewarding next step. The limited colour palette of just two shades also simplifies thread management, allowing stitchers to focus on accuracy and neatness.

About the Pattern Format

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