DMC Christmas Tale - PAT1442 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Christmas Tale Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1442) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Christmas Tale pattern (PAT1442) is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch chart from DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery. Titled Conte de Noël in French, this festive design captures the warmth and magic of the Christmas season in a beautifully detailed needlework composition. The finished design measures approximately 17.27 x 20.00 cm (6.80 x 7.87 inches), making it a satisfying project that works well as seasonal home décor, a framed gift, or a holiday keepsake.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a coloured cross stitch embroidery piece with a Christmas theme. The chart is presented as a full-colour diagram, making it straightforward to follow even for those who prefer visual guidance over symbol-only charts. The completed embroidery is suitable for framing or displaying as festive décor.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch – the primary technique used to fill the design with colour and form the main image
• Backstitch – used to add fine outlines, detail, and definition to the finished design, giving it a crisp, polished appearance

Cross stitch is worked by forming small X-shaped stitches over the even grid of an Aida fabric, while backstitch is a linear stitch worked in a continuous backward-stepping motion to create smooth lines and contours. Together, these two techniques are the foundation of traditional counted cross stitch embroidery.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – forms the body of the design
• Backstitch – adds outlines and fine detail throughout the composition

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Thread Art. 117MC – the classic six-strand divisible embroidery floss used for the cross stitch and backstitch elements; specific colour codes referenced in the chart include 3325, 775, 334, 312, and D415
• DMC Diamant Art. 380 – DMC's sparkling metallic thread, adding a festive shimmer to the design, ideal for highlighting seasonal details
• DMC Cross Stitch Fabric Col. 336 Aida – the recommended evenweave fabric; the final design size will vary depending on the count (threads per inch) of the Aida fabric chosen
• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric
• Embroidery hoop – optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors – for trimming threads neatly

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated intermediate, making it well suited to stitchers who are comfortable with basic cross stitch and ready to incorporate backstitch detailing and metallic threads such as DMC Diamant. Beginners who have completed a few smaller projects will also find this an achievable and rewarding challenge.

Pattern Format

The DMC Christmas Tale PAT1442 is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from DMC. The chart spans multiple pages and includes both a coloured cross stitch chart and a backstitch diagram, presented bilingually in English and French. The colour-coded chart clearly maps out thread placement, and the included thread colour references make shopping for supplies straightforward.