Rose Border in DMC - PAT0166 - Downloadable PDF

Rose Border in DMC – Free Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern (PAT0166)

The Rose Border is a charming cross stitch embroidery pattern designed by DMC, available as a free downloadable PDF. It features an elegant floral border motif built around delicately shaded roses, making it an ideal project for anyone looking to practise classic counted cross stitch in a manageable, decorative format. The design is rated as beginner level, so it is perfectly suited to those who are new to embroidery or returning to the craft after a break.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a rose border design — a long, narrow floral arrangement featuring roses and foliage rendered in soft, graduated pinks and greens. The finished piece can be used as a decorative panel, framed artwork, a band on a tote bag, or incorporated into any textile project where a classic floral border would add elegance. Two design size options are provided depending on the fabric count chosen:

• 3.5 x 23 cm (approximately 1.4 x 9 inches) — a slender horizontal or vertical border format
• 7.5 x 18 cm (approximately 3 x 7 inches) — a slightly wider, more compact rectangular arrangement

The finished size of the design will vary depending on the count of the aida fabric selected. A higher count produces smaller, finer stitches and a smaller overall design, while a lower count results in larger stitches and a bigger finished piece.

Techniques Used

The pattern uses two core embroidery techniques that together create both the filled colour areas and the fine detail lines of the rose border:

• Cross Stitch — the primary technique, used to fill all the coloured areas of the design. Each cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over one another to create a small X shape. Worked in counted rows across aida fabric, cross stitch creates the soft, pixelated look characteristic of this style of embroidery.
• Backstitch — used as an outlining and detail technique to add definition, crispness, and fine linear elements to the roses and foliage. Backstitch produces a continuous, unbroken line and is typically worked after the cross stitch areas are complete.

The chart is provided in both a coloured version (showing the design in full colour with symbols) and a black-and-white symbol-only version, giving stitchers flexibility depending on their preferred way of reading a chart.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch — worked using 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread throughout all colour areas
• Backstitch — used for outlining and fine detail work

Colours and Thread

All colour areas are stitched using DMC Mouliné Spécial (Article 117MC) — the world's most recognised stranded cotton embroidery thread. The palette is centred on a beautifully coordinated range of dusty pinks and muted greens, creating a soft, vintage-inspired rose colourway. The six specific thread colours required are:

• DMC 225 — very light shell pink (1 skein)
• DMC 224 — light shell pink (1 skein)
• DMC 223 — medium shell pink (1 skein)
• DMC 3721 — dark shell pink (1 skein)
• DMC 502 — blue-green (1 skein)
• DMC 501 — dark blue-green (1 skein)

The graduated pink shades from 225 through to 3721 give the roses their characteristic soft depth and dimension, while the 501 and 502 greens provide rich, natural-looking foliage. Skein quantities are based on stitching with 2 strands onto 14-count aida.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial