Butterfly Victoria in DMC - PAT0084 - Downloadable PDF

Butterfly Victoria Cross Stitch Pattern by DMC – PAT0084

The Butterfly Victoria pattern (PAT0084) is a free, downloadable PDF cross stitch design published by DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery thread and needlecraft. This charming design belongs to DMC's Butterflies collection and is presented bilingually in English and French, making it accessible to a wide international audience of stitchers. The finished piece measures approximately 22 × 16.5 cm when worked on 28-count linen (11 threads per cm), producing an elegant, detailed butterfly motif suitable for framing, hoop art, or incorporation into home décor projects.

What Is Being Made

Stitchers following this pattern will create a decorative butterfly design named Victoria, rendered in a carefully chosen palette of six DMC thread colours. The composition features the graceful, symmetrical wings characteristic of butterfly embroidery, brought to life through a combination of filled cross stitch areas and delicate linear detailing. The result is a refined, nature-inspired textile artwork that works beautifully as a standalone framed piece or as part of a series within the broader Butterflies collection from DMC.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Cross stitch involves forming an X-shaped stitch over a set number of fabric threads to build up colour, shape, and texture. It is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly embroidery techniques, making this pattern an ideal project for those new to counted needlework.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the butterfly's wings and body. Backstitch creates a continuous, smooth line and is typically worked after the cross stitch filling is complete. The pattern provides a separate colour guide specifically showing backstitch placement, as well as a technical chart without backstitch for reference during the filling stage.
• Straight Stitch (Point Lancé): Also included in the design, straight stitch is used for individual linear accents. It is a single stitch worked in a straight line and is particularly useful for fine details such as antennae or small decorative marks on the butterfly's wings.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – worked with 2 strands of DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 thread
• Backstitch – worked with 1 strand of DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 thread, using colour 310 (Black)
• Straight Stitch – worked with 1 strand, colour 310 (included within the backstitch skein allocation)

Colour Palette

The pattern uses six colours of DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 stranded cotton embroidery floss, each requiring one skein:

• 310 – Black (used for cross stitch, backstitch, and straight stitch)
• 3705 – Dark Melon (a vivid warm coral-red)
• 950 – Desert Sand (a soft, muted skin tone)
• 3865 – Winter White (a clean, crisp off-white)
• 415 – Pearl Grey (a cool, light grey)
• 783 – Medium Topaz (a rich golden yellow)

This palette combines bold contrast with softer tonal shades, giving the butterfly a naturalistic yet decorative appearance. The use of Black (310) for outlining ensures crisp definition, while the warm and neutral tones create depth and dimension within the wings.

Materials Required

• Fabric: 28-count evenweave linen (11 threads per cm) is recommended. The stitch and skein counts provided in the pattern are calculated specifically for this fabric count. Other evenweave or Aida fabrics may be substituted, though finished dimensions and thread requirements will vary accordingly.
• Thread: DMC