DMC Magnolia - PAT1085 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Magnolia Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1085) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Magnolia pattern (PAT1085) is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch design from the DMC Library, featuring a beautifully detailed magnolia floral motif rendered in a full-colour chart with accompanying backstitch detail. This is an intermediate-level embroidery project that suits stitchers who are comfortable working with multiple thread colours and adding fine line detail through backstitch.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a magnolia flower design worked in counted cross stitch. The magnolia is a classic and elegant botanical subject, known for its large, sculptural blooms and rich colour gradations. The finished piece is well-suited for framing, mounting in an embroidery hoop, or incorporating into home décor and gift projects. The design celebrates the natural beauty of the magnolia in thread, making it a popular choice for floral embroidery enthusiasts.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique, worked from a coloured grid chart where each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric
• Backstitch – used to add fine outlines, detail lines, and definition to the magnolia motif, giving the finished design a crisp, polished appearance

Counted cross stitch involves placing X-shaped stitches over an even-weave or Aida fabric by following a colour-coded chart. Each symbol or colour block on the chart represents a specific DMC thread colour. Backstitch is worked after the cross stitch is complete and uses a simple in-and-out needle motion to create continuous lines, perfect for capturing the delicate curves and edges of floral subjects like the magnolia.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch filling in the body of the magnolia design
• Backstitch – applied as an outline and detail stitch to enhance definition and realism within the motif

Thread Colours

The pattern specifies the following DMC stranded cotton thread colours:

• DMC 915 – a deep plum or magenta tone, used prominently throughout the design
• DMC 471 – a soft, muted avocado green, likely used for foliage or stem elements
• DMC 3799 – a very dark pewter grey, typically used for outlining and fine backstitch detail

These three carefully selected shades work together to create a stylised yet naturalistic magnolia, with the contrast between the deep floral tones and the dark outlining thread giving the finished piece strong visual impact.

Materials Reference

• Thread: DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss in the specified colour numbers (915, 471, 3799)
• Fabric: Even-weave or Aida cross stitch fabric is recommended for counted cross stitch projects of this type
• Needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the fabric count being used
• Embroidery hoop: Recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work

Pattern Format and Availability

The DMC Magnolia PAT1085 is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from the DMC Library. The chart is presented in a coloured format across multiple pages, making it easy to follow even for those newer to intermediate-level projects. As a DMC Library pattern, it is part of a wider collection of free designs available through DMC, one of the world's most recognised and trusted names in embroidery threads and needlecraft supplies.