Nautical Anchor in DMC - PAT0109 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Nautical Anchor Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0109) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable PDF pattern from DMC guides stitchers through creating a charming nautical anchor design in counted cross stitch. Titled Nautical – Anchor / Nautique – Ancre Nautique, it is presented bilingually in English and French, making it accessible to a wide international audience. The finished piece measures approximately 7.5 x 40 cm on 14-count Aida fabric, giving it a tall, narrow format that suits framed pieces, bookmarks, or decorative bands beautifully.

Rated as a beginner-level embroidery project, this pattern is an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch for those just starting out, while still being a satisfying stitch for more experienced needleworkers looking for a quick and rewarding project. The classic anchor motif is a timeless nautical image with broad decorative appeal.

Design Overview

The pattern features a single cohesive anchor design worked in a bold, graphic style. The colour palette is deliberately kept simple and striking, using a deep red, a rich navy, and a sparkling metallic silver — colours that evoke the classic nautical aesthetic. The design is presented across three pages within the PDF, including a full colour guide with backstitch, a technical chart without backstitch for clearer symbol reading, and a complete instructions and materials page.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary stitch used to fill the body of the anchor design. Cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, creating a neat X shape. It is worked here using 2 strands of thread for good coverage on the recommended fabric counts.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used to add fine outlines and detail to the finished design, giving the anchor crisp, defined edges. Backstitch is worked using 1 strand of thread for a delicate, precise line. The backstitch colour is DMC 939, the deep navy shade also used in the cross stitch areas.

Materials Required

• Fabric: The pattern is designed for 14-count or 16-count Aida fabric (equivalent to 5.5 or 6 points per cm). Aida is the most popular evenweave fabric for counted cross stitch, featuring an open, grid-like weave that makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately — ideal for beginners.
• Needle: A no. 26 tapestry needle is recommended. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and a large eye, designed to pass through the holes of Aida fabric without splitting the threads.
• DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117 – the standard DMC stranded cotton thread, used in two colours:
  • DMC 349 – a vivid coral red, used for cross stitch (1 skein)
  • DMC 939 – a deep navy blue, used for both cross stitch and backstitch (1 skein)
• DMC Light Effects ART 317W – a specialty metallic embroidery thread, used in one colour:
  • DMC E415 – a silver metallic thread that adds a shimmering highlight to the design (1 skein)

Thread and Colour Details

The use of DMC Light Effects E415 alongside the standard Mouliné Spécial threads is a notable feature of this pattern. Metallic threads add a luminous, eye-catching quality to embroidery, and DMC Light Effects threads are specifically engineered to be easier to work with than many other metallics, reducing tangling and fraying. The combination of 349 red, 939 navy, and E415 silver metallic creates a bold, classic nautical colour scheme that would complement coastal, maritime, or traditional home décor.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

As a free downloadable PDF from