A bumblebee is captured in striking close-up detail, its fuzzy striped body and delicate, veined wings rendered in fine shading. It’s a nature-lover’s design worked in DMC thread across a 200 × 178 stitch grid.
The background is left unstitched around the bee, so the finished piece has a clean, illustrative look once it’s framed or hooped. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and all four pattern file downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 200 × 178 stitches
Finished Size: from 7.1″ × 6.4″ (28 ct) up to 14.3″ × 12.7″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 11 DMC thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 18–30 hours, varying by skill level and stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download — the Color Chart, Black & White Chart, a One Page Pattern version, and a Pattern Keeper app file are all included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Light Gray, Silver Gray, Soft Beige, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for 11 colors, mostly black, gray, and warm golden-brown tones
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop or Q-snap frame — this design is a good midsize project, so either works well
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- Black makes up the largest share of stitches here — it forms the bee’s body outline and shading. Stitching that first helps anchor the rest of the design.
- The wings rely on two closely related grays (Pewter Gray and Steel Gray – Light) for their delicate veining — good, consistent light makes those much easier to tell apart from the white wing membrane.
- Work the body stripes in color blocks (all the black sections, then all the gold sections) rather than row by row, to keep the shading even.
- Since the background is left unstitched, keep your tension even along the wing edges and antennae so the design stays crisp against the bare fabric.
Color & Symbol Guide
Download the Pattern
Color Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadBlack & White Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadOne Page Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadPattern Keeper App File
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for DMC brand thread. The color key lists all 11 DMC numbers used, along with the name and stitch count for each.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 14.3″ × 12.7″ / 36.3 × 32.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 12.5″ × 11.1″ / 31.8 × 28.3 cm |
| 18 ct | 11.1″ × 9.9″ / 28.2 × 25.1 cm |
| 20 ct | 10.0″ × 8.9″ / 25.4 × 22.6 cm |
| 22 ct | 9.1″ × 8.1″ / 23.1 × 20.6 cm |
| 25 ct | 8.0″ × 7.1″ / 20.3 × 18.1 cm |
| 28 ct | 7.1″ × 6.4″ / 18.1 × 16.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No — the background is left unstitched around the bee, so the fabric itself shows through. This gives the finished piece a clean, illustrative look rather than a filled-in scene.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 18–30 hours in total. The fine wing veining and shaded body stripes add a bit more time than a simpler, flatter design.
What’s included in the download?
Four files: the full-color chart, a black & white chart you can print and mark up by hand, a condensed one-page version of the pattern, and a file formatted for the Pattern Keeper app if you prefer to stitch from your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
This bumblebee close-up is a striking, detailed stitch — the delicate wing veining and warm striped body make it a real conversation piece for a nature-lover’s wall, without an overly long color list to manage.
Grab all four pattern files below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
