Six velvety red roses tumble down this tall design in a rich, romantic cascade. Each bloom is fully open, its layered petals shaded from bright Christmas red to deep burgundy in the folds, and glossy green leaves peek out between the flowers along the length of the stems.
The pattern is worked in 10 Anchor colors on a 118 × 200 stitch grid, using full cross stitches only and no blended threads. Six reds and a soft fudge brown build the deep petal shading, while four greens bring the leaves to life. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key and all four free downloads: the color chart, the black & white chart, the one-page chart and the Pattern Keeper file.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 118 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 4.2″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 8.4″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 10 Anchor thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands
Estimated Time: roughly 45–75 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the left side of the top rose, the first leaves and the edge of the second rose below. Each color has its own symbol, and the grid is marked every 10 stitches so it’s easy to keep your place.
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download: Color Chart, Black & White Chart, One Page Chart and Pattern Keeper versions are all included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Light Beige, Soft Yellow, Natural, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- Anchor embroidery floss in 10 colors (not DMC): 20, 22, 46, 246, 255, 256, 381, 1006, 1044 and 9046
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 118 × 200 shape well)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- This chart uses Anchor numbers, not DMC. If you shop by DMC, use a conversion chart and keep the included key nearby, since the two numbering systems don’t match.
- Anchor 46 (Crimson Red) is the largest color at 2,667 stitches, followed by Anchor 22 at 2,129. Buy two skeins of each up front so all six roses match.
- The petals mix five close reds (9046, 46, 1006, 20 and 22). Sort them onto labeled bobbins and stitch under daylight, since several of these shades look alike under warm lamps.
- Anchor 381 (Fudge) is a brown used for the deepest shadows between petals. It looks odd on its own, but it’s what gives the roses their velvety depth.
- Work one rose at a time from the center outward, so the spiral of petals stays clean and easy to count.
- Anchor 255 is used for only 106 stitches as small leaf highlights, so one skein is plenty.
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
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for Anchor brand thread, not DMC. All 10 colors are listed in the color key with their Anchor numbers and names.
Can I use DMC thread instead of Anchor?
Yes, with an Anchor-to-DMC conversion chart, though matches are approximate rather than exact. The five reds are close to each other, so test-stitch a small swatch of your substitutes side by side before starting.
Does this pattern use any blended colors?
No. Every stitch uses a single Anchor color with 2 strands, so there’s no need to combine two shades in the needle.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose. Add at least 3″ (7–8 cm) of margin on every side for framing:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 8.4″ × 14.3″ / 21.4 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 7.4″ × 12.5″ / 18.7 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 6.6″ × 11.1″ / 16.7 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 5.9″ × 10.0″ / 15.0 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 5.4″ × 9.1″ / 13.6 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 4.7″ × 8.0″ / 11.9 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 4.2″ × 7.1″ / 10.6 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the roses stand out against it. The design uses about 14,600 stitches.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 45–75 hours. The roses take the most time because the reds change often to create the petal shading; the leaves go faster.
What’s the difference between the four downloads?
The Color Chart shows colored symbols across several pages, and the Black & White Chart is the printer-friendly symbol-only version. The One Page Pattern fits the whole design on a single sheet for a quick overview. The Pattern Keeper file is made for the Pattern Keeper app, so you can mark off stitches digitally on a tablet or phone.
Conclusion
This cascade of red roses makes a striking vertical piece for a hallway, bedroom or narrow wall, and it’s a beautiful gift for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. With 10 Anchor colors, whole stitches and no blends, it’s a rewarding way to practice rich shading.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your Anchor reds and greens, and enjoy watching each rose bloom stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
