This honeycomb-and-bees design is a real showstopper for anyone who loves a big, full-coverage cross stitch project. Two busy bees drift between dripping honeycomb cells and clusters of white daisies, worked entirely in Gamma thread across a generous 300 × 300 stitch grid.
Because every square of the fabric is stitched — including the background — this one has real presence once framed. Below you’ll find everything you need: the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and both the color and black & white chart downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Advanced (large project)
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 300 × 300 stitches
Finished Size: from 10.7″ × 10.7″ (28 ct) up to 21.4″ × 21.4″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 120 Gamma thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 100–200 hours, varying widely by skill level and stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download — both the Color Chart and Black & White Chart versions are included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Pale Blue, Soft Aqua, Light Oatmeal, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- Gamma brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for 120 Gamma thread colors (not DMC — see the color key below for exact numbers)
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap, or scroll frame — a scroll frame is worth considering given the size of this piece
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- With 120 colors in play, sort and label your floss (bobbins or baggies marked with the Gamma numbers) before you start — it saves a lot of hunting later.
- Break the 300 × 300 grid into smaller sections or quadrants and complete one at a time rather than trying to work it as a single block.
- A scroll frame or Q-snap will keep your tension even and cut down on fabric handling over the life of a project this size.
- Mark off symbols as you complete them on a printed copy or with a pattern-tracking app — the background is stitched too, so it’s easy to lose your place in the golden and amber tones.
- Stitch under good, consistent light. Many of the honeycomb shades sit close together, and daylight bulbs make it much easier to tell them apart.
- If you’re used to DMC charts, keep the included color key close by rather than relying on memory — Gamma numbering doesn’t match DMC’s.
Color & Symbol Guide
Download the Pattern
Color Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadBlack & White Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for Gamma brand thread, not DMC. The color key lists 120 Gamma color numbers — check it rather than a DMC number you may already know, since the two brands don’t share a numbering system.
Can I substitute DMC or Anchor thread instead of Gamma?
Yes, with a conversion chart, though matches are approximate rather than exact. If color accuracy matters to you, it’s worth test-stitching a small swatch in your substituted brand before committing to the full piece.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 21.4″ × 21.4″ / 54.4 × 54.4 cm |
| 16 ct | 18.8″ × 18.8″ / 47.6 × 47.6 cm |
| 18 ct | 16.7″ × 16.7″ / 42.3 × 42.3 cm |
| 20 ct | 15.0″ × 15.0″ / 38.1 × 38.1 cm |
| 22 ct | 13.6″ × 13.6″ / 34.7 × 34.7 cm |
| 25 ct | 12.0″ × 12.0″ / 30.5 × 30.5 cm |
| 28 ct | 10.7″ × 10.7″ / 27.2 × 27.2 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
Yes — the background is stitched throughout, not left as bare fabric, which is part of why the finished piece has so much impact once framed.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 100–200 hours in total. This varies a lot by stitching speed and how many colors you’re managing per session — many stitchers work a large full-coverage piece like this one over several months.
Are both the color and black & white charts included?
Yes, both versions are included in the download — use whichever you prefer to stitch from, or print the black & white version to mark up by hand.
Conclusion
This honeycomb and bees design rewards patience — between the full coverage, the 120-color palette, and the generous 300-stitch grid, it’s a genuine long-term project rather than a weekend stitch. But that’s exactly what makes the finished piece so satisfying to frame and hang.
Grab both chart versions below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
