This romantic portrait shows a young woman with soft green eyes and rich chestnut hair swept into a loose updo, a pink wild rose tucked behind her ear. She glances over her bare shoulder, framed on every side by open pink blooms, sunny yellow flowers, climbing rosebuds and fresh green leaves.
The design is worked in 20 Anchor colors on a 119 × 200 stitch grid, using full cross stitches only and no blended threads. Gentle shading in the skin tones and hair gives it a painterly look without complicated techniques. 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: 119 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 4.3″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 8.5″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 20 Anchor thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands
Estimated Time: roughly 45–80 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the climbing rosebuds on the left and the start of her chestnut hair and face. 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 20 colors (not DMC): 26, 50, 73, 76, 267, 268, 275, 295, 302, 303, 359, 368, 369, 843, 853, 942, 944, 1007, 1012 and 1082
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 119 × 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 1012 (Chicory, Light) is the largest color at 1,821 stitches and forms most of her skin. Buy an extra skein up front so the whole face and shoulder come from one dye lot.
- The face mixes several close warm tones (1012, 942, 368 and 369). Stitch it under good daylight and double-check symbols around the eyes, nose and lips.
- Her hair blends two browns, Anchor 359 and 944, stitch for stitch. Working in small blocks and counting carefully keeps the flowing curls looking natural.
- Anchor 1082 (41 stitches) and 853 (67 stitches) are used only for tiny details, so one skein each is plenty.
- The background is left unstitched, so avoid long thread carries on the back across open areas; they can shadow through light Aida.
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 20 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 skin tones are the most sensitive part of this design, so test-stitch a small swatch of your substitute shades before starting the face.
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 | 8.5″ × 14.3″ / 21.6 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 7.4″ × 12.5″ / 18.9 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 6.6″ × 11.1″ / 16.8 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 6.0″ × 10.0″ / 15.1 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 5.4″ × 9.1″ / 13.8 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 4.8″ × 8.0″ / 12.1 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 4.3″ × 7.1″ / 10.8 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the portrait and flowers stand out against it. That keeps the total at about 15,700 stitches, fewer than a full-coverage piece of the same size.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 45–80 hours. The flowers and leaves move quickly, while the face and hair take a little longer because of the close color changes.
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 lady in the pink wild roses brings together a soft, romantic portrait and a cheerful garden border in one tall, frame-ready piece. With 20 Anchor colors, whole stitches only and no blends, it’s a rewarding choice for stitchers who want to try a portrait without taking on a huge full-coverage project.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your Anchor floss and enjoy watching her face and flowers come to life stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
