Graceful and serene, this design captures a blooming pink moth orchid in full flower. Two wide-open blossoms with deep plum centers and tiny golden throats sit on a gently arching stem, with two plump buds waiting to open at the tip and long, glossy green leaves fanning out at the base.
The pattern is worked in 14 DMC colors on a 161 × 200 stitch grid, using full cross stitches only and no blended threads. Soft pinks build the petals, rich plums and dusty roses shade the centers, and five greens give the leaves their depth. 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: 161 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 5.8″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 11.5″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 14 DMC thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands
Estimated Time: roughly 40–65 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the upper-left petals of the top orchid bloom with their soft pink body and plum shading. 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
- DMC embroidery floss in 14 colors: 35, 472, 581, 605, 718, 783, 905, 915, 986, 3350, 3687, 3716, 3722 and 3733
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a rectangular frame suits the 161 × 200 shape well)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- DMC 605 (Cranberry, Very Light) is by far the biggest color at 4,579 stitches, filling most of the petals. Buy three skeins up front so every bloom comes from the same dye lot.
- DMC 605 and 3716 are two close light pinks that sit side by side across the petals. Keep them clearly labeled and check symbols often, especially under evening light.
- The orchid centers pack many shades into a small area (35, 718, 915, 3350, 3687 and 783). Stitch these first while you’re fresh, then fill the big pink petals around them.
- DMC 783 (Topaz) has only 92 stitches and DMC 35 only 97, used for the golden throats and darkest accents. One skein of each is plenty.
- The arching stem is thin and curves across several chart pages. Count carefully where pages meet so the stem lines up with the blooms and buds.
- The background is left unstitched, so avoid long thread carries on the back; the dark greens and plums 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 DMC brand thread. All 14 colors are listed in the color key with their DMC numbers and names.
Does this pattern use any blended colors?
No. Every stitch uses a single DMC 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 | 11.5″ × 14.3″ / 29.2 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 10.1″ × 12.5″ / 25.6 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 8.9″ × 11.1″ / 22.7 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 8.1″ × 10.0″ / 20.4 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 7.3″ × 9.1″ / 18.4 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 6.4″ × 8.0″ / 16.4 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 5.8″ × 7.1″ / 14.6 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the orchid stands out cleanly against it. That keeps the total at about 14,200 stitches, well under half of the full 161 × 200 grid.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 40–65 hours. The large pink petals go quickly, while the flower centers and leaf shading take a little longer because of the frequent 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 pink orchid brings a calm, elegant touch to any wall, and it makes a thoughtful gift for plant lovers and anyone who enjoys botanical art. With 14 DMC colors, whole stitches only and no blends, it’s a satisfying project that rewards careful shading without a complicated chart.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your pinks and greens, and enjoy watching your orchid bloom stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
