Three bright red roses rise on long green stems in this elegant, classic design. Two blooms open in soft spirals while the third is just unfurling, and slender leaves climb up the stems between them, giving the whole piece a graceful, upward sweep.
The pattern uses just 7 DMC colors on a 145 × 200 stitch grid, with full cross stitches only and no blended threads. Three reds build the petals and four greens shape the leaves and stems, so the chart is easy to follow even though the finished piece looks rich and detailed. 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: 145 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 5.2″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 10.4″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 7 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 part of the first chart page, showing the tips of two leaves and the top of the left rose. 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 7 colors: 304, 470, 666, 777, 904, 905 and 907
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 145 × 200 shape well)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- DMC 904 (Parrot Green, Very Dark) is the largest color at 3,825 stitches, and DMC 666 (Red, Bright) follows with 3,364. Buy two to three skeins of each up front so every leaf and petal matches.
- The roses use three reds: bright 666 for highlights, 304 for mid-tones and 777 for the deep shadows in the petal folds. Stitch each rose in sections so the shading stays clean.
- DMC 470 and 907 are both light greens and sit side by side in the leaves. Keep them labeled on separate bobbins so you don’t mix them up.
- The long stems are only a few stitches wide. Count carefully along them, since a one-stitch slip can shift a leaf or rose out of place.
- With only 7 colors, this is a good pattern for parking threads: work a small block with several needles threaded at once.
- The background is left unstitched, so avoid long thread carries on the back; the deep reds and greens 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 7 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 | 10.4″ × 14.3″ / 26.3 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 9.1″ × 12.5″ / 22.9 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 8.1″ × 11.1″ / 20.5 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 7.3″ × 10.0″ / 18.4 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 6.6″ × 9.1″ / 16.7 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 5.8″ × 8.0″ / 14.7 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 5.2″ × 7.1″ / 13.1 × 18.1 cm |
Is this pattern good for a beginner?
It’s a good next step for someone who has finished a few small projects. With only 7 colors and whole stitches, the chart is simple to read; what makes it Intermediate is the size (about 14,500 stitches) and the careful counting along the thin stems.
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the roses and leaves stand out against it.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 40–65 hours. The small palette means fewer thread changes, so large areas of red and green move along quickly.
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 red rose trio is a timeless design that looks lovely in any room and makes a heartfelt gift for an anniversary, Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. With just 7 DMC colors, whole stitches only and no blends, it delivers a striking result without a complicated chart.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your reds and greens, and enjoy watching the roses rise stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
