Bring a splash of the tropics to your wall with this vibrant design. Two scarlet macaws perch on a twisting brown branch, their bright red bodies set off by bands of golden yellow and deep royal blue on their wings and long tails. Around them, big red hibiscus flowers with golden stamens and lush green leaves frame the scene.
The pattern is worked in 19 DMC colors on a 140 × 200 stitch grid, using full cross stitches only and no blended threads. Bold reds, blues and yellows give the birds their famous color, while browns, grays and whites add detail to the branch, beaks and faces. 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: 140 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 5.0″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 10.0″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 19 DMC thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands
Estimated Time: roughly 45–70 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the top-left hibiscus flower with its golden stamen and the leaves below it. 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 19 colors: 351, 400, 444, 535, 666, 738, 796, 816, 823, 825, 898, 905, 906, 972, 976, 3371, 3829, Blanc (White) and Ecru
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 140 × 200 shape well)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- DMC 666 (Red, Bright) makes up almost half the design at 6,716 stitches, covering both birds and all three hibiscus flowers. Buy four skeins up front so every red area matches.
- The key lists white as “DMC BLANK”; this is DMC Blanc, the standard bright white. You’ll use it with Ecru and DMC 535 for the macaws’ pale faces.
- Several colors are used for tiny details only: DMC 738 (53 stitches), 3829 (54), 535 (70), 976 (73) and Ecru (86). One skein of each is plenty.
- Stitch the macaw faces and beaks early. These small areas use many colors close together, and getting the eyes right brings the birds to life.
- The wings shift from yellow (444, 972) to blue (825, 796, 823) in neat bands. Work one band at a time to keep the feather lines crisp.
- The background is left unstitched, so avoid long thread carries on the back; the dark browns and navy 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 19 colors are listed in the color key with their DMC numbers and names, including DMC Blanc (white) and Ecru.
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 | 10.0″ × 14.3″ / 25.4 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 8.8″ × 12.5″ / 22.2 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 7.8″ × 11.1″ / 19.8 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 7.0″ × 10.0″ / 17.8 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 6.4″ × 9.1″ / 16.2 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 5.6″ × 8.0″ / 14.2 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 5.0″ × 7.1″ / 12.7 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the red birds and flowers pop against it. The design uses about 14,700 stitches.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 45–70 hours. The large red areas go quickly, while the faces, beaks, wings and branch take longer because of their many small 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
These scarlet macaws and hibiscus flowers make a joyful, colorful piece for a sunroom, kids’ room or any space that needs a tropical lift. With 19 DMC colors, whole stitches and no blends, it’s a fun project full of variety that never gets boring to stitch.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your brightest threads and enjoy watching your macaws come to life stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
