Simple, bold and timeless, this design shows a single deep pink rose on a long, thorny stem. Crisp black outlines trace every petal of the spiral bloom, the pointed sepals beneath it and the veins of four large serrated leaves, giving the whole piece a clean, graphic look that reads beautifully from across the room.
The pattern uses just 3 DMC colors on a 127 × 200 stitch grid, with full cross stitches only and no blended threads: a rich cyclamen pink for the petals, a dark forest green for the leaves and stem, and black for all the outlines. 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: 127 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 4.5″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 9.1″ × 14.3″ (14 ct), see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 3 DMC thread colors (no blends)
Stitch Method: Full cross stitch, 2 strands recommended
Estimated Time: roughly 30–45 hours, depending on your stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Here’s a look at the first chart page, showing the left side of the rose bloom with its black petal outlines and the first sepal 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. White, antique white, cream or ivory Aida lets the black outlines and pink petals stand out best
- DMC embroidery floss in 3 colors: 310 (Black), 987 (Forest Green, Dark) and 3804 (Cyclamen Pink, Dark)
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame (a tall rectangular frame suits the 127 × 200 shape well)
- 2 strands of thread for cross stitching (standard coverage on 14–18 count Aida)
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- All three colors are used in large amounts: DMC 310 (3,891 stitches), 3804 (3,671) and 987 (3,363). Buy two to three skeins of each so you don’t run short mid-project.
- Stitch the black outline of each section first, then fill it in with pink or green. The outlines act as a built-in guide and make counting much easier.
- Black stitches can be hard to see on the chart and on the fabric at night. Work the outlines in good daylight and double-check your count every ten stitches.
- Carry black thread only over short distances on the back; long black carries will show through light Aida.
- With only 3 colors, this is a perfect pattern for parking threads: keep one needle per color threaded and work row by row.
- The bold, simple look also works well on colored Aida, such as a pale blush or light gray, for a modern twist.
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 3 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, 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 | 9.1″ × 14.3″ / 23.0 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 7.9″ × 12.5″ / 20.2 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 7.1″ × 11.1″ / 17.9 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 6.3″ × 10.0″ / 16.1 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 5.8″ × 9.1″ / 14.7 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 5.1″ × 8.0″ / 12.9 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 4.5″ × 7.1″ / 11.5 × 18.1 cm |
Is this pattern good for a beginner?
Yes, it’s one of the friendliest larger designs you can pick. With only 3 colors and no shading, the chart is very easy to read. The main challenge is simply its size (about 10,900 stitches) and keeping the black outlines accurately counted.
Is this a full coverage design?
No. The background is left as bare fabric, so the outlined rose stands out cleanly against it.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 30–45 hours. With so few thread changes, large areas of pink and green fill in quickly once the outlines are in place.
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 single pink rose proves that a simple palette can make a striking piece. Its bold outlines and clean shapes suit modern and classic rooms alike, and it makes a heartfelt gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or an anniversary.
Pick the chart version that suits you best, gather your three colors and enjoy watching your rose take shape stitch by stitch. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
