A single, sun-bright sunflower stands tall on its stem, its dark seeded center surrounded by golden-yellow petals. It’s a warm, cheerful design worked in DMC thread across a 121 × 200 stitch grid.
The background is left unstitched around the flower, so the finished piece has a clean, botanical-illustration look once it’s framed or hooped. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and all four pattern file downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 121 × 200 stitches
Finished Size: from 4.3″ × 7.1″ (28 ct) up to 8.6″ × 14.3″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 13 DMC thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 15–25 hours, varying by skill level and stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download — the Color Chart, Black & White Chart, a One Page Pattern version, and a Pattern Keeper app file are all included
- Aida fabric, 14 to 28 count. Recommended colors: White, Antique White, Cream, Ivory, Pale Blue, Soft Aqua, Light Oatmeal, or Natural Linen-Look Aida
- DMC brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for just 13 colors, so it’s a light, manageable floss list
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop or Q-snap frame — this design is compact, so a standard hoop works well
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- With only 13 colors, this pattern is a light, manageable floss list — a small floss box or a few bobbins is all you need to stay organized.
- The speckled center relies on several closely related browns and golds — good, consistent light makes those much easier to tell apart.
- Since the background is left unstitched, keep your tension even along the petal tips and stem edges so the design stays crisp against the bare fabric.
- Work the dark center first, then build the petals outward — it’s easier to keep the shading balanced that way.
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 File
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for DMC brand thread. The color key lists all 13 DMC numbers used, along with the name and stitch count for each.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 8.6″ × 14.3″ / 22.0 × 36.3 cm |
| 16 ct | 7.6″ × 12.5″ / 19.2 × 31.8 cm |
| 18 ct | 6.7″ × 11.1″ / 17.1 × 28.2 cm |
| 20 ct | 6.1″ × 10.0″ / 15.4 × 25.4 cm |
| 22 ct | 5.5″ × 9.1″ / 14.0 × 23.1 cm |
| 25 ct | 4.8″ × 8.0″ / 12.3 × 20.3 cm |
| 28 ct | 4.3″ × 7.1″ / 11.0 × 18.1 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
No — the background is left unstitched around the sunflower, so the fabric itself shows through. This gives the finished piece a clean, botanical-illustration look rather than a filled-in scene.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 15–25 hours in total. With only 13 colors and an open background, this one moves faster than a full-coverage design of a similar stitch count.
What’s included in the download?
Four files: the full-color chart, a black & white chart you can print and mark up by hand, a condensed one-page version of the pattern, and a file formatted for the Pattern Keeper app if you prefer to stitch from your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
This sunflower is a bright, approachable stitch — a manageable 13-color palette and a compact grid make it a lovely gift piece or a cheerful addition to any wall, without demanding a huge time commitment.
Grab all four pattern files below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
