A single ivory rose, caught mid-bloom against a deep, dark backdrop — this pattern leans into rich shading rather than a busy scene, so every petal has room to glow. It’s worked entirely in Gamma thread across a tall 267 × 400 stitch grid.
The dark background is stitched throughout, which is exactly what gives the rose its warm, almost painted look once it’s framed. Below you’ll find the pattern facts, materials list, color key, and both the color and black & white chart downloads.
In This Article
Difficulty: Advanced (large project)
Fabric: Aida, 14–28 count
Stitch Count: 267 × 400 stitches
Finished Size: from 9.5″ × 14.3″ (28 ct) up to 19.1″ × 28.6″ (14 ct) — see the full size table in the FAQ
Colors: 80 Gamma thread colors
Estimated Time: roughly 110–200 hours, varying widely by skill level and stitching pace
Pattern Preview
Materials & Supplies
- This pattern download — both the Color Chart and Black & White Chart versions are 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
- Gamma brand embroidery floss — this pattern calls for 80 Gamma thread colors (not DMC — see the color key below for exact numbers)
- Tapestry needle, size 24–26
- Embroidery scissors
- Hoop, Q-snap, or scroll frame — a scroll frame is especially handy here given how tall the design is (400 stitches)
- Use 2 strands of thread for all cross stitching
Tips for This Pattern
Before you start stitching
- With 80 colors to manage, sort and label your floss (bobbins or baggies marked with the Gamma numbers) before you start.
- This design is tall rather than wide — a scroll frame lets you roll finished sections out of the way instead of handling the full 400-stitch length at once.
- Work in horizontal bands from the top down, or break the chart into smaller sections and complete one at a time.
- The dark background is stitched too, and many of its shades sit close together — good, consistent light makes it much easier to tell them apart.
- Mark off symbols as you complete them on a printed copy or with a pattern-tracking app, especially in the darker background areas where it’s easy to lose your place.
- If you’re used to DMC charts, keep the included color key close by rather than relying on memory — Gamma numbering doesn’t match DMC’s.
Color & Symbol Guide
Download the Pattern
Color Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadBlack & White Chart Pattern
Watch Ad to Unlock DownloadFAQ
What brand of thread does this pattern use?
This pattern is charted for Gamma brand thread, not DMC. The color key lists 80 Gamma color numbers — check it rather than a DMC number you may already know, since the two brands don’t share a numbering system.
Can I substitute DMC or Anchor thread instead of Gamma?
Yes, with a conversion chart, though matches are approximate rather than exact. Since the background here relies on several close, dark shades, it’s worth test-stitching a small swatch in your substituted brand before committing to the full piece.
What fabric size should I use?
Finished size depends on the Aida count you choose:
| Aida Count | Finished Size |
|---|---|
| 14 ct | 19.1″ × 28.6″ / 48.5 × 72.6 cm |
| 16 ct | 16.7″ × 25.0″ / 42.4 × 63.5 cm |
| 18 ct | 14.8″ × 22.2″ / 37.7 × 56.4 cm |
| 20 ct | 13.4″ × 20.0″ / 33.9 × 50.8 cm |
| 22 ct | 12.1″ × 18.2″ / 30.8 × 46.2 cm |
| 25 ct | 10.7″ × 16.0″ / 27.1 × 40.6 cm |
| 28 ct | 9.5″ × 14.3″ / 24.2 × 36.3 cm |
Is this a full coverage design?
Yes — the dark background is stitched throughout rather than left as bare fabric, which is a big part of what gives the finished rose its glow.
How long does this pattern take to complete?
Plan on roughly 110–200 hours in total. This varies a lot by stitching speed and how many colors you’re managing per session — a tall, full-coverage piece like this one is usually worked over several months.
Are both the color and black & white charts included?
Yes, both versions are included in the download — use whichever you prefer to stitch from, or print the black & white version to mark up by hand.
Conclusion
This white rose design rewards patience rather than speed — the dark, richly shaded background and 80-color palette make it a slow, meditative stitch rather than a quick weekend project. But that depth of shading is exactly what makes the finished piece look almost like a painting once it’s framed.
Grab both chart versions below, sort your floss, and settle in. We’d love to see your progress if you share it!
