Flowers
Free Tulip Cross Stitch Pattern
Capture the simple elegance of a single red-pink tulip with this free botanical cross stitch chart.
- Size
- 96 x 151 stitches
- Stitches
- 5550
- Colours
- 11
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
About This Pattern
This cross stitch chart features a single, elegant tulip in a classic botanical illustration style. The design focuses on the natural beauty of the flower, from the subtle colour shifts in its red-pink petals to the graceful curve of its stem and leaves, all isolated against a clean background.
Tulips are cherished symbols of perfect love, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. Stitching this pattern can bring a sense of calm and timeless beauty to your craft time. Its minimalist composition makes it a versatile motif that feels both classic and contemporary.
The finished piece is perfectly suited for framing as a standalone piece of art or as part of a larger floral gallery wall. Its slender profile also makes it an excellent choice for decorating a tote bag, a decorative cushion, or the cover of a fabric journal.
Pattern Details
- Suggested fabric
- 14 count Aida
- Strands
- 2 strands
- Style
- botanical realistic
Stitching Notes
This is a tall, narrow design, so starting from the centre of both your fabric and the chart is recommended to ensure proper placement. Pay close attention to the symbol changes within the tulip bloom, as the subtle shifts in colour are key to creating the realistic, shaded effect.
Materials
You will need 14 count Aida fabric in white or a similar light neutral, a tapestry needle, and the 11 shades of DMC embroidery floss listed in the downloadable chart.
Finished Size
| Fabric count | Approx size |
|---|---|
| 14 count | 6.9 x 10.8 in (17.4 x 27.4 cm) |
| 16 count | 6.0 x 9.4 in (15.2 x 24.0 cm) |
| 18 count | 5.3 x 8.4 in (13.5 x 21.3 cm) |
Thread List
DMC 326
Rose Very Dark
DMC 368
Pistachio Green Lt
DMC 758
Terra Cotta Vy Lt
DMC 816
Garnet
DMC 822
Beige Gray Light
DMC 934
Avocado Grn Black
DMC 936
Avocado Grn V Dk
DMC 3328
Salmon Dark
DMC 3364
Pine Green
DMC 3772
Desert Sand Vy Dk
DMC 3777
Terra Cotta Vy Dk
Make changes before you stitch
Open this pattern in the Xstitchify editor to make it your own. You could add a name, initials, or a significant date beneath the flower for a personalised gift. Experiment with the colour palette to create different tulip varieties, changing the petals to shades of yellow, purple, or pure white. The editor also allows you to easily resize the design, crop the artboard, or convert the DMC thread list to Anchor, Cosmo, or Madeira equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the finished dimensions of this tulip design?
On 14 count Aida fabric, the stitched area will be approximately 6.9 x 10.8 inches or 17.4 x 27.4 cm. Be sure to add a few extra inches of fabric on all sides for framing or finishing.
Can I stitch this pattern on a different colour fabric?
Absolutely. While designed for a white background to mimic a botanical print, this tulip would look stunning on off-white, cream, or a very pale grey or light blue fabric.
How can I make the petals look smooth and blended?
For the best result, use the recommended two strands of floss and ensure your stitches lay flat and uniform. Stitching each full cross before moving to the next can help create a smoother finish than completing a row of half stitches and then returning.
Is this pattern suitable for a beginner?
This pattern is rated as intermediate because of the confetti stitches and subtle colour shading in the flower head. A patient beginner could complete it, but it's an ideal project for stitchers who are comfortable with frequent colour changes.
