Free Red Dala Horse Cross Stitch Pattern
Scandinavian culture is known for its rich traditions and folklore, and one iconic symbol that has captivated people around the world is the Dala horse. These beautifully painted wooden horses have been a symbol of Sweden for centuries, and now, you can bring a touch of Scandinavian charm into your home with my free Scandinavian Red Dala Horse Cross Stitch Embroidery Printable PDF Pattern.
The Dala Horse: A Swedish Icon
The Dala horse, or “Dalahäst” in Swedish, originates from the Dalarna region of Sweden. Traditionally carved from wood and meticulously hand-painted, these charming horses are a symbol of good luck, love, and prosperity. They come in a variety of colors, but the most famous and iconic one is the vibrant red Dala horse, which is what we’ll be recreating with our cross stitch pattern.
Getting Started with Cross Stitch Embroidery
If you’re new to cross stitch embroidery, don’t worry – it’s a relaxing and enjoyable craft that’s easy to learn. All you need are a few basic supplies:
- Aida fabric: This special fabric has evenly spaced holes that make it easy to create neat and uniform stitches. Standard size is 14 count and is what all my designs are based upon.
- Embroidery floss: Choose DMC for the best quality
- Cross stitch needle: A blunt-tipped needle that easily passes through the holes in the Aida fabric. for 14 count aida you will want a size 24 needle
- Embroidery hoop: This helps keep your fabric taut and your stitches even.
- Scissors: For cutting your embroidery floss and finishing your project.
Download the Free Pattern
You can download my free Scandinavian Red Dala Horse Cross Stitch Embroidery Printable PDF Pattern at the bottom of this post. Print it out, and you’re ready to begin your stitching adventure.
Pattern dimensions
- Grid Size: 111W x 87H
- Design Area: 7.93″ x 6.21″ (111 x 87 stitches)
Stitching the Red Dala Horse
- Start by securing your Aida fabric in the embroidery hoop, ensuring it’s stretched evenly.
- Thread your needle with folded single strand of red embroidery floss and use the loop to secure.
- Begin stitching following the centre marks on the pattern. The pattern consists of a grid with symbols corresponding to different thread colours.
- Cross stitches are made by creating an “X” shape. Follow the pattern to determine where to make each stitch.
- As you progress, you can switch to other colors for added details on your Dala horse.
- Keep your stitches neat and uniform with each of the arms of the ‘x’ going in the same direction for each stitch, for the best results.
Finishing and Displaying
Once you’ve completed your Dala horse cross stitch, you can remove it from the hoop, trim any excess fabric, and frame it for display. Alternatively, you can sew it onto a pillow, tote bag, or create a wall hanging to bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your home.
Download your Free Red Dala Horse Cross Stitch Pattern here
