Majestic Galloping Horse 🐎 – Free Cross Stitch Pattern for Advanced Stitchers Ready to stitch a true showstopper? This free cross stitch pattern features a majestic horse captured mid-gallop, its powerful body full of motion and energy. With flowing mane, icy tones, and stunning shading, this design is perfect for experienced stitchers seeking an impressive, dynamic challenge.
Whether you’re passionate about horses, love lifelike animal portraits, or want to create a bold framed piece, this cross stitch pattern delivers a premium experience – and it’s completely free.
✨ Pattern Overview: The Power of Motion in Every Stitch
This breathtaking design features:
- A strong, galloping horse in full stride
- Lifelike muscle definition with detailed shading
- Flowing mane and tail to convey motion
- A color palette blending silver, deep grays, icy blues, and soft whites
- A striking silhouette on a clean white background
Every strand of floss adds to the realism of the scene. The mane whips in the wind, the lifted foreleg gives a sense of motion, and the rich blues and grays create depth and dimension, making this free counted cross stitch pattern feel almost like a painting.
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🧵 Pattern Difficulty: Advanced
This is not a beginner project – and that’s what makes it special. The pattern complexity lies in:
- High stitch density
- Intricate shading and blending
- Detailed anatomical rendering
Experienced stitchers will enjoy the challenge of capturing the fluid movement of the horse. If you’re confident in color transitions and precise counting, this crossstitch pattern will be incredibly rewarding.
📐 Finished Size on 14-Count Fabric
To help you plan your fabric size:
- Stitch count: 256 x 250 stitches
- Size in inches: approx. 18.29” W x 17.86” H
- Size in centimeters: approx. 46.46 cm W x 45.34 cm H
Always add at least 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) around each edge for framing or finishing.
🎨 Color Palette (DMC Floss Chart)
Below is a complete list of floss colors used in this free cross stitch design:
| Symbol | DMC # | Color Name | Stitches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 03 | Tin – Medium | 575 |
| 2 | 09 | Cocoa – Very Dark | 943 |
| 3 | 157 | Cornflower Blue – Very Light | 698 |
| 4 | 168 | Pewter – Very Light | 1375 |
| 5 | 310 | Black | 4774 |
| 6 | 318 | Steel Gray – Light | 752 |
| 7 | 334 | Baby Blue – Medium | 659 |
| 8 | 414 | Steel Gray – Dark | 976 |
| 9 | 518 | Wedgwood – Light | 797 |
| 10 | 519 | Sky Blue | 498 |
| 11 | 598 | Turquoise – Light | 60 |
| 12 | 813 | Blue – Light | 199 |
| 13 | 823 | Navy Blue – Dark | 2218 |
| 14 | 824 | Blue – Very Dark | 1189 |
| 15 | 828 | Sky Blue – Ultra Very Light | 617 |
| 16 | 839 | Beige Brown – Dark | 784 |
| 17 | 841 | Beige Brown – Light | 248 |
| 18 | 924 | Gray Green – Very Dark | 1077 |
| 19 | 938 | Coffee Brown – Ultra Dark | 574 |
| 20 | 3033 | Mocha Brown – Very Light | 164 |
| 21 | 3743 | Antique Violet – Very Light | 661 |
| 22 | 3753 | Antique Blue – Ultra Very Light | 1710 |
| 23 | 3760 | Wedgwood – Medium | 1061 |
| 24 | 3761 | Sky Blue – Light | 975 |
| 25 | 3809 | Turquoise – Very Dark | 1766 |
| 26 | 3862 | Mocha Beige – Dark | 372 |
| 27 | 3863 | Mocha Beige – Medium | 276 |
| 28 | 3866 | Mocha – Ultra Very Light | 451 |
| 29 | B5200 | Snow White | 37551 |
🧺 Recommended Fabrics and Floss Kits
Top Materials for Best Results 🧵
To achieve crisp, clean results, we recommend:
- Premium pure white cotton Fabric: 14-count Aida cloth in soft colors 👉buy on Amazon
- Floss kit with 124 vibrant skeins 👉buy on Amazon
- Set of tapestry needles made of stainless steel 👉buy on Amazon
🛠️ Helpful Extras for Smooth Stitching
- Adjustable 44cm beech wood embroidery stand with 360° rotation 👉buy on Amazon
- Set of 12 durable 3″ bamboo embroidery hoops 👉buy on Amazon
- Beaditive Precision Craft Scissors 👉buy on Amazon
- 360° rotating beech wood thread rack with 93 spindles and inner storage 👉buy on Amazon
- Magnifying Glasses with Light for Cross stitching 👉buy on Amazon
- Set of 40 fine-tip fabric pens with vibrant, permanent, non-toxic ink 👉buy on Amazon
💡 Creative Finishing Ideas
Once your masterpiece is complete, consider these display ideas:
- Frame it in a sleek black or dark wood frame 🖼️
- Mount it on a canvas for a gallery-style finish
- Add it to a rustic wall hanging for a country-chic look
- Gift it to a horse lover or equestrian friend
This pattern makes a stunning statement in any room with a natural, western, or modern rustic theme.
🎨 Personalization Tips
Want to make it your own? Try:
- Adding a monogram or date in the corner 🧵
- Changing the background color for a unique twist
- Stitching on colored or hand-dyed Aida for contrast
- Using metallic thread accents in the mane for shimmer ✨
Extra Tools Worth Considering 🧰
Looking to level up your stitching setup? These tools are a favorite among advanced stitchers:
- LED Desk or Clip-On Light – Perfect for evening stitching or working in low-light environments 👉buy on Amazon
- Water-Soluble Stabilizer Sheets – Great for beginners or working with detailed patterns 👉buy on Amazon
- Portable Embroidery Organizer Bag – Keep your threads, hoops, needles, and projects neatly stored and easy to carry 👉buy on Amazon
- Silicone Finger Protectors (Thimbles) – Help reduce discomfort during long stitching sessions 👉buy on Amazon
These thoughtful tools also make great gifts for any dedicated cross stitcher! 🎁
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