🌿 Free Cross Stitch Pattern – Calm River with Horses and Swans 🦢
Bring peace and natural beauty into your stitching space with this serene free cross stitch pattern. Set against a quiet riverbank, this detailed landscape design features white horses, elegant swans, a cozy cottage, and a lush green forest. If you’re searching for a project that celebrates the grace of animals and the calm of countryside life, this is the perfect cross stitch pattern to relax and reconnect with nature.
🏞️ Tranquil Scene Full of Life and Detail
This cross stitch pattern captures a tranquil riverside moment. Two majestic white horses, one of them a foal, stand at the edge of a still stream. Their reflections ripple gently in the water, adding realism and depth. In the foreground, four graceful swans glide over the shimmering surface, their feathers rendered in soft, layered stitches that bring movement to the scene.
Beyond the river, a rustic wooden cottage sits nestled among flowering trees and lush greenery. A delicate arched bridge crosses the narrow stream, connecting nature with home in one idyllic snapshot. The sky, foliage, and water all include nuanced shading, making this a beautiful display of color blending and stitch artistry.
🎯 Calm River Free Cross Stitch Pattern Difficulty Level
This free crossstitch pattern is best suited for intermediate to advanced stitchers. The subtle shading, detailed composition, and variety of elements—animals, water, buildings, trees—require patience and precision. If you enjoy counted cross stitch patterns that are immersive and artistic, this one will be deeply rewarding.
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🧵 Recommended Materials and Tools for Calm River Free Cross Stitch Pattern
To help you make the most of this project, here’s a set of suggested materials. These tools are beginner- and expert-friendly, offering convenience and comfort while stitching.
• 14-count Aida cloth in soft colors – buy on Amazon
• Size 24 tapestry needle – buy on Amazon
• DMC embroidery floss – buy on Amazon
• Wooden Cross Stitch Stand Holder – buy on Amazon
• Magnifying Glasses with Light for cross stitching – buy on Amazon
• Embroidery hoop or Q-snap – buy on Amazon
• Thread organizer – buy on Amazon
• Beaditive Precision Craft Scissors – buy on Amazon
• Non Toxic, Fabric Pens – buy on Amazon
🎨 DMC Floss Color Chart
This cross stitch pattern includes a wide color palette for realistic shading. Below is the complete floss list with stitch counts:
| Symbol | DMC Number | Name | Stitches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 02 | Tin | 1381 |
| 2 | 08 | Driftwood – Dark | 524 |
| 3 | 168 | Pewter – Very Light | 1526 |
| 4 | 310 | Black | 315 |
| 5 | 371 | Mustard | 702 |
| 6 | 415 | Pearl Gray | 1043 |
| 7 | 502 | Blue Green | 3199 |
| 8 | 503 | Blue Green – Medium | 2296 |
| 9 | 524 | Fern Green – Very Light | 1124 |
| 10 | 535 | Ash Gray – Very Light | 2421 |
| 11 | 581 | Moss Green | 1348 |
| 12 | 613 | Drab Brown – Very Light | 1297 |
| 13 | 648 | Beaver Gray – Light | 1278 |
| 14 | 733 | Olive Green – Medium | 593 |
| 15 | 738 | Tan – Very Light | 280 |
| 16 | 745 | Yellow – Light Pale | 272 |
| 17 | 746 | Off White | 1085 |
| 18 | 819 | Baby Pink – Light | 355 |
| 19 | 834 | Golden Olive – Very Light | 477 |
| 20 | 934 | Avocado Green – Black | 2904 |
| 21 | 936 | Avocado Green – Very Dark | 2826 |
| 22 | 3013 | Khaki Green – Light | 1079 |
| 23 | 3032 | Mocha Brown – Medium | 1486 |
| 24 | 3346 | Hunter Green | 2083 |
| 25 | 3371 | Black Brown | 477 |
| 26 | 3756 | Baby Blue – Ultra Very Light | 2004 |
| 27 | 3761 | Sky Blue – Light | 181 |
| 28 | 3768 | Gray Green – Dark | 2782 |
| 29 | 3787 | Brown Gray – Dark | 1351 |
| 30 | 3813 | Blue Green – Light | 1311 |
📏 How to Calculate Design Size
The pattern is 200 x 200 stitches. Here’s how to calculate the final size using 14-count Aida fabric:
• Width: 200 ÷ 14 = 14.29 inches
• Height: 200 ÷ 14 = 14.29 inches
• Metric: 14.29 in × 2.54 cm = 36.27 cm
Always remember to leave at least 2–3 inches of extra fabric on each side for framing.
📌 Stitching Instructions
• Start from the center of the design and fabric.
• Use two strands of floss for full crosses.
• Work from light to dark colors or by section.
• Finish with careful outlining and details if desired.
💡 Personalization and Finishing Ideas
This free cross stitch pattern offers endless creative possibilities:
• Frame as a large centerpiece for a hallway or living room.
• Use free cross stitch templates to isolate the swans or horses for bookmarks or pillows.
• Combine with other xstitch patterns featuring birds, deer, or cottages to build a seasonal wall.
• Add names, dates, or messages beneath the design for personalized gifts.
• Turn into an heirloom-quality display using premium cross stitch kits.
🧰 Extra Tools Worth Considering
Looking to upgrade your toolkit? These highly rated accessories can help make your stitching even more enjoyable. They’re also great gift ideas for fellow crafters.
• LED Desk or Clip-On Light – buy on Amazon
• Portable Embroidery Organizer Bag – buy on Amazon
• Water-Soluble Stabilizer Sheets – buy on Amazon
• Silicone Finger Protectors (Thimbles) – buy on Amazon
🌿 DOWNLOAD Calm River Free Cross Stitch Pattern HERE
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