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Pelican at Rest in Muted Waterscape

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About this pattern

Each PDF includes stitch counts and a full color key so you can kit it quickly. Check the stitch size against your fabric count to estimate finished dimensions, and keep a few extra skeins on hand if you plan to backstitch or outline.

Quick finishing tips

  • Use shorter floss lengths to avoid tangles and keep coverage even.
  • Secure thread ends under nearby stitches instead of bulky knots.
  • Gently wash and press face-down on a towel before framing.
  • Stitch count: 167 x 167
  • 50 colors in the palette
  • Downloaded 86 times
Lonely Pelican free cross-stitch pattern

167 x 114 stitches 50 colors

Pattern description

A solitary pelican stands poised above rippling water in this 167 x 167 stitch counted cross-stitch pattern, captured in soft, naturalistic tones. The composition centers on the bird's distinctive curved beak and graceful neck, rendered with careful detail against a backdrop of green marsh grasses and cool blue-gray water. The muted color palette—featuring earth browns, pale blues, and sage greens—creates a contemplative, peaceful mood that draws the eye toward the elegant waterfowl as the focal point.

Advanced stitchers will appreciate the 50 DMC thread colors that bring dimensional depth to this landscape scene. The subtle color transitions between water, vegetation, and sky demand precise needle control and color placement, making this an engaging project for experienced needleworkers seeking a meaningful challenge.

This 167 x 167 stitch design works beautifully on 14-count Aida fabric, creating a finished piece approximately 12 x 12 inches—ideal for framing above a coastal-inspired vignette or displayed in a naturalist's study. Stitchers who love wildlife scenes and peaceful water imagery will find this pelican pattern a rewarding multi-week project that celebrates the quiet dignity of these remarkable birds.

Stitch planning checklist

  • Measure your fabric against the stitch count to confirm finished size.
  • Sort floss by symbol before you start; pre-thread a few needles for speed.
  • Work in small blocks to keep counting accurate and spot mistakes early.
  • Backstitch at the end of each session so outlines stay crisp.

Material Type: Aida Generic White

Sewing Count: 14/inch or 55/100mm

Design Size: 167 x 114 stitches

Sewn Design Size: 11.9 x 8.1 inches or 303 x 207 mm

Suggested Material Size: 17.8 x 14 inches or 453 x 357 mm

Stitch Style: Cross-stitch Using 2 strands