Plum Pudding Cross Stitch Patterns: A Guide to Designs, Dimensions, and Stitching Details

Cross stitch enthusiasts frequently seek patterns that combine traditional craftsmanship with seasonal or decorative themes. Among the various designs available, "Plum Pudding" cross stitch patterns have emerged as a distinct category, featuring specific artistic styles and historical references. These patterns are distributed through specialized needlework retailers and online marketplaces, offering distinct options for stitchers ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners. The availability of these designs spans digital downloads, printed booklets, and physical kits, though the provided source material focuses primarily on chart-based patterns that require separate acquisition of fabric and floss.

Understanding the specific characteristics of these patterns—including stitch counts, fabric requirements, and design inspirations—is essential for consumers looking to select appropriate projects. The following analysis examines the available Plum Pudding cross stitch patterns based on retailer listings and user documentation, detailing the technical specifications and artistic elements that define each design. This information is drawn exclusively from the provided source material to ensure accuracy regarding dimensions, color palettes, and purchasing options.

Design Variations and Artistic Themes

The term "Plum Pudding" in the cross stitch context refers to several distinct designs, each with unique artistic inspirations and visual elements. The most prominent variations include the "Plum Pudding NeedleArt Seasons Collection Fall" pattern, the "Christmas Pudding Maxfield Parrish" design, and the "Plum Pudding" pattern by With Thy Needle & Thread. Each offers a different interpretation of the theme, catering to specific aesthetic preferences and seasonal interests.

The "Plum Pudding NeedleArt Seasons Collection Fall" pattern is described as the second chart in the seasonal "Plum Petite Collection." This design features a whimsical arrangement of autumnal elements, including an owl, a squirrel, a pumpkin, a crow, a flower, and a sheep, all decorated for the fall season. The pattern is marketed as a "quick stitch," suggesting it is suitable for intermediate stitchers or those seeking a relatively fast project. The artistic style appears to be charming and rustic, emphasizing traditional fall iconography. Source [1] provides these details, noting that the design is intended for 16-count Heritage aida fabric and results in a finished size of approximately 3.9 inches by 3 inches.

In contrast, the "Christmas Pudding Maxfield Parrish" pattern draws directly from the "Golden Age of Illustration," specifically referencing an 1897 work. This design depicts a historical scene: "Two boys and a man in elaborate Elizabethan dress standing before an arched colonnade." The central figure holds a shallow silver basin containing a round plum pudding, while the boys carry silver trays laden with apples and other items. This pattern is described as "solidly stitched," meaning it utilizes full cross stitches without backstitches, and it is designed for any color of fabric, though the background (white area) is not stitched. Source [3] and Source [5] both detail this design, with Source [5] specifying a stitch count of 388 x 343 and the use of 96 DMC floss colors. The resulting size on 18-count fabric is approximately 22 inches by 19 inches, making it a substantial, detailed project.

A third variation, simply titled "Plum Pudding" and attributed to "With Thy Needle & Thread," offers a different scale and color palette. Source [4] lists the stitch count as 69 wide by 77 high, resulting in a finished size of 3 3/4 inches wide by 4 1/4 inches high. This pattern is designed for 36-count Winter Brew Linen and requires specific floss brands and colors, including Weeks Dye Works (Linen, Palomino) and Gentle Art (Parchment, Bayberry, Tomato), as well as several Classic Colorworks threads. This design appears to be a smaller, more compact piece, likely intended for ornamentation or small display frames.

Additionally, a blog post mentions a freebie pattern titled "Blessed Be" from Plum Pudding Needleart, which the author stitched multiple times. While not a "Plum Pudding" design per se, its association with the brand indicates a range of offerings that may include free or promotional designs alongside commercial patterns. Source [6] notes that this freebie was stitched on 40-count Vintage Country Mocha Newcastle linen using DMC colors, with modifications to the pumpkin, crow, and border colors.

Technical Specifications and Requirements

Selecting the correct materials is critical for achieving the intended look and size of a cross stitch project. The Plum Pudding patterns vary significantly in their technical requirements, including stitch count, fabric type, floss brands, and recommended finishing techniques.

Stitch Counts and Dimensions

The stitch count directly influences the finished size of the design and the amount of fabric required. The patterns analyzed show a wide range of complexity: - Plum Pudding NeedleArt Seasons Collection Fall: 63 stitches wide by 49 stitches high. On 16-count aida, this results in a design size of approximately 3.9 inches by 3 inches. Source [1] - With Thy Needle & Thread Plum Pudding: 69 stitches wide by 77 stitches high. On 36-count linen, the finished size is 3 3/4 inches wide by 4 1/4 inches high. Source [4] - Christmas Pudding Maxfield Parrish: 388 stitches wide by 343 stitches high (Source [5]). On 18-count aida, this yields a large design of approximately 22 inches by 19 inches. An alternative listing for a "Standard Version" specifies a finished size of 16.0 x 12.0 inches, likely on a different fabric count. Source [3] - Glendon Place Plum Pudding: 194 stitches wide by 195 stitches high. On 28-count fabric, this results in a 14-inch by 14-inch square design. Source [7]

Fabric Recommendations

Fabric choice impacts the texture, drape, and overall appearance of the finished piece. The specific patterns mandate different fabric types: - Aida Cloth: The Seasons Collection Fall pattern specifies 16-count Heritage aida (Source [1]), while the Maxfield Parrish design is listed for 18-count aida (Source [3]), though Source [5] notes it can be used on any color fabric. - Linen: The With Thy Needle & Thread pattern requires 36-count Winter Brew Linen (Source [4]), and the "Blessed Be" freebie was stitched on 40-count Vintage Country Mocha Newcastle (Source [6]). The Glendon Place pattern used 28-count Sprite Cashel linen (Source [7]).

Floss and Color Palettes

Color selection is vital for capturing the design's artistic intent. The patterns utilize a mix of popular floss brands: - DMC Cotton Floss: The Maxfield Parrish pattern (Source [3] and Source [5]) relies on 96 colors of DMC 6-strand cotton floss. The Seasons Collection Fall pattern does not list specific floss colors but implies the use of standard DMC or similar threads. - Specialty Floss: The With Thy Needle & Thread pattern specifies Weeks Dye Works, Gentle Art, and Classic Colorworks flosses in colors such as Linen, Palomino, Parchment, Bayberry, Tomato, Candied Yams, Eggshell, Hickory Sticks, Lemon Grass, Muddy Puddle, Straw Hat, and Wagon Wheel (Source [4]). - Mixed Media: The Glendon Place pattern review mentions using Dinky Dyes Silks and Sullivans floss, along with Mill Hill Beads, indicating that some designs incorporate beads for added texture (Source [7]).

Purchasing and Availability

Acquiring these patterns involves navigating specific retail channels and understanding the terms of sale, including pricing, shipping, and format options.

Pricing and Discounts

Prices for the patterns vary by retailer and design complexity. The Plum Pudding NeedleArt Seasons Collection Fall pattern is listed at a current price of $6.75, down from an original price of $7.50 (Source [1]). The Maxfield Parrish pattern pricing is not explicitly stated in the provided chunks, though Source [3] mentions that the "Regular" version is backordered, implying a standard retail price exists. The Glendon Place pattern is noted to have been purchased on sale, suggesting price fluctuations (Source [7]).

Formats and Delivery

Consumers can choose between digital downloads and physical printed patterns: - Instant Download: The Maxfield Parrish pattern is available as an "Instant Download PDF" (Source [3]). This format is available immediately after purchase and can be opened with any PDF reader. This option is also implied for the Seasons Collection Fall pattern, given its online store listing (Source [1]). - Printed Patterns: The "Regular" version of the Maxfield Parrish pattern refers to a physical booklet that is currently backordered (Source [3]). The Glendon Place pattern is described as a bound booklet, which is preferred by some stitchers to prevent lost pages (Source [7]).

Shipping Policies

Shipping costs and policies depend on the retailer and the buyer’s location. Source [3] provides specific details for one retailer: "Get FREE Shipping on All Orders within the USA and Australia!" For all other locations, shipping costs are calculated in real-time by shipping carriers. This policy is a significant benefit for U.S.-based consumers. Other sources, such as Source [1] (Anabella’s Cross Stitch Store), do not specify shipping terms but note that the item is "Out of stock," indicating that availability is a separate consideration from shipping.

Retailer Reliability

The sources represent a mix of official brand pages, third-party retailers, and user blogs. For official product details, the listings on specialized needlework sites like Anabella’s (Source [1]), Craft Hatchery (Source [3]), and Hobby House Needleworks (Source [4]) are primary sources. Scarlet Quince (Source [5]) is identified as the copyright holder for the Maxfield Parrish pattern, indicating they are the original designer or distributor. Customer reviews on 123stitch.com (Source [7]) provide user feedback on the Glendon Place pattern, confirming its quality and ease of reading. The blog post (Source [6]) is a secondary source that confirms the existence of a freebie pattern but should not be relied upon for current purchasing details.

Conclusion

The "Plum Pudding" cross stitch pattern category encompasses a diverse range of designs, from small, seasonal accents to large, historically inspired masterpieces. Key distinctions lie in their artistic themes—ranging from whimsical autumnal scenes to detailed Elizabethan illustrations—and their technical specifications, including stitch counts, fabric types, and color palettes. Consumers must carefully review these details to select a pattern that matches their skill level and project goals.

Purchasing these patterns is primarily conducted through specialized online needlework retailers, with options for both instant digital downloads and printed booklets. U.S. consumers benefit from specific shipping promotions, such as free domestic shipping offered by certain retailers. While user blogs confirm the existence of free bonus designs, verified product information and purchasing options are best sourced directly from official retailer listings and designer websites. To ensure a successful stitching experience, prospective buyers should verify stock availability and confirm all required materials—including specific fabric counts and floss brands—before beginning their project.