Norwegian Snowflake Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Design – 4 Sizes

Norwegian Snowflake Cross Stitch Machine Embroidery Design – 4 Sizes features a red eight-point snowflake crystal built from symmetrical Nordic geometry. The single-color motif is digitized in double cross stitch, producing a more textured surface than an ordinary cross while keeping the design open and clearly defined.

The download contains one snowflake pattern in four separately prepared square sizes. You may change the thread color, but use one of the supplied files instead of automatically scaling the design in your machine.

Size: 97.9x97.9 mm (3.85x3.85"), Stitches: 4111
Size: 114.3x114.3 mm (4.50x4.50"), Stitches: 4110
Size: 137.1x137.1 mm (5.40x5.40"), Stitches: 4110
Size: 171.4x171.4 mm (6.75x6.75"), Stitches: 4111
Formats: .dst, .jef, .pec, .vip, .hus, .pes, .exp, .sew, .dat, .vp3, xxx

What Is Included

• one Norwegian snowflake machine embroidery design in four prepared sizes;
• a single-color sequence with no thread changes;
• digital embroidery-machine files, not a finished embroidered item or a printable hand-cross-stitch chart.

You need an embroidery machine and a method of transferring the compatible file format to it. Thread, fabric, stabilizer and any finished item are not included.

Design Sizes, Stitch Counts and Hoop Compatibility

Important for a 4 × 4 hoop: the 97.9 × 97.9 mm file fits a 100 × 100 mm embroidery field with only 2.1 mm of total clearance on each axis. At perfect centering, that is approximately 1.05 mm per side. Check the actual usable embroidery field of your machine, not only the hoop name.

The 137.1 mm file also leaves only 2.9 mm of total clearance across the narrow side of a 140 × 200 mm field. The largest file does not fit a 170 × 170 mm field because it requires at least 171.4 × 171.4 mm.

Why the Stitch Count Stays Almost the Same

The nearly identical stitch counts are intentional. All four files preserve the same pattern and the same number of double-cross elements. The physical step of each cross changes between sizes, so the snowflake becomes larger while the count remains close to 4,110 stitches.

This is why a supplied size should be selected instead of stretching the smallest file in the embroidery machine. Scaling without stitch recalculation changes diagonal stitch length, thread tension and the visual weight of every cross.

Double Cross Stitch: Keeping the Geometry Crisp

A double cross adds a second set of intersecting diagonals to the basic cross structure. The result is fuller and more dimensional, but any fabric skew or uneven tension becomes obvious in a symmetrical eight-point snowflake.

• square the fabric grain before hooping;
• hoop linen or cotton without stretching it;
• use a new needle so repeated diagonals penetrate consistently;
• do not apply automatic color sorting or change the programmed stitch order;
• test the complete file because diagonal pull accumulates across the entire motif.

Fabric, Stabilizer, Needle and Speed

• Fabric: smooth linen, cotton, a stable blend or another firmly woven fabric.
• Stabilizer: use tear-away backing selected for the fabric weight. As a starting point, divide the fabric weight in g/m² by approximately three.
• Example: for fabric weighing 120–160 g/m², begin testing with tear-away backing around 40–55 g/m².
• Hooping: hoop fabric and stabilizer together. A light application of temporary embroidery adhesive can help prevent shifting.
• Thread: 40-weight machine embroidery rayon or polyester.
• Needle: a new 75/11 embroidery needle; for metallic thread, begin with the needle specified by the thread manufacturer.
• Speed: approximately 500–650 stitches per minute with standard thread, then adjust after a full test.

Water-soluble topping is unnecessary on smooth linen or cotton. Use topping only when the surface has pile or texture that could allow the cross stitches to sink between fibers.

Madeira Thread Palette for a One-Color Snowflake

The design uses one thread color, so the shade can be selected for contrast with the fabric. A saturated Christmas red is effective on white or natural linen; an off-white thread creates the reverse effect on red, burgundy, navy or dark green fabric.

Thread-chart note: Madeira Classic 1147 and 1071 are recommended color options for the shown red and light combinations, not mandatory thread assignments in the digital file. Screen swatches are approximate; make the final choice with a physical Madeira shade card.

Make a Biscornu Pincushion with This Snowflake

Because this Norwegian snowflake is square and symmetrical, it can be used on one or both sides of a biscornu pincushion. The embroidery file does not include an ITH sewing line, so the two fabric squares are assembled separately by hand.

Follow our detailed tutorial: how to make a biscornu with machine embroidery.

Using Metallic Thread Without Losing the Cross Structure

The one-color sequence makes this snowflake a practical candidate for metallic thread, but the exact thread construction matters. A standard-weight metallic intended for machine embroidery is safer than substituting a heavy decorative thread into a file digitized for 40-weight rayon or polyester.

• install a new needle recommended for the exact metallic thread;
• begin at a conservative speed of about 400–500 stitches per minute;
• reduce upper tension only in small steps and watch the underside for loops;
• allow the spool to unwind smoothly without twisting or overspinning;
• test the entire design, including the center where repeated diagonals intersect.

For a detailed setup and troubleshooting chart, read the Royal Present guide to machine embroidery snowflakes with metallic thread.

More Snowflake Embroidery Designs

Browse the Snowflakes and Stars machine embroidery collection for additional winter motifs. More Nordic holiday designs worked in this technique are available in the Christmas cross-stitch machine embroidery collection.

You May Also Like

Snowflakes Cross Stitch Embroidery Design – 3 Sizes

Red Scandinavian Snowflake Cross Stitch – 4 Sizes

Scandinavian Snowflakes Cross Stitch – Set of 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the download contain four different snowflakes?

No. It contains one Norwegian snowflake pattern prepared in four square sizes: 97.9, 114.3, 137.1 and 171.4 mm.

Which file fits a 100 × 100 mm / 4 × 4 in hoop?

Only the 97.9 × 97.9 mm file. It leaves 2.1 mm of total clearance in both width and height, so confirm the machine's actual embroidery field before transferring the file.

Why does the largest size not have more stitches?

All four versions contain the same number of pattern elements. The design size changes through the physical step of the double crosses, so the stitch count remains almost identical.

Can I resize the file in my embroidery machine?

Use one of the four supplied sizes whenever possible. Automatic scaling changes the length and visual weight of the diagonals and may produce uneven double crosses even when the machine accepts the resized file.

Can I stitch the snowflake with metallic thread?

Yes, after a full test. Select a machine-embroidery metallic compatible with the original stitch spacing, use the manufacturer's needle recommendation, slow the machine and verify thread feed and tension before stitching the final material.

Digital Download and License

The design may be used for personal projects and limited small-business production of finished embroidered items. The digital files may not be copied, shared, traded, published, distributed, modified for digital resale or sold in any electronic format. Mass industrial production is not included in the standard license.

Designer: Ludmila Konovalova, Royal Present Embroidery.