There’s something heartwarming about a chilly winter morning, a warm scarf, and a steaming cup of coffee — and I hope this adorable squirrel embroidery pattern captures it perfectly! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stitcher, this project will add a cozy, whimsical touch to your handmade creations.
Pattern Description
This design features a charming squirrel wrapped in a winter scarf, enjoying a hot drink by the window. It’s perfect for hoop art, tote bag embellishments, or even a festive wall hanging.
Materials You’ll Need
- Fabric: Light-colored cotton, linen, or an embroidery-friendly blend.
- Hoop: 6–8 inch embroidery hoop.
- Needles: Size 7 or 9 embroidery needle.
- Embroidery Floss: Suggested DMC colors listed below.
- Scissors: Sharp embroidery scissors.
- Transfer Tools: Water-soluble pen or heat-erasable pen.
Suggested Thread Colors (DMC)
- Squirrel body: 3864 (Mocha Beige Light)
- Ear tips & tail tip: 3371 (Black Brown)
- Scarf: 321 (Red) or 3810 (Turquoise Blue) for a pop of colour
- Cheeks: 3713 (Salmon Very Light)
- Eye & Nose: 310 (Black)
- Mug: 415 (Pearl Grey) or 703 (Chartreuse) for contrast
- Steam lines: 762 (Pearl Grey Very Light)
- Background window frame: 3799 (Pewter Grey) or 646 (Beaver Grey)
Suggested Thread Colors (Anchor)
- Squirrel body: 1047 (Mocha Beige Light)
- Ear tips & tail tip: 382 (Black Brown)
- Scarf: 47 (Red) or 1089 (Turquoise Blue) for a pop of colour
- Cheeks: 1026 (Salmon Very Light)
- Eye & Nose: 403 (Black)
- Mug: 398 (Pearl Grey) or 225 (Chartreuse) for contrast
- Steam lines: 234 (Pearl Grey Very Light)
- Background window frame: 236 (Pewter Grey) or 1046 (Beaver Grey)
Stitch Guide
1. Squirrel Body – Long & Short Stitch
Fill in the squirrel’s body with smooth shading using long & short stitches for a natural fur texture. Keep your stitches flowing along the body’s curve.
2. Tail – Fishbone Stitch or Long & Short Stitch
For extra fluffiness, use long & short stitches blending from the body color to the darker tip color.
3. Eye & Nose – Satin Stitch
Fill both with black floss for a neat, glossy look. Add a single French knot in white for a sparkle in the eye.
4. Cheeks – Satin Stitch
Give the squirrel a rosy blush with soft pink thread.
5. Scarf – Back Stitch or Split Stitch for the outline, Satin Stitch for the filled areas
You can also use small straight stitches to mimic knitted texture.
6. Mug – Satin Stitch for smooth coverage
Outline with Back Stitch in a slightly darker shade for definition.
7. Steam – Stem Stitch or Back Stitch
Use light grey for a soft, wavy effect.
8. Window Frame & Books – Back Stitch for clean lines
Optionally fill the books’ covers with satin stitch in contrasting colors.
Tips for Best Results
- Start stitching from the center of the design outward to avoid fabric puckering.
- Keep your thread strands to 1 to 2 for detailed areas like the face.
- Consider adding light shading in the background using a few rows of back stitch for depth.
Where to Use This Pattern
- Hoop wall art for winter décor
- Embellishing a tote bag or cushion cover
- As part of a winter-themed embroidery sampler
If you like this cozy squirrel, you might also enjoy my Winter Woodland Friends embroidery pattern series — keep an eye out for the next design!
