Celebrate the Year of the Horse (or just horses in general) with this fun hand embroidery pattern download!

People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be confident, agreeable and responsible, and this year of the "Fire Horse" (2026) is meant to inspire motion over inertia, and courage over fear. You'll love stitching this design inspired by traditional Chinese zodiac illustrations in red and white, red being the luckiest of colors.

This design is so much fun to make and lovely to display, a unique addition to your handmade decorations and a wonderful way to learn embroidery. This fun and original pattern has detailed, easy to follow instructions that guarantee that you will create a lovely finished product. Even if you've never embroidered anything before, you will be all set to create something wonderful!

Check the little dear shop for the other Lunar New Year patterns available so far, Dragon and Snake!

You will receive a PDF file containing an 8.5x11 inch black and white file for you to print and embroider.

Also included is an additional "Tips n Stitches" PDF with beginner embroidery instructions, transfer techniques, colors and stitches.

You'll also receive a pattern guide with DMC floss color palette and stitch diagram.

You will need your own fabric, a needle, 6 inch embroidery hoop and floss to complete this embroidery.

** These photos are of the color printed fabric sampler version of this design, the PDF does not include printable colors, but you can add your own with this fun Crayon Tinting tutorial!

https://little-dear.com/blogs/tutorials/crayon-tinting-your-embroidery

design © Aimee Ray 2026