Stitch one of Canada's most storied historic sites: Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, as featured on the 1930 Canadian stamp (Scott #176) that commemorates Acadian identity and resilience.
Inspired by the dramatic engraved linework of the stamp, this original cross-stitch design recreates the Grand Pré landscape in graduated blue tones using carefully placed directional stitching, detailed backstitch, and traditional counted cross-stitch techniques. The finished piece captures the depth and character of classic Canadian stamp engraving, offering a stitching experience as layered as the history it depicts.
The story behind the stamp is as compelling as the image itself. Grand Pré was the heart of Acadian settlement around the Bay of Fundy, and the site of the tragic Deportation of 1755, when British forces expelled thousands of Acadian people from their homes and farmlands. American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalised that expulsion in his 1847 epic poem "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie," whose fictional heroine became the enduring symbol of Acadian cultural identity. Today, Grand Pré is a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pattern Details
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Design size: 185 × 125 stitches
- Palette: 7 DMC colours
- Techniques used:
- Full cross stitch
- Half cross stitch
- Fractional stitches
- Backstitch
- Long stitch
The model was stitched on white 32-count evenweave over 2 threads (equivalent to 16-count Aida) using DMC floss.
Design area: 11.5" W × 7.5" H on 16-count fabric (30 x 20 cm).
Recommended fabric size: 18" × 14" to allow for framing and finishing (46 x 36 cm).
What You Receive
Your instant digital download includes a PDF featuring:
- Historical background on the Acadian Memorial Church stamp
- Full stitching instructions
- DMC floss list and symbol key
- Full-colour chart
- Black-and-white symbol chart with colour backstitch guide for easier reading
This is a digital PDF download only. No physical item will be shipped.
Copyright & Usage
This pattern is an original artistic work inspired by historic Canadian postage stamp artwork. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Canada Post.
Pattern purchase grants a personal-use licence only. The pattern may not be copied, redistributed, shared, resold, or reproduced in digital or printed form.
Pattern copyright © 2026 Canafete™. All rights reserved.
