Point de Marque 4.4 in DMC - PAT0544 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Point de Marque 4th Series – Cross Stitch Marking Pattern (PAT0544)

This free downloadable PDF from the iconic DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) presents Point de Marque 4ème Série — the 4th Series of Marking Stitch designs, a classic collection rooted in the long tradition of European sampler and marking embroidery. Originally published by Édition Th. Dillmont, this pattern continues a heritage of precise, elegant needlework charting that DMC has championed for generations. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to stitchers who are comfortable with counted cross stitch and ready to explore more refined decorative lettering and motif work.

What Is Being Made

The pattern features Spread No. 4 (Planche 4) from the Marking Stitch 4th Series. Marking stitch — known in French as point de marque — is a traditional form of embroidery historically used to monogram and identify household linens, clothing, and personal items with initials, numbers, or decorative borders. This sheet provides a coloured cross stitch chart (Diagramme Point de Croix en couleurs) alongside a black-and-white symbol chart (Diagramme Point de Croix), giving stitchers two clear references for working the design accurately.

The finished embroidery is ideal for personalising items such as table linens, handkerchiefs, samplers, or framed decorative pieces. The marking stitch tradition lends the designs a timeless, heirloom quality that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch — the primary technique throughout the pattern, worked by counting threads on an even-weave fabric to place each stitch precisely according to the chart grid
• Marking stitch embroidery (point de marque) — a specialised application of cross stitch used historically for monogramming and sampler-style lettering, requiring neat, consistent tension and careful counting
• Chart reading — stitchers work from both a coloured diagram and a symbol-only diagram, an intermediate skill that involves translating colour blocks or symbols into thread colours and stitch placement

About Counted Cross Stitch

Counted cross stitch is one of the most structured and satisfying forms of embroidery. Each cross is formed by two diagonal stitches worked over a set number of fabric threads, creating a neat X shape. Working from a grid chart, the embroiderer counts the squares on the fabric to match the squares on the diagram, building up the design stitch by stitch. The technique rewards patience and precision, and the results are crisp, graphic, and highly detailed — qualities that make it especially well suited to lettering and monogram work as seen in this Point de Marque series.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (point de croix) — the sole stitch specified in this pattern, worked in counted form over Aida fabric

Materials Referenced

Embroidery Thread

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) — the recommended thread for this pattern. DMC Mouliné Spécial is a 6-strand divisible cotton floss, allowing stitchers to separate strands and use the number appropriate to their fabric count. It is known for its consistent colour, smooth finish, and extensive palette, making it the standard choice for cross stitch worldwide.

Fabric

• Aida cross stitch fabric (Toile Aida) — the specified ground fabric. Aida is a woven evenweave cotton with a regular, clearly visible grid of holes that makes counting straightforward, particularly well suited to intermediate stitchers working detailed marking designs. Common counts for Aida range from 14-count to 18-count; the finer the count, the smaller and more detailed the finished embroidery.

Tools

• A tapestry needle (blunt-tipped) is standard for Aida cross stitch