Love in DMC - PAT0891 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Love / Amour Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern (PAT0891) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable cross stitch pattern from the DMC Library features a charming Love / Amour design rendered in a coloured cross stitch chart format. Released as part of the official DMC pattern collection, it is suitable for intermediate embroiderers who are comfortable reading a colour-coded chart and working with multiple thread shades. The pattern is presented bilingually in English and French, reflecting DMC's international heritage.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a decorative cross stitch embroidery centred on the word and theme of love (amour in French). The design is intended as a standalone decorative motif — ideal for framing, greeting cards, small hoops, or personalised gifts. Its romantic subject matter makes it especially popular for Valentine's Day projects, wedding gifts, anniversary keepsakes, and home décor accents.

Techniques Used

• Full cross stitch – the primary technique used throughout the design, worked by crossing two diagonal stitches to form an X shape over the fabric grid
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) – indicated on the chart to create smoother curves and more refined edges within the design, a hallmark of intermediate-level cross stitch work

Cross stitch is a counted needlework technique in which stitches are placed on an even-weave or Aida fabric by counting threads or holes in the grid. The coloured chart provided makes it straightforward to follow, with each coloured square representing one full cross stitch and fractional symbols indicating partial stitches. Working quarter stitches requires slightly more precision and needle control, which is why this pattern is classified as intermediate rather than beginner level.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch – forms the bulk of the design
• Quarter cross stitch (¼ stitch) – used for detail and shaping at curved or diagonal edges

Materials Required

Thread

The pattern is designed to be stitched using DMC Cotton Perlé ART 115 No. 5, a twisted, lustrous pearl cotton thread that gives a slightly raised, elegant finish compared to standard stranded cotton. The following five specific DMC colour codes are called for in the chart:

• DMC 3689 – a soft mauve-pink
• DMC 754 – a pale peach-flesh tone
• DMC 740 – a vivid tangerine orange
• DMC 351 – a warm coral-red
• DMC 796 – a deep royal blue

The palette combines warm romantic tones with a bold blue accent, creating a vibrant and eye-catching finished piece. The pattern also references DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (Art. 117MC) as an alternative or supplementary thread option, which is DMC's classic six-strand divisible cotton floss widely available worldwide.

Fabric

The recommended ground fabric is cross stitch Aida fabric, a stiff, open-weave cotton cloth woven with an evenly spaced grid of holes that makes counting stitches simple and consistent. Aida is available in various counts (holes per inch); a higher count produces a finer, smaller finished design. The specific count is not stated in the pattern, but 14-count Aida is the most common pairing for DMC Cotton Perlé No. 5 projects.

Needles and Tools

Cross stitch is worked with a blunt-tipped tapestry needle, which passes through the holes of the Aida fabric without splitting the fibres. No crochet hooks are required for this embroidery project. A small embroidery hoop or frame is recommended to keep the fabric taut and stitches even while working.

Pattern Format and Availability

This is a free, downloadable PDF available directly from DMC. The PDF includes