Peace in DMC - PAT0796 - Downloadable PDF

Peace Cross Stitch Pattern by DMC – PAT0796 (Free Downloadable PDF)

The DMC Peace (PAT0796) pattern is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch design from the DMC Library, featuring the word Peace as a decorative embroidered piece. This is an intermediate-level embroidery project that combines classic counted cross stitch with backstitch detailing, making it an ideal next step for stitchers who are comfortable with the basics and ready to add more refined finishing work to their pieces.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished embroidered design centred around the word Peace, rendered in a coloured cross stitch style with backstitch outlines or details. The design is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch, meaning stitchers work from a colour-coded grid diagram to recreate the motif stitch by stitch on fabric. The finished piece is well-suited for framing, display as wall art, or use as a meaningful handmade gift.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of a fabric square, creating a characteristic X shape. Working from the colour-coded chart, stitchers match thread colours to the corresponding symbols on the grid.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used in addition to the cross stitch fills to add fine outlines, lettering definition, or detail lines. Backstitch creates a smooth, continuous line that gives the design a polished, crisp finish and helps individual elements stand out clearly.
• Quarter Cross Stitch (1/4 Stitch): The chart references a 1/4 stitch element, indicating that partial cross stitches are used in certain areas to achieve smoother curves or more refined edges within the design.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – for outlines and fine detail work
• Quarter Cross Stitch – for refined shaping in curved or detailed areas

Materials Required

Thread

The pattern is designed specifically for use with DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (117MC), the brand's iconic six-strand divisible cotton floss. Mouliné Spécial is widely regarded for its consistent colour quality, smooth twist, and extensive colour range, making it the standard choice for counted cross stitch projects. The number of strands used per stitch will depend on the fabric count chosen.

Fabric

The recommended base fabric is Aida cloth (Cross Stitch Fabric / Toile Aida), a woven evenweave fabric with an open, grid-like structure that makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately. Aida is available in various counts (such as 14-count or 18-count), with higher counts producing a smaller, finer finished design.

Tools

• Cross Stitch Needle (Aiguille): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is used for cross stitch on Aida fabric, as the blunt point passes cleanly through the fabric holes without splitting the weave.
• Embroidery Hoop: An embroidery hoop is recommended to keep the Aida fabric taut and evenly tensioned while stitching, helping to maintain consistent stitch size and prevent fabric distortion.

Pattern Format and Availability

The DMC PAT0796 Peace pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library. The PDF includes a coloured cross stitch chart alongside a backstitch diagram, presented in both English and French. As a free resource from DMC, it is part of the brand's wider library of complimentary patterns and tutorials available to the stitching community.