Black Cat in DMC - PAT0795 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Black Cat Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0795) – Free Downloadable PDF

This DMC Black Cat cross stitch pattern (also known as Chat Noir in French) is a charming and detailed embroidery design featuring a black cat motif, presented as a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch. Published as part of the official DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), this pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible project for embroidery enthusiasts looking to build their skills with a recognisable and striking design.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a cross stitched black cat design, worked onto fabric using coloured thread. The chart provides a clear, grid-based colour diagram that guides the stitcher through recreating the cat motif stitch by stitch. This type of design is well suited for framing, mounting in an embroidery hoop, or incorporating into home décor and handmade gifts.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch: The primary technique used throughout the pattern. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over a set number of fabric threads or Aida squares. The coloured chart clearly maps out which DMC Mouliné Spécial thread colours correspond to each area of the design.
• Backstitch: The pattern also incorporates backstitch, a technique used to add fine outlines, details, and definition to the finished design. Backstitch creates crisp, continuous lines that give the black cat motif its characteristic sharpness and depth. It is typically worked after the cross stitch is complete.
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch): The chart references 1/4 stitches, which are partial cross stitches used to achieve smoother curves and more refined edges within the design — particularly useful when rendering the natural curves of a cat's form.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch – the foundational stitch filling the main areas of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and adding fine detail
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) – used for refined edges and curved shapes

Materials Required

Thread

The pattern calls for DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (117MC), the brand's iconic 6-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss. The coloured chart specifies the exact DMC thread colour codes needed to complete the black cat design. DMC Mouliné Spécial is widely regarded for its colorfastness, sheen, and consistent quality, making it the ideal choice for detailed cross stitch work.

Fabric

Cross stitch Aida fabric (Toile Aida) is the recommended base material for this project. Aida is a specialist evenweave fabric with an open, grid-like weave that makes it easy to count and place stitches accurately. The count of the Aida (measured in holes per inch) will determine the final size of the finished piece — a higher count produces a smaller, more detailed result.

Needles

A cross stitch needle is required. Cross stitch needles, also known as tapestry needles, have a blunt tip and a large eye, allowing embroidery thread to pass through easily without splitting the fabric threads of the Aida.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the core cross stitch technique is straightforward and well suited to those who have completed beginner projects, the inclusion of backstitch detail and quarter stitches means that some prior experience with counted cross stitch is beneficial. Stitchers who are comfortable reading a coloured chart and working with multiple thread colours will find this a satisfying and achievable project.

About the DMC Library Pattern

The Black Cat (Chat Noir) design is part of the DMC Library, a curated collection of free embroidery patterns and tutorials offered by DMC, one of the world's most established and trusted names in embroidery thread and needlecraft. As a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is available directly to crafters