Product Description
DMC Marking Stitch 5th Series – Point de Marque 5ème Série (Spread/Planche No. 3) Cross Stitch Pattern
This free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) presents Spread No. 3 (Planche 3) from the classic Marking Stitch 5th Series – Point de Marque 5ème Série collection, originally published by Éditions Thérèse de Dillmont. It is a beautifully traditional cross stitch chart designed for embroiderers who want to explore the timeless art of marking stitch — a historic needlework tradition used to embroider initials, monograms, alphabets, and decorative motifs onto household linens and personal items.
About the Design
The Marking Stitch tradition has deep roots in European needlework history, where embroidered letters and symbols were used to identify and personalize household textiles such as tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs. This 5th Series, Spread 3 continues that heritage, providing a coloured cross stitch chart (Diagramme Point de Croix en couleurs) alongside a standard black-and-white cross stitch chart, giving stitchers two clear references to work from. The coloured diagram makes it especially accessible for beginners who benefit from visual colour guidance when following a pattern.
Craft and Technique
- Primary craft: Embroidery — specifically counted cross stitch
- Stitch used: Cross stitch (Point de Croix) — the foundational stitch of this entire series, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre to create a neat X shape on the fabric grid
- Style: Marking stitch (Point de Marque) — a traditional counted embroidery format historically used for monogramming and lettering on fabric
Counted cross stitch is worked by following a charted grid where each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch on the fabric. This method requires no transfer of the design directly onto the cloth — instead, the stitcher counts threads or Aida squares to place each stitch accurately. It is an ideal technique for beginner embroiderers, as the structured grid and simple X-shaped stitch make it straightforward to learn and satisfying to complete.
Materials Referenced
- Embroidery thread: DMC Mouliné Spécial 117MC — the iconic six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, known for its wide colour range, sheen, and consistent quality. Stitchers typically separate the strands and use the number recommended for their fabric count.
- Fabric: Aida cross stitch fabric (Toile Aida) — a woven evenweave cloth with an evenly spaced grid of holes that guides stitch placement, making it the most popular choice for counted cross stitch, particularly for beginners
Pattern Format and Accessibility
This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible with no cost to the stitcher. The chart is presented in both colour and black-and-white versions within the same document, offering flexibility depending on the stitcher's preference or printing setup. The bilingual presentation in both English and French reflects the international heritage of the DMC Library collection. The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it a welcoming project for those new to counted cross stitch or the marking stitch tradition.
Who This Pattern Is For
- Beginner embroiderers learning counted cross stitch for the first time
- Stitchers interested in the traditional European marking stitch and monogramming heritage
- Anyone looking to personalize linens, accessories, or decorative pieces with classic DMC embroidery designs
- Collectors of the DMC Library – Bibliothèque DMC historical pattern series
© 2017 DMC – All rights reserved worldwide. Originally published under the Éditions Thérèse de Dillmont imprint.
Specifications
| Brand: | DMC |
| Craft: | Embroidery |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |