DMC Lovebirds - PAT1490S - Downloadable PDF

DMC Lovebirds Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT1490S) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Lovebirds pattern (PAT1490S) is a charming coloured cross stitch chart featuring a pair of lovebirds — a romantic and decorative design perfect for framing, gifting, or incorporating into personalised embroidery projects. Released as part of the DMC Library collection, this pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible project for embroiderers looking to expand their skills without any upfront cost.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece depicts two lovebirds (referred to as tourtereaux in French, reflecting DMC's bilingual pattern presentation), rendered in full colour using counted cross stitch. The design is well-suited for display as a framed artwork, a hoop piece, or as an embellishment on home décor items such as cushions or keepsakes. The romantic subject matter makes it particularly popular for anniversaries, weddings, and Valentine's Day gifts.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique, worked by following a coloured chart and placing stitches over a counted fabric grid
• Colour charting – the PDF includes a full coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), allowing stitchers to match thread colours directly to the diagram without relying solely on symbols

Counted cross stitch is an intermediate-level embroidery technique that involves placing X-shaped stitches on an even-weave or Aida fabric by counting threads to position each stitch accurately. Unlike stamped cross stitch, counted work requires the stitcher to follow a chart carefully, which develops precision and pattern-reading skills. This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it ideal for those who have completed beginner projects and are ready to work with a more detailed, multi-colour design.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the design, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre to create a neat X shape
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) – referenced in the pattern documentation, used to add fine detail and smooth curves to the lovebird design, allowing for more realistic and refined outlines

The inclusion of quarter stitches is a hallmark of more advanced cross stitch charts, as they require careful placement within a single fabric square and contribute significantly to the overall polish and realism of the finished design.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Stranded Embroidery Thread, Art. 117 – the specified thread for this pattern; DMC Mouliné is a 6-strand cotton floss that can be separated to achieve different stitch thicknesses and coverage levels
• DMC Cross Stitch Fabric – the pattern calls for dedicated cross stitch fabric, typically Aida or evenweave, which provides the regular grid of holes needed for accurate counted work
• Embroidery needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle is standard for cross stitch, allowing the thread to pass through fabric holes without splitting the fibres
• Embroidery hoop or frame – recommended to keep the fabric taut and stitches even throughout the project

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This design is published by DMC, one of the world's most recognised embroidery thread brands, under their DMC Library series. The pattern PDF is presented in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international audience. As a free downloadable PDF, it is instantly accessible after download and can be printed at home for use at the stitching frame. Stitchers are encouraged to share their finished makes using the hashtags #dmcthreads, #dmcembroidery, and #dmcfreepatterns across social media platforms.