Half Moon in DMC - PAT0759 - Downloadable PDF

Half Moon Cross Stitch Pattern by DMC – Free Downloadable PDF (PAT0759)

This Half Moon (Demi Lune) cross stitch pattern is a free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library, offering embroiderers a charming celestial motif worked entirely in counted cross stitch. The design features a beautifully shaped half moon rendered in a carefully selected palette of DMC thread colours, making it a rewarding project for intermediate-level embroiderers who are comfortable reading a colour chart and working with multiple thread shades.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a half moon (demi lune) embroidery design, measuring 18.5 x 18.5 cm (approximately 7.28 x 7.28 inches) when stitched on 14-count Aida fabric. This square format makes it ideal for framing, mounting in an embroidery hoop display, or incorporating into a wide range of home décor and craft projects. The symmetrical, graphic quality of the half moon motif gives it a modern yet timeless appeal.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique throughout the entire design, following the colour chart provided in the PDF
• Quarter cross stitch (¼ stitch) – indicated on the chart to achieve smoother curves and refined edges on the moon shape
• Colour chart reading – the pattern is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), allowing stitchers to follow thread colours directly from the diagram

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch – the foundation stitch used across the majority of the design
• Quarter cross stitch (¼ stitch) – used selectively to refine the curved outline of the half moon motif

Colours and Thread

The pattern calls for DMC Mouliné Étoile stranded cotton thread in the following shades:

• Blanc (White)
• Ecru
• C972 (a warm golden orange)
• C444 (a bright lemon yellow)
• C738 (a soft tan/beige)

The DMC Mouliné Étoile range is a premium stranded cotton thread known for its subtle shimmer, which adds a gentle luminosity particularly well-suited to a celestial moon motif. The warm yellows, oranges, and neutral tones work together to create a glowing, atmospheric effect.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Étoile stranded cotton thread in shades Blanc, Ecru, C972, C444, and C738
• Cross stitch fabric / Aida – the design size is based on 14-count Aida, the most widely used cross stitch fabric, recommended especially for those newer to the craft. Higher-count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design.
• Cross stitch needle (a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the fabric count chosen)
• Embroidery hoop – optional, but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work
• Scissors

About the Pattern Format

The Half Moon pattern (PAT0759) is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from the DMC Library at dmc.com. The PDF includes a full coloured cross stitch chart presented across multiple pages, along with a getting-started guide available in both English and French. The chart clearly indicates all thread colours and stitch types, making it straightforward to follow even for those working with quarter stitches for the first time.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is best suited to stitchers who already have experience with basic counted cross stitch and are ready to work with quarter stitches and a five-colour palette. The