Point de marque 5.1 in DMC - PAT0575 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 5th Series (Point de Marque 5ème Série) – Free Cross Stitch Pattern by Thérèse de Dillmont

This free downloadable PDF pattern is part of the prestigious DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) collection and presents the Marking Stitch 5th Series, known in French as Point de Marque 5ème Série. Originally conceived by the legendary needlework authority Thérèse de Dillmont, this pattern continues a long and celebrated tradition of decorative marking and monogramming in counted cross stitch embroidery. It is an ideal project for beginner embroiderers looking to develop foundational skills while producing beautiful, classically styled results.

What Is Being Made

The pattern provides charted designs in the tradition of marking stitch embroidery — a historic needlework practice used to embroider initials, letters, numbers, and decorative motifs onto household linens, clothing, and personal items. Marking stitches have been used for centuries to identify and personalize fabric goods, and this 5th series in the DMC collection carries on that refined heritage. The designs are presented as coloured cross stitch charts (Diagrammes Point de Croix en couleurs) as well as traditional black-and-white symbol charts, making them easy to follow for stitchers of all experience levels.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique used throughout this pattern. Each stitch is placed by counting threads on an evenweave fabric, following the chart square by square to build up the design with precision.
• Marking stitch embroidery – a classical embroidery discipline focused on lettering, monograms, and repeating motifs traditionally used to mark household linens and personal textiles.
• Chart reading – stitchers work from both a coloured chart and a symbol-based chart, a standard method in counted embroidery that allows accurate colour placement across the design.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch (Point de Croix) – the sole primary stitch in this pattern. A cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, creating a neat X shape on the fabric. When worked consistently in the same direction, cross stitch produces a smooth, uniform texture ideal for lettering and geometric motifs.

About Cross Stitch as a Technique

Cross stitch is one of the oldest and most universally recognised forms of hand embroidery. It is particularly well suited to beginners because the stitch itself is simple and repetitive, and the use of a gridded fabric such as Aida makes counting and placement straightforward. The structured nature of counted cross stitch means that even complex-looking designs can be achieved with patience and careful chart-following, without requiring advanced needlework skills.

Materials Referenced

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (Fils Mouliné Spécial DMC 117MC) – the recommended thread for this pattern. DMC Mouliné Spécial is a 6-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, known worldwide for its consistent quality, wide colour range, and smooth finish. Stitchers can separate the strands to adjust coverage depending on fabric count.
• Aida cross stitch fabric (Toile Aida) – the recommended ground fabric. Aida is a woven evenweave fabric with a regular, open grid structure that makes it easy to count threads and place stitches accurately. It is the most popular fabric choice for beginner cross stitch projects.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This pattern is published as a downloadable PDF and is available completely free of charge from the DMC brand. The PDF includes multiple spreads (planches), each presenting the cross stitch chart in both colour and symbol formats to suit different stitching preferences. As a beginner-level project, it requires no specialist tools beyond a needle, the recommended Aida fabric, and DMC Mouliné Spécial thread in the colours indicated on the chart.

About the Designer

Thérèse de Dillmont was a pioneering figure in the world of needlework and embroidery, best known for her comprehensive reference work on textile crafts