Circles-s in DMC - PAT0728 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Étoile Circles Embroidery Pattern (PAT0728) – Free Downloadable PDF

The DMC Étoile Circles pattern (PAT0728) is a free downloadable PDF embroidery design from the DMC Library. It features a charming arrangement of overlapping and repeating circle motifs, worked in a trio of coordinating colours to create a clean, graphic design with a modern feel. The finished design measures approximately 17 cm x 17 cm, making it an ideal project for embroidery hoops, decorative panels, cushion covers, or framed textile art.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a hand-embroidered circles composition — a geometric design built from repeated circular outlines arranged in a balanced, decorative layout. The design is labelled Étoile – Circles and is part of the broader DMC Étoile collection. It is suited to a wide range of fabric applications, from linen panels to cotton fabric pieces, and works beautifully as a standalone decorative embroidery.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent introduction to hand embroidery. Only a single stitch type is required throughout the entire design, keeping the technique accessible for those new to needlework while still producing a polished, professional-looking result.

Stitches Used

• Running Stitch (Point Avant) – This is the sole stitch used throughout the pattern. Running stitch is one of the most fundamental embroidery stitches, created by passing the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals to form a dashed line. When used to outline circular shapes, it produces a delicate, rhythmic effect. All stitches are worked using 3 strands of thread.

Techniques Used

• Design transfer – The pattern instructs embroiderers to transfer the circle motifs onto fabric using a Magic Sheet, a transfer pen, and transfer paper. This ensures accurate placement of the circular outlines before stitching begins.
• Colour placement – The design uses three distinct colour zones, labelled A1, A2, and A3, which correspond to three different thread colours. These are distributed across the composition to create visual contrast and depth within the repeating circle arrangement.
• Strand separation – Working with 3 strands from a standard 6-strand skein is a key technique, requiring the embroiderer to carefully separate the required number of strands before threading the needle.

Materials Required

• Thread: DMC Mouliné Étoile embroidery thread in three colours:
  • C820 – 1 skein
  • C798 – 1 skein
  • C519 – 1 skein
• Needle: Embroidery needle No. 12
• Fabric: Suitable embroidery fabric (toile) of your choice, sized to accommodate the 17 cm x 17 cm design
• Transfer tools: DMC Magic Sheet, transfer pen, and transfer paper for applying the design to fabric

About DMC Mouliné Étoile Thread

DMC Mouliné Étoile is a specialty embroidery thread that incorporates a subtle shimmer or sparkle effect, distinguishing it from standard DMC Mouliné Spécial cotton floss. This adds a gentle luminosity to the finished embroidery, making the circle motifs catch the light softly. Like standard mouliné thread, it is a 6-strand divisible thread, allowing embroiderers to adjust the number of strands for different effects — in this pattern, 3 strands are specified for all stitching.

Pattern Format and Availability

This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF directly from DMC. The PDF includes a full colour guide, a technical chart, a complete colour and materials list, and step-by-step instructions for