Dove in DMC - PAT0890 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Dove and Pigeon Coloured Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0890) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable cross stitch pattern from DMC features charming doves and pigeons rendered in full colour, making it a delightful project for embroiderers who love nature-inspired needlework. Released as part of the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), this design is available at no cost and is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart — known in French as a diagramme pont de croix en couleurs — giving stitchers a clear, easy-to-follow visual reference throughout the project.

About the Design

The pattern showcases doves and pigeons as its central motif. These birds are beloved symbols in embroidery traditions worldwide, and their soft, rounded forms translate beautifully into the structured grid of cross stitch. The coloured chart format means each symbol on the grid corresponds directly to a specific thread colour, allowing stitchers to work confidently without needing to constantly cross-reference a separate key. This is particularly helpful for intermediate-level embroiderers who are comfortable reading a chart but appreciate the added clarity of colour coding.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch – The primary technique throughout the pattern, worked by forming X-shaped stitches on an even-weave fabric grid.
• Quarter stitches (1/4 stitches) – The chart specifically references 1/4 stitches, which are used to add finer detail and smoother curves to the bird outlines, giving the doves and pigeons a more naturalistic, refined appearance. Quarter stitches involve bringing the needle up through the centre of a fabric square rather than a corner hole, allowing for greater precision in curved or diagonal areas.

Stitches Referenced

• Full cross stitch – Used for the main body of the design to fill colour areas.
• Quarter stitch (1/4 cross stitch) – Used for detail work and refined edges within the dove and pigeon motifs.

Materials and Threads

The pattern is designed to be worked with DMC threads and materials, staying entirely within the trusted DMC product range. The following materials are referenced:

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (Art. 117MC) – The classic six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss, ideal for cross stitch. The pattern references colour 796, a rich, deep royal blue, which is used within the design.
• DMC Cotton Perlé ART115 No. 5 – A twisted, non-divisible pearl cotton thread with a lustrous sheen, also referenced in the chart. The No. 5 weight is a medium thickness, well suited to adding texture and a subtle shine to embroidered motifs.
• Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida (Toile Aida) – The recommended ground fabric is Aida cloth, a popular even-weave fabric with clearly defined holes that make it straightforward to place stitches accurately. Aida is the standard choice for cross stitch projects at all skill levels.

Skill Level and Format

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While the fundamental cross stitch technique is accessible to beginners, the inclusion of quarter stitches and the use of multiple thread types — both DMC Mouliné Spécial and DMC Cotton Perlé — means that some prior experience with reading charts and handling different thread weights will be beneficial. Stitchers who have completed a few basic cross stitch projects and are ready to add more detail and nuance to their work will find this an enjoyable and rewarding next step.

The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after download. It includes the coloured chart diagram across multiple pages, along with a getting started section (commencer) that outlines the required materials. The PDF is part of the broader DMC Library collection, which offers a wide range of free patterns and tutorials available at dmc.com. Finished pieces can be shared with the global DMC community using the hashtag #dmcthreads on social platforms including Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram