Point de Marque 4.5 in DMC - PAT0545 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 4th Series – Point de Marque 4ème Série (Spread 5) Cross Stitch Pattern

This free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) presents Spread 5 – Planche 5 from the Marking Stitch 4th Series (Point de Marque 4ème Série), a classic collection of traditional marking stitch designs originally published by Éditions Th. de Dillmont. The pattern is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart (Diagramme Point de Croix en couleurs), making it an ideal project for beginner embroiderers looking to explore the timeless art of counted cross stitch.

What Is Being Made

Marking stitch designs are a historic form of needlework traditionally used to monogram and decorate household linens, samplers, and personal items. This spread features decorative cross stitch motifs in the style of classic European marking embroidery, charted for modern stitchers. The coloured diagram allows beginners to follow the design with ease, translating each symbol and colour block directly onto fabric.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique, where each stitch is placed over a precise number of fabric threads according to the chart grid
• Marking stitch (Point de Marque) – a traditional European embroidery method historically used for monogramming and sampler work, closely related to counted cross stitch
• Reading and following a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), which uses colour coding to indicate thread colour placement

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the entire design, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre to create an X shape over the fabric grid

Materials Referenced

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) – the recommended stranded cotton embroidery floss, known for its wide colour range, colorfastness, and smooth finish, making it the standard choice for counted cross stitch projects
• Aida cross stitch fabric (Toile Aida) – the recommended evenweave fabric, which features an easy-to-count grid of holes that guides precise stitch placement, particularly well-suited for beginners

Pattern Format and Accessibility

The pattern is provided as a free, downloadable PDF from DMC, one of the world's most recognised embroidery thread brands. The chart is presented in both coloured format and symbol-only format, giving stitchers flexibility in how they read and follow the design. As a beginner-level project, it requires no advanced needlework knowledge, making it a perfect introduction to the rich tradition of Point de Marque embroidery.