Point de marque 4.7 in DMC - PAT0547 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 4th Series – Point de Marque 4ème Série by Thérèse de Dillmont

This free downloadable PDF pattern is part of the prestigious DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) collection, a heritage series of embroidery references originally compiled by the renowned needlework authority Thérèse de Dillmont. Published and digitized by DMC, this release presents Spread No. 7 (Planche 7) from the 4th Series of Marking Stitch (Point de Marque 4ème Série), offering embroiderers a classic sampler-style charted design rooted in traditional European needlework tradition.

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides charted designs intended for marking stitch embroidery, a traditional technique historically used to embroider initials, monograms, letters, and decorative motifs onto household linens, clothing, and personal items. Marking stitch samplers were once an essential skill taught to young needleworkers, and this DMC series preserves those classic designs in an accessible, modern format. The resulting embroidered piece can be used to personalize fabric items or worked as a decorative sampler in its own right.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout this pattern. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches over a counted grid, following a charted diagram square by square. It is one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of counted thread embroidery, prized for its neat, geometric appearance and suitability for lettering and monogram work.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used alongside the cross stitch to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the design. Backstitch creates a continuous, solid line by working stitches in reverse, making it ideal for refining edges and adding crispness to lettering and decorative borders.
• Coloured Chart Reading: The PDF includes a coloured cross stitch chart with backstitch (Diagramme Point de Croix en couleurs avec Point Arrière), as well as a separate plain cross stitch chart (Diagramme Point de Croix), giving stitchers two reference views to work from with confidence.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix) – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch (Point Arrière) – used for outlines and fine detail work

Materials Referenced

As a DMC pattern, this design is intended to be stitched using DMC embroidery floss (stranded cotton thread). The colour chart references specific DMC thread shade numbers, including:

• DMC 3031 – a deep mocha brown, used extensively throughout the design
• DMC 349 – a bold coral red
• DMC 996 – a bright medium electric blue
• DMC 3819 – a light moss green
• DMC 602 – a medium cranberry pink

Cross stitch is typically worked on evenweave or Aida fabric, using a blunt-tipped tapestry needle sized to suit the fabric count chosen. No crochet hooks or knitting needles are required for this embroidery project.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch and marking stitch traditions. The use of a clearly coloured chart alongside a plain diagram ensures that stitchers of all experience levels can follow the design with ease. The classic, structured nature of marking stitch motifs — typically consisting of repeating geometric and alphabetic elements — makes this a satisfying and achievable project for those new to counted embroidery.

About the DMC Library and Thérèse de Dillmont

Thérèse de Dillmont was a pioneering figure in the world of needlework, best known for her comprehensive embroidery encyclopaedia published in the late 19th century. Her collaboration with DMC produced an extensive library of needlework patterns and references that remain influential