Point de marque 5.10 in DMC - PAT0584 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 5th Series – Spread No. 10 (Point de Marque 5ème Série, Planche 10)

About This Embroidery Pattern

This is a free, downloadable PDF cross stitch chart from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), published under the historic Édition Th. de Dillmont imprint. It forms part of the Marking Stitch 5th Series — a classic collection of traditional sampler-style designs rooted in European needlework heritage. Spread No. 10 (Planche 10) presents a beautifully structured decorative motif ideal for framing, personalising linens, or practising foundational cross stitch skills.

The finished design measures 20.7 × 24.7 cm (approximately 8¼ × 9⅞ inches) when stitched on standard 14-count Aida fabric, making it a satisfying project of moderate size that is well-suited to beginner embroiderers.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a coloured cross stitch sampler in the traditional "marking stitch" style — a genre historically used to monogram household linens and practice counted needlework. The design features geometric and decorative elements worked in a warm, earthy palette drawn from a carefully selected range of DMC Mouliné Spécial thread colours.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – The primary stitch forming the body of the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre over one square of Aida fabric.
• Backstitch – Used to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the design, giving motifs a crisp, finished appearance.
• ¾ Stitch (Three-Quarter Stitch) – A partial cross stitch that allows for smoother curves and more refined edges within the design.
• ¼ + ¾ Stitch (Quarter and Three-Quarter Stitch Combination) – Used within a single fabric square to achieve two-colour transitions and more complex diagonal shapes, adding visual sophistication to the motif.

Techniques Explained

Counted cross stitch is worked by following a coloured chart where each symbol or coloured square corresponds to a specific thread colour and stitch placement on an evenweave or Aida fabric. The chart included in this PDF provides both a full-colour version and a symbol-only diagram, making it easy to follow regardless of screen or print settings.

The use of fractional stitches (¾ and ¼ + ¾ combinations) is a technique that goes beyond basic cross stitch, allowing the design to include more organic, rounded shapes rather than being limited to purely square, blocky forms. Backstitch is typically worked after all cross stitches are complete, and is used here to sharpen outlines and add fine linear detail.

Colour Palette

The design uses the following DMC Mouliné Spécial 117MC thread colours as specified in the chart:

• DMC 300 – A deep mahogany brown
• DMC 976 – A warm golden brown
• DMC 3031 – A dark mocha brown
• DMC 3364 – A soft, natural green
• DMC 3862 – A muted dark mocha/linen tone

Together these shades create a rich, warm, and traditionally inspired colour scheme characteristic of classic European marking stitch samplers.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (ref. 117MC) in the colours listed on the chart
• Cross stitch Aida fabric – 14-count Aida is recommended, especially for beginners, as it is the most widely available and easiest to work with
• Cross stitch needle (a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the fabric count)
• Embroidery hoop (