Point de marque 6.1 in DMC - PAT0651 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 6th Series – Point de Marque 6ème Série by Thérèse de Dillmont

This free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) presents Marking Stitch 6th Series, a classic counted cross stitch embroidery design authored by Thérèse de Dillmont. The pattern belongs to the long-standing tradition of point de marque — the French art of marking linens, samplers, and household textiles with decorative lettering, motifs, and geometric patterns worked in cross stitch. This sixth series in the collection continues that heritage, offering an elegant charted design sized at approximately 17 × 19 cm (6¾ × 7½ inches) when stitched on standard 14-count Aida fabric.

What Is Being Made

The pattern provides a coloured cross stitch chart (Diagramme Point de Croix en couleurs) alongside a traditional black-and-white symbol chart, giving stitchers two clear references to follow. The finished piece is a decorative embroidery panel in the point de marque style — historically used for marking personal items and creating samplers — making it equally suitable as a framed decorative piece or a textile accent. The design spans one spread (Planche No. 1) and is self-contained within the PDF.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch — the primary and sole technique used in this pattern, worked by counting threads on an evenweave fabric and placing each stitch over a precise number of fabric squares
• Chart reading — stitchers follow a colour-coded grid diagram, matching thread colours to symbols on the chart
• Point de marque tradition — a classical French embroidery discipline focused on precise, repeating geometric and monogram-style motifs worked in cross stitch

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 Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (Article 117MC) — the recommended stranded cotton thread, available in a wide range of colours to match the coloured chart
• Cross stitch fabric Aida — the pattern recommends 14-count Aida (5.5 stitches per cm) as the most beginner-friendly option and the basis for the stated design dimensions; higher-count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design
• Cross stitch needle — a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted work on Aida
• Embroidery hoop — listed as optional but helpful for maintaining even tension across the fabric
• Scissors — for trimming thread ends

Difficulty Level and Who It's For

This pattern is rated beginner level, making it an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch and the point de marque tradition. The PDF itself includes a helpful note explaining how fabric count affects finished size, which is particularly valuable for those new to counted embroidery. Because only a single, straightforward stitch is required, stitchers can focus entirely on following the chart and building confidence with thread and fabric. The compact design size also means the project can be completed relatively quickly, offering a satisfying result without a long time commitment.

About the DMC Library and Thérèse de Dillmont

The DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) is a celebrated archive of needlework publications produced in association with DMC, the renowned French thread manufacturer. Thérèse de Dillmont was a pioneering needlework author whose encyclopaedic works on embroidery and textile crafts became foundational references for generations of stitchers. Her Marking Stitch series remains a respected resource for those interested in traditional European embroidery samplers and monogram work. This 2017 digital edition makes her designs newly accessible as a free PDF download.