Shoot For The Moon in DMC - PAT0858 - Downloadable PDF

Shoot For The Moon – DMC Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0858)

Shoot For The Moon is a free downloadable PDF cross stitch pattern from the DMC Library collection. Presented bilingually in English and French (Viser la Lune), this intermediate-level embroidery design is a charming and inspirational piece ideal for stitchers who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to tackle a more detailed composition. The pattern is available at no cost and is part of DMC's ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality needlework resources to the global crafting community.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a coloured cross stitch embroidery featuring a moon-themed design, as suggested by the evocative title Shoot For The Moon. The finished piece is suitable for framing, display, or gifting, and carries a motivational, celestial aesthetic that appeals to a wide range of embroidery enthusiasts. The bilingual presentation of the chart makes it accessible to both English- and French-speaking crafters.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches on an even-weave or Aida fabric to build up a pixelated, colourful image. It is one of the most widely practised forms of counted embroidery and is well-suited to both geometric and pictorial designs.
• Backstitch: The pattern includes a backstitch diagram in addition to the main coloured cross stitch chart. Backstitch is used to add fine outlines, lettering, and detail work that cross stitch alone cannot achieve. It creates clean, continuous lines that define edges and add crispness to the finished design.
• Quarter Stitches (1/4 Stitch): The chart references 1/4 stitches, which are partial cross stitches used to render curved lines and fine details more smoothly. Quarter stitches allow the design to achieve a more refined, rounded appearance where full cross stitches would appear too blocky.

Stitches Used

• Full Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and fine detail as indicated in the separate backstitch diagram
• Quarter Stitch (1/4 stitch) – used for smoother curves and refined detailing within the composition

Materials Referenced

Thread

The pattern specifies DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (117MC), the iconic six-strand divisible cotton floss that is the global standard for counted cross stitch. DMC Mouliné Spécial is known for its consistent colour, high sheen, and extensive colour range, making it ideal for detailed, colourful designs such as this one. Stitchers can separate the six strands to use the appropriate number of threads for their fabric count.

Fabric

The pattern calls for cross stitch fabric, which typically refers to Aida cloth or even-weave linen. The specific fabric count is not detailed in the extracted content, but standard practice for intermediate patterns of this type would involve working on a fabric with a count suited to the level of detail indicated by the quarter stitch and backstitch elements.

Format and Accessibility

This is a free downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible after download. The chart is presented in colour with a separate backstitch diagram, giving stitchers clear visual guidance throughout the project. As an intermediate level design, it is best suited to those already comfortable with reading counted cross stitch charts and working with multiple thread colours, backstitch outlining, and partial stitches.

About the DMC Library

The DMC Library is DMC's curated collection of free and premium embroidery patterns and tutorials available via dmc.com. DMC is one of the world's most recognised and trusted names in embroidery thread and needlework, with a heritage spanning centuries. Patterns from the DMC Library are designed to showcase the full potential of DMC Mouliné Spécial threads and are shared across DMC's community platforms under the hashtag #dmcthreads.