Mistletoe in DMC - PAT0802 - Downloadable PDF

Mistletoe Cross Stitch Pattern by DMC – PAT0802 (Free Downloadable PDF)

This free downloadable cross stitch pattern from DMC features a charming mistletoe motif — known as gui in French — making it a delightful seasonal embroidery project perfect for holiday crafting. Published as part of the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC), this intermediate-level design is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart (diagramme pont de croix en couleurs), giving stitchers a clear, easy-to-follow visual reference for recreating this classic festive image in thread.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is an embroidered mistletoe design, capturing the iconic sprigs of berries and leaves associated with Christmas and winter celebrations. The motif is compact and versatile, suitable for framing, greeting cards, ornaments, or as an embellishment on seasonal home décor. As a DMC Library pattern, it is available completely free of charge as a PDF download, making it an accessible project for embroiderers looking to expand their festive needlework collection.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch (pont de croix) — the primary technique used throughout the design. Cross stitch involves forming small X-shaped stitches on an even-weave or Aida fabric by bringing the needle up and down through the fabric at diagonal angles to create the characteristic crossed shape.
• Quarter stitches (indicated as 1/4 on the chart) — used to add refined detail and smooth curves to the mistletoe motif, allowing for more precise rendering of the berries and leaf edges than full cross stitches alone can achieve.

Stitches Used

• Full cross stitch — the foundational stitch forming the bulk of the design, worked over one square of Aida fabric.
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) — worked into a single corner of a fabric square, used to create smoother outlines and more natural shapes within the mistletoe illustration.

Thread and Colour Palette

The pattern uses DMC Mouliné Étoile and DMC Mouliné stranded embroidery thread. The colour chart specifies the following DMC thread colours:

• C321 — a rich red, likely used for the mistletoe berries
• C471 — a medium avocado green, contributing to the foliage
• 524 — a soft fern green, adding depth and variation to the leaves
• C666 — a bright Christmas red, enhancing the vibrancy of the berry clusters
• BLANC — white, used for highlights or berry detailing
• 746 — an off-white or pale yellow, adding warmth and subtle contrast

The inclusion of both DMC Mouliné Étoile (which features a subtle shimmer) and standard DMC Mouliné stranded cotton threads suggests the design may incorporate a gentle sparkle effect, particularly fitting for a festive holiday motif.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Étoile & DMC Mouliné stranded embroidery thread in the six colours listed above
• DMC Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida (Toile Aida) — the recommended ground fabric, an even-weave material with a regular grid of holes that guides stitch placement and sizing
• A tapestry needle (blunt-tipped, suitable for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric)
• An embroidery hoop or frame to keep the fabric taut while stitching

Difficulty Level and Who This Pattern Suits

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is best suited to embroiderers who are already comfortable with basic cross stitch and are ready to work with quarter stitches and a multi-colour palette. Beginners who have completed a few simpler cross stitch projects will find this a rewarding next step, while more