Above The Clouds in DMC - PAT0763 - Downloadable PDF

Above The Clouds (Au Dessus des Nuages) – DMC Cross Stitch Pattern PAT0763

Above The Clouds (French: Au Dessus des Nuages) is a free, downloadable PDF cross stitch chart published by DMC, one of the world's most recognised thread and embroidery brands. Rated as an intermediate level project, this design offers a rewarding creative challenge for stitchers who are comfortable with the fundamentals of counted cross stitch and are ready to work with a more detailed, multi-element composition.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a coloured cross stitch embroidery depicting an above-the-clouds scene — a dreamy, atmospheric design that evokes the feeling of looking out over a cloudscape. The chart is presented as a coloured grid diagram (diagramme point de croix en couleurs), meaning the symbols and colours printed on the chart correspond directly to specific DMC thread shades, making colour selection straightforward for the stitcher. The finished piece is suitable for framing, display in a hoop, or mounting as a decorative textile artwork.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – the primary technique throughout the entire design. Each stitch is placed by counting squares on the printed grid chart and transferring those positions onto evenweave or Aida fabric.
• Colour charting – the pattern uses a coloured chart format, allowing stitchers to visually match thread colours to the diagram rather than relying solely on symbol keys, which is particularly helpful for intermediate stitchers managing multiple shades simultaneously.
• Multi-section composition – the chart is divided across a numbered grid (columns 010–100, rows 010–040 and beyond), requiring the stitcher to work methodically across sections to build up the full cloudscape image accurately.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – the foundational stitch of the entire design, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre of each fabric square. Consistent stitch direction (typically top-left to bottom-right for the first diagonal) is recommended throughout for a neat, uniform finish.
• The chart's symbol structure suggests the potential use of partial or fractional stitches in areas where the cloud forms and curved outlines require smoother, more rounded edges — a common requirement in intermediate-level scenic cross stitch designs.

Materials

As a DMC pattern, Above The Clouds is designed to be stitched using DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss. DMC stranded cotton is a six-strand divisible thread available in hundreds of colours, and stitchers typically work with two strands for standard cross stitch on 14-count Aida or 28-count evenweave fabric. The coloured chart indicates the specific DMC shade numbers required, ensuring accurate colour matching when purchasing or selecting from an existing thread collection.

• Thread: DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss (specific shade numbers indicated on the coloured chart)
• Fabric: Aida or evenweave embroidery fabric (count to be selected based on desired finished size; 14-count Aida is a standard choice for intermediate projects)
• Needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle in an appropriate size for the chosen fabric count (size 24 or 26 tapestry needle is typical for 14-count Aida)
• Embroidery hoop or frame recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even during work

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This design is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible after download. The bilingual title — Above The Clouds / Au Dessus des Nuages — reflects DMC's French heritage and the brand's tradition of producing patterns for an international audience. As a free pattern, it represents an excellent opportunity for intermediate stitchers to explore DMC's design aesthetic and thread palette without any cost commitment.