Point de Marque 3.15 in DMC - PAT0385 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Point de Marque 3rd Series – Spread No. 15 Cross Stitch Pattern (PAT0385)

This free downloadable PDF from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) presents Point de Marque 3ème Série, Spread No. 15 — the fifteenth design in DMC's classic Marking Stitch 3rd Series collection. Originally published by Éditions Th. de Dillmont, this charming embroidery pattern continues a long tradition of decorative marking and sampler-style needlework. The finished design measures approximately 17 x 30.8 cm (6¾" x 12¼") when stitched on standard 14-count Aida fabric, making it a satisfying project with a refined, elegant result.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a decorative marking stitch embroidery piece in the sampler tradition. Marking stitch designs — known in French as point de marque — were historically used to monogram linens, clothing, and household items. This spread features a coloured cross stitch chart with coordinating backstitch and three-quarter stitch details, resulting in a polished, multi-dimensional embroidered design suitable for framing, display, or use as a decorative textile accent.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – The primary stitch used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre, worked over a consistent number of fabric threads to create a neat, uniform grid of colour.
• Backstitch – Used to add fine outlines, detail lines, and definition to the design. Backstitch creates smooth, continuous lines that give the motifs crisp edges and visual clarity.
• Three-Quarter Stitch (¾ Stitch) – A partial cross stitch used to render curved edges and diagonal shapes more smoothly. One full diagonal is combined with a half diagonal meeting at the centre hole, allowing for more refined, rounded forms within the design.

Techniques Used

• Counted cross stitch – The pattern is presented as a coloured cross stitch chart, meaning stitchers count squares on the chart and corresponding holes on the fabric to place each stitch accurately. No transfer or tracing is required.
• Marking stitch / sampler embroidery – A traditional needlework technique with roots in European textile history, used to practise stitches and create decorative or monogrammed textile pieces.
• Colour-coded charting – The PDF includes a full-colour diagram alongside a symbol-based chart, making it straightforward to identify which DMC thread colours correspond to each area of the design.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial Embroidery Thread (Ref. 117MC) – The pattern is designed specifically for use with DMC's Mouliné Spécial six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss. Specific colour references visible in the chart include shades such as 863, 943, 265, and 004, among others indicated on the colour chart.
• Cross Stitch Fabric – Aida – The recommended fabric is Aida cloth, an evenweave fabric with a regular grid of holes ideal for counted cross stitch. The design size given is based on 14-count Aida (14 stitches per inch), which is the most widely available count and the most beginner-friendly choice.
• Cross Stitch Needle – A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is used for cross stitch on Aida fabric, as it passes through the holes without splitting the fabric threads.
• Embroidery Hoop – Listed as optional but recommended to keep the fabric taut and stitches even during work.
• Scissors – Small, sharp embroidery scissors for trimming thread ends neatly.

Difficulty Level and Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is rated beginner level, making it an excellent introduction to counted cross stitch and the point de marque tradition. The use of a coloured chart simplifies thread colour identification, and