Point de Marque 4.12 in DMC - PAT0552 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Marking Stitch 4th Series – Point de Marque 4ème Série, Spread No. 12 (PAT0552)

This free downloadable PDF pattern from the DMC Library (Bibliothèque DMC) is part of the classic Marking Stitch 4th Series — a heritage collection originally published by Édition Th. de Dillmont. Spread No. 12 (Planche 12) presents a richly coloured sampler-style embroidery design measuring approximately 21.3 × 22.2 cm (8¼ × 8⅝ inches) when stitched on 14-count Aida fabric. The pattern is presented bilingually in English and French, reflecting DMC's long international tradition in needlework publishing.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a marking stitch sampler — a decorative embroidery panel worked in the traditional European "point de marque" style. Historically, marking stitch samplers were used to practise lettering, motifs, and border patterns, and this design continues that tradition with a vibrant, multi-coloured composition. The result is a frameable piece of textile art suitable for home décor or as a keepsake project.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Point de Croix): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each cross stitch is formed by working two diagonal stitches over a set number of fabric threads to create a neat X shape. The pattern includes a coloured cross stitch chart that maps every stitch position using DMC thread colour codes.
• Backstitch (Point Arrière): Used in combination with the cross stitch to add fine outlines, definition, and detail to the design. Backstitch creates a continuous line by working stitches backwards along the design outline, giving the finished embroidery a crisp, polished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – the foundational stitch forming the body of the design
• Backstitch – used for outlining and fine detail work

Colours and Thread

The pattern calls for DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (Article 117MC), which is DMC's iconic six-strand divisible cotton floss — renowned worldwide for its colourfast, lustrous finish. The coloured chart specifies a rich palette of DMC thread shades, including:

• DMC 3819 – light moss green
• DMC 3830 – terracotta
• DMC 946 – medium burnt orange
• DMC 601 – dark cranberry
• DMC 518 – Wedgwood blue
• DMC 792 – dark cornflower blue
• DMC 349 – dark coral
• DMC 703 – chartreuse green
• DMC 742 – light tangerine
• DMC 987 – dark forest green
• DMC 3031 – very dark mocha brown
• DMC 826 – medium blue
• DMC 469 – avocado green
• DMC 3740 – dark antique violet

This broad palette of warm terracottas, jewel-toned blues, fresh greens, and rich cranberry shades gives the sampler its vibrant, traditional character.

Materials Required

• DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery thread (117MC) in the shades listed above
• Cross stitch fabric – Aida (Toile Aida): 14-count Aida is specifically recommended for beginners and is the basis for the stated design dimensions. Higher-count fabrics will produce a smaller finished design.
• Cross stitch needle (Aiguille): A blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for counted