Constellations in DMC - PAT0137 - Downloadable PDF

DMC Constellations Zodiac Embroidery Pattern (PAT0137) – Free Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable embroidery pattern from DMC invites stitchers to create all twelve zodiac constellation designs, each representing a sign of the astrological calendar. Titled Constellations and catalogued as PAT0137, this beginner-friendly project is a wonderful introduction to embroidery for newcomers while still offering charm and elegance for more experienced needleworkers. The designs celebrate the night sky through simple, graphic star-map style motifs rendered in thread.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers all twelve signs of the Western zodiac as individual embroidered constellation designs. Each motif depicts the classic star-pattern associated with its zodiac sign, making the finished pieces ideal for personalised gifts, hoop art, or decorative textile projects. The twelve designs included are:

• Aries (Bélier)
• Taurus (Taureau)
• Gemini (Gémeaux)
• Cancer
• Leo (Lion)
• Virgo (Vierge)
• Libra (Balance)
• Scorpio (Scorpion)
• Sagittarius (Sagittaire)
• Capricorn (Capricorne)
• Aquarius (Verseau)
• Pisces (Poissons)

Each constellation is presented with both a colour guide and a technical chart, making it straightforward to follow even for those new to embroidery. The pattern instructions are provided in both English and French, reflecting DMC's international reach.

Techniques Used

As a beginner-level embroidery pattern, the designs rely on clean, minimal stitching that captures the essence of star maps without requiring complex or advanced techniques. The constellation motifs use a limited number of stitch types to create their distinctive dot-and-line star chart appearance. This restrained approach makes the pattern highly accessible and quick to complete, while the celestial subject matter lends each finished piece a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

Embroidery as a craft involves working decorative stitches onto a fabric ground using a needle and thread. For constellation-style designs like these, stitches are typically used to represent individual stars as small focal points and the lines connecting them as the constellation's shape — a style well suited to simple, graphic needlework.

Stitches Used

The technical charts reference two stitch codes — A1 and B1 — applied across all twelve zodiac designs. These codes correspond to specific stitch types used to differentiate elements within each constellation motif, such as star points versus connecting lines. The use of just two stitch variations keeps the pattern approachable for beginners while providing enough visual contrast to make each design clear and attractive.

Materials Required

Thread

• DMC Mouliné Spécial ART 117S – the iconic DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss, available in a vast range of colours and suitable for all embroidery fabric types
• DMC Mouliné Satin ART W1008F – a silky, lustrous satin thread that adds a subtle sheen to finished stitches, ideal for creating the glittering effect of stars

Needle

• A No. 7 embroidery needle is specified, which is a standard size well suited to working with stranded cotton and satin threads on medium-weight fabric

Fabric

• Fabric is listed as a required material (referred to as Toile in French). The pattern also references a magic sheet, transfer pen, and transfer paper as tools for transferring the constellation designs onto the chosen fabric before stitching begins

Who This Pattern Is For

Rated as a beginner project,