Follow The Stars in DMC - PAT0857 - Downloadable PDF

Follow The Stars Cross Stitch Pattern – DMC PAT0857

This free downloadable PDF embroidery pattern from the DMC Library guides stitchers through creating a charming Follow the Star (also titled Suivre l'Étoile) counted cross stitch design. Published by DMC, one of the world's most trusted names in embroidery, this pattern is available at no cost and is suitable for intermediate embroidery enthusiasts who are comfortable reading a colour-coded cross stitch chart and working with multiple thread colours.

About the Design

The Follow the Star design is a coloured cross stitch composition featuring a star-themed motif rendered in a carefully selected palette of six DMC thread colours. The finished design measures approximately 18 × 25 cm (3.07 × 4.48 inches) when stitched on standard 14-count Aida fabric, making it an ideal size for framing, greeting cards, or decorative hoop art. The bilingual chart (English and French) reflects DMC's international heritage and includes both a coloured chart and a symbol-based diagram to assist with accurate stitch placement.

Techniques Used

This pattern primarily employs counted cross stitch, the classic embroidery technique in which X-shaped stitches are formed over the intersections of an evenweave or Aida fabric grid. The chart also incorporates quarter cross stitches (noted as 1/4 stitches), which allow for smoother curves and finer detail within the design. Reading a counted cross stitch chart involves matching coloured or symbolled squares on the grid to corresponding stitches on the fabric, counting carefully from a central starting point.

• Full cross stitch – the foundational stitch, forming a complete X over one fabric square
• Quarter cross stitch (1/4 stitch) – a partial stitch used to refine edges and curved outlines within the design

Stitches at a Glance

• Cross stitch – worked in rows or individually, always ensuring the top diagonal faces a consistent direction for a neat finish
• Quarter stitch – worked into the centre of a fabric square to create detail and smooth contours

Materials Required

The DMC Library pattern specifies the following materials to complete the Follow the Star design:

• DMC Mouliné Étoile Embroidery Thread in the following six colours:
  • C798 – a medium cornflower blue
  • C820 – a deep navy blue
  • C725 – a warm golden yellow
  • C519 – a soft sky blue
  • C415 – a light pearl grey
  • Ecru – a classic warm off-white
• DMC Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida – 14-count Aida is recommended, particularly for those newer to the craft, as it is the most widely used evenweave fabric and provides clearly defined holes for consistent stitch placement
• Cross stitch needle – a blunt-tipped tapestry needle appropriate for the chosen fabric count
• Embroidery hoop – optional but recommended to keep fabric taut and stitches even
• Scissors – small, sharp embroidery scissors for clean thread cuts

About DMC Mouliné Étoile Thread

DMC Mouliné Étoile is a six-strand divisible embroidery floss known for its subtle shimmer and exceptional colour consistency. Unlike standard stranded cotton, Mouliné Étoile incorporates a gentle sparkle that adds luminosity to finished designs — particularly effective in star and celestial-themed projects such as this one. Stitchers typically separate the six strands and work with two strands at a time on 14-count Aida for optimal coverage and definition.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This pattern is provided as a free downloadable PDF directly from