Free DMC Patterns: Where to Find Them and What You Need to Stitch Them

Here is something not enough people know: DMC gives away hundreds of free patterns — cross stitch, embroidery, punch needle, even crochet — all free to download and all built around DMC's own thread shades.

As an official DMC stockist, we think these are some of the best free resources in the craft world. So here is a simple guide: where to find them, how to download them, and what you actually need to turn one into a finished piece.

Where to find the free DMC patterns

Everything lives in one place on DMC's own website — their free pattern library. Browse the whole thing or jump straight to your craft:

• The full DMC free pattern library
• Free cross stitch patterns
• Free embroidery patterns

Each pattern downloads as a printable PDF that lists the exact DMC shade numbers, the fabric count and the finished size — so you know precisely what to buy before you start.

The best place for a beginner to start

If you have never stitched before, do not start with a 30-colour masterpiece — start small and finish something. Two tips:

• Use DMC's beginner-level filter to see only the simplest patterns.
• Look for their Point de Marque series — classic, clearly charted beginner cross stitch samplers, perfect for learning to read a chart.

Pair your first pattern with DMC's free video tutorials and step-by-step stitch diagrams, which walk you through starting a cross stitch, reading a chart, and every individual stitch.

What you need to stitch a DMC pattern

A cross stitch or embroidery pattern needs only a handful of supplies — and we stock all of them:

• DMC stranded cotton (floss) in the shades your pattern lists. Browse our DMC floss range — a wide spread of the 500-odd DMC colours.
• Aida fabric in the count your pattern specifies (14-count is the usual beginner choice). See our Aida and embroidery fabric.
• An embroidery hoop to keep your fabric taut. Browse hoops and frames.
• A tapestry needle and a small pair of scissors to finish.

Prefer everything in one box? Our cross stitch kits bundle the fabric, floss, needle and pattern together.

A little help reading your pattern

Two questions come up constantly, and we have answered both: how many strands of floss to use, and how to find your DMC shade among the full colour range. New to the craft entirely? Start with our embroidery for beginners guide.

And if you fancy bolder, chunkier stitching — think Sashiko or crochet lace — DMC's Coton Perlé is worth a look too.

Download one this weekend

Here is a simple plan: browse the beginner patterns, pick one that makes you smile, note the DMC shade numbers it lists, and bring that list to us — in store or on WhatsApp.

In Stitches is an official DMC stockist, based at Muthaiga Mini Market, Nairobi.