Friends Are Forever - Little Pony Drawstring Bag in Anchor - Downloadable PDF

Friends Are Forever – Little Pony Drawstring Bag Embroidery Pattern by Anchor

This free, downloadable PDF pattern from Anchor Studio guides embroiderers through creating a charming little pony motif drawstring bag — a delightful project that combines counted cross stitch and backstitch embroidery on a ready-made fabric bag. Designed and published by MEZ GmbH under the Anchor Crafts brand, this pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and makes a wonderful handmade gift or keepsake item for children and pony lovers alike.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a drawstring bag measuring 26 x 26 cm, decorated with an embroidered little pony design. Each panel of the bag features one embroidered motif measuring approximately 9 x 8 cm, positioned centrally on the Aida fabric panel. The result is a sweet, personalised accessory that is both functional and decorative — ideal as a gift bag, toy storage pouch, or keepsake bag.

Techniques Used

• Counted Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Cross stitch is worked in two stages — the lower diagonal stitch is worked first from left to right, followed by the upper diagonal stitch worked from right to left. Each coloured square on the chart represents one cross stitch worked over one woven square of the Aida fabric.
• Backstitch: Used for outlines and fine detail lines within the design. Backstitch is worked from right to left and is always completed after the cross stitch areas are finished. On the chart, a line symbol represents a backstitch.

Key Technique Tips

• Always use a blunt-ended tapestry needle when working cross stitch to avoid splitting the fabric threads.
• Complete all cross stitch areas first, then add backstitch outlines on top for the cleanest finish.
• Position the embroidery centrally on the Aida panel before beginning to stitch.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch — worked with 2 strands of Anchor Stranded Cotton throughout the filled areas of the design.
• Backstitch — worked with 1 strand of Anchor Stranded Cotton for outlines and detail lines only.

Materials and Thread

Embroidery Thread

The pattern calls for Anchor Stranded Cotton 8m skeins, which is a high-quality, Oeko-tex certified six-strand embroidery floss produced to global colour fastness standards. The following 12 Anchor thread colours are required, with one skein of each:

• #144
• #264
• #265
• #275
• #311
• #362
• #373
• #374
• #885
• #944
• #978
• #1031

Notions and Tools

• 1 baby drawstring bag in light blue — the pre-made fabric bag with an Aida panel, which serves as the base for the embroidery.
• 1 tapestry needle, size No. 24 — a blunt-ended needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on Aida fabric.

Care and Washing

Anchor Stranded Cotton threads are produced in accordance with Oeko-tex standards with tested pH values. To care for the finished embroidered bag, it is recommended to wash at the hottest temperature suitable for the fabric, using a large volume of water to minimise any potential dye bleeding — particularly relevant with darker thread colours. The use of dye-catching decolorating sheets is also suggested as an additional precaution.

Pattern Format and Availability