5TH Avenue - Parrot Top in Anchor - Downloadable PDF

5th Avenue Parrot Top Embroidery Pattern by Anchor – Free Downloadable PDF

Add a burst of tropical colour to your wardrobe with the Anchor 5th Avenue Parrot Top embroidery pattern (Design No. 0022174-00000-16), a free downloadable PDF published by Anchor Crafts and designed by AnchorCrafts.com. This intermediate-level project guides you through stitching a vibrant parrot motif directly onto a ready-made top, transforming an everyday garment into a personalised, hand-crafted statement piece. The finished embroidery measures 8.9 cm x 15.2 cm, making it a compact yet eye-catching design that sits neatly on the upper right of the garment front.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a cross-stitched parrot motif applied directly to the front of a top. Rather than working on a traditional embroidery fabric, the design is stitched onto a wearable garment using a waste canvas technique, meaning the finished item is a piece of clothing you can wear straight away. The parrot is positioned on the top right of the garment front, as indicated in the placement diagram included in the PDF. Because the garment itself is simply a suggested canvas, crafters are encouraged to transfer the design to any suitable top of their choosing.

Techniques Used

• Cross stitch on waste canvas: The core technique of this project involves tacking a piece of 14-count waste canvas onto the garment fabric to create a temporary grid. This grid allows you to place cross stitches with precision directly onto a knitted or woven top, which would otherwise have no visible stitch guide. Once the embroidery is complete, the waste canvas threads are carefully removed, leaving only the stitched motif on the garment.
• Tacking (basting): Before stitching begins, the waste canvas is secured to the garment using tacking thread, holding it firmly in the correct position throughout the embroidery process.
• Waste canvas removal: After stitching, the waste canvas is withdrawn thread by thread. The PDF notes that either dissolvable waste canvas or standard waste canvas that is removed by pulling can be used, giving crafters flexibility based on their preference and the garment fabric.
• Placement and diagram reading: The pattern includes a placement diagram to help crafters position the motif accurately on the garment before beginning.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch: The entire parrot motif is worked in cross stitch, the classic embroidery stitch formed by two diagonal stitches crossing at the centre. Cross stitch on waste canvas follows the same principles as traditional counted cross stitch, with each stitch occupying one square of the canvas grid. This technique produces the neat, pixel-like appearance characteristic of counted cross stitch designs.

Materials Required

• Anchor Mouliné Stranded Cotton (Art. No. 4635000-): The thread specified for this project is Anchor Stranded Cotton, with one skein of each shade listed in the pattern required. Anchor Mouliné is a six-strand divisible embroidery thread, allowing crafters to adjust the number of strands used for varying coverage and texture. All Anchor threads are produced in accordance with Oeko-tex standards, with pH values tested and colour dye lots adhering to Global Fastness Standards.
• Embroidery needle, size 9: A size 9 embroidery needle is recommended for working through the waste canvas and garment fabric.
• 14-count waste canvas: Cut to a size slightly larger than the finished embroidery area (8.9 cm x 15.2 cm) to allow for secure tacking around the edges.
• Embroidery hoop: The use of an embroidery hoop is recommended wherever possible to keep the fabric taut and ensure even, consistent stitches.
• Suitable garment: The pattern advises avoiding sheer, satin, silk, open weave, or open knit fabrics, as these are not suitable for waste canvas embroidery. A stable, medium-weight woven or knit fabric will give the best results.

Care and Washing Guidance

The PDF includes detailed washing instructions specific to embroidered garments. Because excess dye can remain on thread — particularly with darker shades —