Anchor Weihnachtskarte Geldgeschenkkarte - 0060003-00709-12 - Downloadable PDF

Anchor Weihnachtskarte & Geldgeschenkkarte – Cross Stitch Christmas Card and Money Gift Card Embroidery Pattern

This free downloadable PDF pattern by Anchor, designed by Anchor Studio and attributed to designer Siegrun Bob-Kulbe, presents two charming Christmas embroidery projects: a Weihnachtskarte (Christmas card) and a Geldgeschenkkarte (money gift card). Both designs are rated beginner-friendly (Einfach), making them an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch on evenweave fabric. The pattern reference number is 0060003-00709-12, published by MEZ GmbH, 2018.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two finished hand-embroidered greeting cards suitable for gifting at Christmas. The Weihnachtskarte is a traditional Christmas card with a motif size of 5 × 9.5 cm, while the Geldgeschenkkarte is a slightly larger money gift card with a motif size of 6.5 × 9 cm. Both finished pieces are mounted behind a Passepartout card (a pre-cut mat card), giving them a polished, professional presentation. An optional twisted cord made from Anchor Metallic thread colour 300 can be wound around the card to create a pocket for an insert or banknote.

Techniques Used

• Kreuzstich (Cross Stitch): The primary technique used throughout both designs. Cross stitch is worked in two passes — the base stitch is sewn from left to right, and the covering stitch is completed from right to right to left, forming the characteristic X shape. Each square on the counted chart corresponds to one complete cross stitch.
• Steppstich (Backstitch): Used as an outline or detail stitch, worked from right to left over 2 fabric threads in both height and width. Backstitch adds definition and fine linear detail to the finished motifs.
• Cord Twisting: An optional decorative technique using Anchor Metallic colour 300 to create a twisted cord that is tied around the finished card, allowing a folded insert to be tucked inside.
• Fabric Edge Finishing: The raw edges of the evenweave fabric are neatened with zigzag stitches before embroidery begins, preventing fraying during the stitching process.
• Mounting: The completed embroidery is adhered behind the aperture of a red Passepartout card, transforming the stitched piece into a ready-to-give greeting card.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch (Kreuzstich) – worked over 2 fabric threads in both directions
• Backstitch (Steppstich) – worked over 2 fabric threads in both directions, added after all cross stitches are complete

A Note on Stitch Order

The pattern advises always completing all cross stitches first, and only then adding the backstitch and any straight stitches. This ensures clean, uninterrupted outlines and is a best practice in counted embroidery. A blunt-tipped tapestry needle is recommended to avoid splitting the fabric threads.

Weihnachtskarte – Materials

• Thread: Anchor Stranded Cotton (Sticktwist), used with 2 strands, in colours #1, #44, #47, #49, #381, #397, #1011, plus Anchor Metallic #300
• Fabric: Approximately 10 × 15 cm of linen evenweave with a count of 112 threads per 10 cm — for example, Cashel fabric by Zweigart & Sawitzki in linen colourway
• Needle: Size No. 24 tapestry needle