Anchor Herz-Anhänger - 0060003-00709-11 - Downloadable PDF

Anchor Herz-Anhänger – Cross Stitch Heart Pendant Pattern (Design No. 0060003-00709-11)

This charming Herz-Anhänger (heart pendant) is a free, downloadable PDF embroidery pattern designed by Anchor Studio and published by MEZ GmbH under the Anchor brand. Rated as a beginner difficulty project, it is an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch on linen fabric, resulting in a delightful small textile heart pendant perfect as a handmade gift or decorative accessory.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a small fabric heart pendant, constructed from two rectangles of counted linen sewn together and embellished with a counted cross stitch motif. The finished size of the pendant is approximately 7.5 x 10.5 cm, with the embroidered motif itself measuring approximately 4 x 7 cm. The pendant is completed with a satin ribbon loop for hanging, making it suitable as an ornament, gift tag, or decorative charm.

Techniques Used

• Counted Cross Stitch – The primary embroidery technique used throughout the heart motif. Each square on the chart corresponds to one cross stitch, worked over 2 fabric threads in both height and width (Spannstich über 2 Gf. in Höhe und Breite). This is the classic method of counted embroidery where the stitcher follows a grid-based chart on an evenweave or Aida-style fabric.
• Running Stitch / Backstitch (Steppstich) – Used as an outline or detail stitch, the Steppstich is worked from right to left and is added after all cross stitches have been completed. This layering approach ensures clean, precise outlines over the finished cross stitch areas.
• Spannstich – A straight or tension stitch worked over 2 fabric threads, used in combination with the cross stitch technique to create structure within the design.

Tip from the pattern: Cross stitches should always be completed first before working any Steppstich or Spannstich details. This sequencing ensures the best visual result and prevents thread tangling or distortion of the design.

Stitches Used

• Kreuzstich (Cross Stitch) – the foundational stitch of the design, worked over 2 fabric threads in each direction
• Steppstich (Backstitch / Running Stitch) – for outlines and fine detail, worked right to left
• Spannstich – a straight stitch worked over 2 fabric threads, adding texture and definition

The pattern recommends always using a blunt-tipped (tapestry) needle for cross stitch to avoid splitting the fabric threads of the evenweave linen.

Materials – Thread and Needle

• Anchor Stranded Cotton (8m skeins) – The pattern calls for Anchor Sticktwist (stranded embroidery floss), worked with 2 strands throughout. The specific colours referenced are #1 and #47 from the Anchor colour range.
• Needle – A No. 24 tapestry needle (blunt tip) is specified, which is the standard size for working on 28-count evenweave linen with 2 strands of floss.

Materials – Fabric and Notions

• Fabric – Approximately 16 x 30 cm of linen evenweave counted fabric with 112 threads per 10 cm (equivalent to 28-count), in a natural linen colour. The pattern specifically references «Cashel» linen by Zweigart & Sawitzki as a suitable example. The fabric is cut into two rectangles of 16 x 15 cm each, one for the embroidered front and one for the plain back of the pendant.
• Sewing Thread – A suitable