Anchor Herztäschchen - 0060003-00709-08 - Downloadable PDF

Anchor Herztäschchen – Embroidered Heart Bag Pattern (Design Nr. 0060003-00709-08)

The Anchor Herztäschchen is a charming embroidered heart-shaped bag designed by Siegrun Bob-Kulbe for Anchor. This free, downloadable PDF pattern is rated beginner level, making it an ideal introduction to counted cross stitch embroidery and simple sewing construction. The finished piece measures approximately 22 x 22 cm, with an embroidered motif of approximately 7 x 9.5 cm at its centre.

What Is Being Made

The project results in a heart-shaped decorative bag or pouch, constructed from dark red felt and featuring a hand-embroidered panel worked on evenweave linen fabric. The bag has two heart-shaped felt panels, a connecting side strip, a handle, and a decorative star-shaped button closure. It is a lovely handmade accessory suitable as a gift or keepsake.

Embroidery Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch (Kreuzstich): The primary technique used throughout the design. Each square on the counted chart corresponds to one cross stitch. Cross stitch is always worked first before any other stitches, using a blunt tapestry needle to avoid splitting the fabric threads.
• Backstitch / Running Stitch (Steppstich): Worked over 2 fabric threads in both height and width, backstitch is added after the cross stitch is complete to define outlines and add fine detail to the motif.
• Tension Stitch (Spannstich): Also applied after the cross stitch phase, used to add further structural or decorative line detail to the embroidered design.

Stitches Used

• Cross Stitch – the foundation stitch of the entire embroidered motif
• Backstitch – for outlines and fine detail, worked over 2 threads
• Tension Stitch – for additional decorative line work
• Zigzag Stitch (Zickzackstich): Used on a sewing machine to neaten the raw edges of the evenweave fabric before embroidery begins

Materials – Embroidery Threads

The pattern calls for Anchor Stranded Cotton (8m skeins), used as a 3-ply thread throughout. The following colours are required, each used once:

• Anchor Stranded Cotton #1
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #44
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #47
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #49
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #381
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #397
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #1011
• Anchor Metallic #300 – one skein of metallic thread for added shimmer and decorative effect

All Anchor threads used in this pattern are Oeko-Tex Standard certified, meeting recognised standards for pH values and colourfastness. Darker thread colours contain more dye and may transfer colour during washing; the pattern recommends washing in plenty of hot water appropriate for the fabric and using colour-catcher sheets if needed.

Materials – Fabric and Notions

• Evenweave linen fabric: Approximately 15 x 15 cm of counted evenweave fabric at 100 threads per 10 cm, such as Feinfloba by Zweigart & Sawitzki
• Dark red felt: Approximately 35.5 x 50 cm, cut into two 25 x 25 cm heart shapes, one 8 x 40 cm side strip, and one 2.5 x 40 cm handle strip