Anchor Radically Fashionable - 0022174-00000-09 - Downloadable PDF

Anchor Radically Fashionable – Eye Motif Denim Jacket Embroidery Pattern by Arne & Carlos

This free downloadable PDF embroidery pattern from Anchor, designed by the celebrated duo Arne & Carlos, offers an eye-catching way to personalise a denim jacket with a bold, decorative eye motif surrounded by flowers and leaves. Released under the Radically Fashionable collection (Design No. 0022174-00000-09), this intermediate-level project transforms an everyday garment into a wearable piece of textile art using classic hand embroidery techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a hand-embroidered denim jacket featuring a large, stylised eye design complete with floral and leaf embellishments. The motif measures 23.1 cm x 24.5 cm and is worked onto the back of the jacket, making it a striking statement piece. The pattern is presented at original size so the design can be traced directly from the PDF without resizing.

It is worth noting that the denim jacket itself is used here purely as an example garment. Embroiderers are encouraged to apply the motif to any fabric of their choosing, provided it is suitable for hand embroidery. The pattern notes specifically advise against using transparent fabrics, satin, silk, loosely woven fabrics, or knitted fabrics, as these do not hold embroidery stitches well.

Techniques Used

This pattern focuses on freestyle embroidery (Freihandstickerei), a versatile approach that allows the design to be worked directly onto the fabric surface without a counted grid. The method involves three distinct stages:

• Transferring the motif: The design is traced onto the fabric using carbon transfer paper, which is available in multiple colours to suit different fabric shades. Embroiderers are advised to match the paper colour to the fabric for best results.
• Hooping: The use of an embroidery hoop is recommended wherever possible to keep the fabric taut and ensure even, consistent stitching throughout the project.
• Stitching the motif: The embroidery is worked in a specific sequence, beginning with outline stitches before filling areas with solid colour.

Stitches Used

Three core hand embroidery stitches are employed in this pattern, each serving a distinct purpose within the design:

• Split Stitch (Spaltstich): Used to outline the flowers, the eyelid, and the pupil. Split stitch creates a smooth, rope-like line that defines the edges of each motif element with precision. It is worked by bringing the needle up through the centre of the previous stitch, splitting the thread.
• Satin Stitch (Plattstich): Used to fill the flowers, leaves, eyelid, and eye. Satin stitch involves laying parallel straight stitches closely side by side to create a smooth, solid area of colour with a subtle sheen. It is one of the most classic filling stitches in hand embroidery and requires careful attention to keep edges neat and stitches evenly tensioned.
• Chain Stitch (Kettenstich): Used for all remaining lines within the design. Chain stitch produces a linked, textured line that adds visual interest and dimension, making it ideal for decorative detail work such as lashes, veins, or flowing curves within the motif.

Materials – Thread

The pattern calls for Anchor Pearl Cotton No. 8 (Article No. 4591008-#), a lustrous, twisted, non-divisible thread that gives embroidery a beautiful sheen and crisp definition. Pearl cotton is particularly well suited to satin stitch and chain stitch as its smooth twist catches the light attractively.

Seven colours are required, all used as a single strand:

• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00001
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00240
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00228
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00433
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00146
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00134
• Anchor Pearl Cotton 8 – #00150