Anchor Servietten Zweig und Nikolaus - 0060003-00709-05 - Downloadable PDF

Anchor Servietten Zweig und Nikolaus – Embroidered Napkins Pattern Summary

This free downloadable embroidery pattern from Anchor, designed by Anchor Studio and attributed to designer Siegrun Bob-Kulbe, guides crafters through creating a pair of beautifully embroidered Christmas napkins. The two designs featured are a decorative branch motif (Zweig) and a charming Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas motif (Nikolaus) — making them a delightful set for festive table settings. The pattern is rated beginner level, making it an ideal project for those new to counted embroidery or cross stitch.

What Is Being Made

Each finished napkin measures approximately 40 x 40 cm, with each embroidered motif covering an area of approximately 6 x 9 cm. The napkins are worked on an evenweave fabric cut to approximately 46 x 46 cm per napkin to allow for finishing and hemming. The suggested fabric is a white Lugana evenweave with a thread count of 100 threads per 10 cm, which provides the precise grid needed for counted embroidery work.

The two motifs — a winter branch and a Nikolaus figure — bring a traditional, festive character to the finished napkins. Together they form a coordinated set well-suited to holiday dining or gifting.

Embroidery Techniques Used

This pattern combines several classic hand embroidery techniques that work together to create texture, outline, and decorative detail:

• Cross Stitch (Kreuzstich): The primary technique used throughout both motifs. Each square on the counted chart corresponds to one cross stitch. As noted in the pattern tips, cross stitches should always be worked first, before any other stitches are added. Cross stitch is worked with a blunt tapestry needle to avoid splitting the fabric threads.
• Backstitch over 2 threads in height and width (Steppstich über 2 Gf.): Used to add fine outlines and detail to the motifs after the cross stitch areas are complete. Backstitch creates clean, precise lines that define shapes and add definition.
• Simple Hemstitch (einfacher Hohlsaumstich): A traditional drawn-thread embroidery technique used to finish the edges of each napkin. Hemstitch creates an elegant, decorative border by withdrawing threads from the fabric and bundling the remaining threads, giving the napkins a refined, handcrafted finish.

Stitches at a Glance

• Cross Stitch – for the main motif areas
• Backstitch – for outlines and fine detail
• Hemstitch – for the decorative napkin border and edge finishing

Materials – Thread and Needle

The pattern calls for Anchor Stranded Cotton (Anchor Sticktwist), the brand's classic 8-metre skein embroidery floss, worked with 3 strands throughout. The following Anchor thread colours are required:

• Anchor colour #1
• Anchor colour #47
• Anchor colour #230
• Anchor colour #239

All Anchor Stranded Cotton threads used in this pattern are Oeko-Tex Standard certified, meeting recognised standards for pH values and colourfastness, making them safe and reliable for finished textile items.

A size 24 tapestry needle (No. 24) is specified — a blunt-tipped needle appropriate for counted cross stitch on evenweave fabric, preventing thread splitting and ensuring smooth, even stitches.

Tips for Best Results

• Always use a blunt tapestry needle when working cross stitch to protect the evenweave fabric threads.
• Complete all cross stitches first before adding backstitch or any other detail stitches.
• Each square on the counted chart represents one complete cross stitch.