Friends Forever - Bath Robe in Anchor - Downloadable PDF

Friends Forever – Embroidered Baby Bathrobe Pattern by Anchor

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Anchor Studio guides embroiderers through decorating a ready-made baby bathrobe with a charming cross stitch and backstitch design. Released under design number 0060002-00701-03, the project is rated Easy and is ideal for intermediate embroiderers looking for a quick, rewarding make. The finished embroidered motif measures approximately 6.5 x 5 cm and is positioned centrally on the aida panel of a baby bathrobe that measures 58 cm in length (without the hood).

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a decorated baby bathrobe featuring a small, colourful embroidered design worked directly onto the aida panel that is integrated into the garment. The pattern is designed by Anchor Studio and published by MEZ GmbH. It makes a beautiful handmade gift for a new baby and combines the softness of a ready-made bathrobe with the personal touch of hand embroidery.

Techniques Used

• Cross Stitch: The primary technique used throughout the design. Each coloured square on the chart represents one cross stitch worked over one woven square of the aida fabric. Cross stitch is completed in two stages — the lower stitch is worked first from left to right, and then the upper stitch is worked from right to left, creating the characteristic X shape.
• Backstitch: Used to add fine outlines and detail on top of the completed cross stitch areas. Backstitch is worked from right to left and is represented on the chart by lines rather than coloured squares. The pattern instructs embroiderers to always complete all cross stitch first before adding any backstitch.

Stitches Used

• Cross stitch – worked over one woven square of aida fabric using 2 strands of Anchor Stranded Cotton
• Backstitch – worked using 2 strands of Anchor Stranded Cotton to define outlines and add fine detail

Materials and Thread

The pattern uses Anchor Stranded Cotton 8m skeins, worked with 2 strands throughout. The following Anchor thread colours are required, with one skein of each:

• Anchor Stranded Cotton #23
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #27
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #103
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #292
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #313
• Anchor Stranded Cotton #1035

All Anchor threads are produced in accordance with Oeko-tex standards, with tested pH values and colours that adhere to Global fastness standards, making them safe and suitable for use on baby items.

Tools and Notions

• Tapestry needle No. 24 – a blunt-ended needle, which is recommended for all cross stitch work to avoid splitting the woven threads of the aida fabric
• A baby bathrobe with an integrated aida panel, ready to receive the embroidery

Tips for Best Results

The pattern advises positioning the embroidery centrally on the aida panel before beginning. Embroiderers should always work all cross stitch first and then add the backstitch on top. A blunt-ended tapestry needle is specifically recommended to preserve the integrity of the aida weave. When washing the finished item, it is important to follow Anchor's thread washing instructions and wash at the hottest temperature suitable for the fabric, using a large amount of water to minimise any potential dye bleeding, particularly with darker thread colours.

Pattern Format and Availability

This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF from AnchorCrafts.com. The chart uses a straightforward grid format where coloured squares represent cross stitches and lines represent backstitch, making it accessible even for those relatively new to counted cross stitch embroidery.