Free heart embroidery stitch sampler

Jump to file

Download this free heart embroidery stitch sampler to practice your hand sewing skills. Try out seven different stitches, from running stitch to French knots. Download the printable pdf template at the bottom of this post

The pattern is scaled to be printed on A4 paper and intended to fit a 7” hoop.

*Please note if you adjust the size of your paper, the scale of the pattern will be altered.

How to print

Once you have downloaded the pattern, simply open the PDF and click on the print icon. With your printer on, it should automatically print. Remember to ensure you have a4 paper selected.

Printing on normal copier paper is fine for this template, but you may choose to print on thicker paper or even light card if you want to re-use the template multiple times.

How to transfer the pattern

I find the best way to transfer the pattern is with light behind it. That can be from a window, light pad or tablet device. It helps to illuminate the design making it easier to transfer.

Place your fabric in your hoop the opposite way you would normally stitch, so that the fabric is at the bottom of the hoops. Tighten and then lay over the template.

Trace using a water soluble pen, which can be erased when the stitching is complete with water.

Once you’ve traced the pattern, remove from the hoop and re-position in the correct way for stitching.

How to stitch

The outer heart is intended to be stitched in running stitch and the dotted heart in French knots. The other 5 hearts can be stitched in backstitch, chain stitch, stem stitch, split stitch and cable stitch

Pattern colour and stitch suggestions

I have chosen a rainbow colour palette of for this design, . You of course can choose any colour palette you desire.

Use a minimum of two stands of thread to give the design some dimension. I always stitch with DMC threads as my choice of floss.

How to finish your embroidery

You can choose to simply frame in the embroidery hoop, but this design would also look beautiful stitched into a cushion cover, used on a tote bag or even with the help of dissolvable fabric stitched on the back of a denim jacket.

However you choose to stitch it, I’d love you to share your finished projects with me on Facebook and Instagram. Tag @craftcartwright so I can see your makes.