My dear friend Ashley had a birthday a bit ago. She loves all things nautical, so I thought I’d make a little decoration for her! I forgot to take a picture before I gave it to her, so she was kind to do the photography for me!

I didn’t do the best job with taking tutorial pictures, but I’ll do my best to clue you in on how it was done! This anchor was made completely by hand- no sewing machine required. The technique I used is called reverse applique. I was taught this method by my talented friend Mary. You could use an anchor, or any other shape you’d like!

Supplies:

–anchor template

–2 fat quarters 

(I used Essex Linen from Robert Kaufman and and the stripes are from the Out to Sea collection by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller fabrics)

–embroidery thread 

(I love DMC perle cotton size 8)

–frame

–needle, thread, tracing chalk, pins

Step 1: Print or draw a template. I found this anchor template via google images. Cut it out.

Step 2: Place the first fabric over the contrasting fabric. Square it up nice and tidy, and pin it along the edges. You won’t see the under fabric for now.

Step 3: Place the paper template onto the top fabric and trace around it. Remove template.

{not pictured, sorry!}

Step 4: Baste stitch around the drawn anchor, about 1/2″ away from the drawn line. 

Step 5: Cut into the top fabric, taking care not to cut into the second layer of fabric. Leave a seam allowance 1/4″ away from the inside of the drawn line. This will reveal the fabric underneath.

Step 6: This is the most time consuming part. You’ll now fold the top fabric under itself, up to the drawn line. This will cause the anchor to take proper shape. Now you need to stitch the top fabric under itself. Take tiny stitches all the way around. You can cut and stitch in portions.

Step 8: Fold the fabric over some sort of backing, and adhere the raw edges with glue or tape. Pop it in a frame and you’re ready to gift it!

I added a little pop of red paint to the outside edge of the frame.