Fine tune – As the computer picks up stray shades, you need to “edit” the design, excluding stray colors, etc.

Reduce the number of colors – Before even implying your design, limit the number of colors.

It’s not so much the size of the photo, but how clear and converged it is, as pictures as small as 3” x 4” has produced high-quality designs. It’s also best to select photos with little or not background if you’re creating a portrait of a person. Select quality photos – Select only high-quality photos that do not have shadows. In other words, you don’t just imply a photo and presto you have a picture ready to stitch.

To get a quality design, you need to implement various uses to refine it. What’s more, you can compare the size of the pattern, as well as exclude the irrelevant background. Most programs offer a wide range of colors in at least two-three different embroidery floss brands (such as DMC, JP Coats, and Anchor.) Photo-to-Chartĭon’t worry if you lack artistic skills because cross stitch software includes photo-to-chart characteristics where you can imply any picture into a pattern in minutes.

By only drawing a design on a computer screen (using your mouse, of course) you can make a creative pattern as if you were using graph paper. For more than the past decade stitchers have been receiving help designing charts using cross stitch software programs. For full stitches, block in the entire square, while half stitches are half-squares (triangles, facing the direction of the intended half-stitch.)įor more complicated patterns, use cross stitch programs. Block in your design – On another graph paper block in your stitches with the appropriate colors (using colored pencils).If you want your graph paper to match your fabric, check with your neighborhood needlework shop to see if they trade cross stitch graph paper or purchase it online.

For example, if your graph paper has 10 square per inch and your material is 14 count, realize the finished needlework will be somewhat modest than your drawing. Graph paper – Compare the size of your graph paper to your Aida stitching cloth.Then, using carbon transfer paper, transfer it to graph paper. Sketch your design: After sketching out your design on plain paper, trace it onto tracing paper. For example, save postcards, greeting cards, etc.

Keep a working file of any pictures that could be used for design. First, look for source photos for your pattern. If you want to design a simple graph, you can do it manually using graph paper and colored pencils. With practice, you can create unique tables that not only you enjoy stitching yourself, but can also partake with other stitchers. Many cross stitchers addicted to stitching can become just as obsessed with creating their patterns. That’s why many stitchers are learning to design their own charts. Sometimes it’s hard to find just the right cross stitch pattern.

Cross stitch graph paper online