Many cross stitchers can become addicted to stitching as they become obsessed with their design. With practice you can create unique cards that not only you can enjoy sewing, but you can also share with other sewists.
Explaining Patterns on Graph Paper
If you want to design a simple paper, you can do it manually using graph paper and colored pencils. First, look at the images that refer to your model. Keep a working file of any pictures that could be used for the model. For example, except postcards, greeting, etc.
- Research your plan: after you have sketched your plan on a flat sheet of paper, retracing it on the paper. Then, using carbon transfer paper, transfer it onto graph paper. Compare the size chart of your Aida sewing cloth. For example, if your graph paper has 10 squares per inch, and you count your fabric as 14, be sure that the crochet work is shorter than your draw. If you want your own graph paper to match your fabric, check with your local needlework store to see if they sell cross stitch graph paper or buy it online.
- Block in your design – On another piece of graph paper, stitch in matching colors (using colored pencils). For full stitches, closed in the whole square, there are half square stitches (triangles, directed against the direction of the half stitch.
CROSS YOUR SOFTWARE
For more complex purposes, use the SUO cross. For more than the past decade, estimators have provided assistance in designing charts using cross-platform CONSUO software. By simply manipulating the design on the computer screen (using your mouse, of course) you can create a creative design as if you were using graph paper. Most programs offer a wide range of colors in at least two different woven fleece fabrics (such as DMC, JP Coat and Anchor).
Photo-to-Paper
Don’t worry if you lack technical skills because the cross SUO software includes photo-to-paper features where you can import any image in minute format. What’s more, you can control the size of the pattern and remove the unnecessary background. However, to get a quality plan, you need to play several roles to develop it. In other words, you don’t just import a photo and presto, you have a picture ready to stitch.
Tips for converting images into Charts
Select the quality of the images – Choose only high quality images that do not have shadows. It is also a good idea to choose images with little or no background if you are designing a portrait of someone. It’s not so much the size of the photo, but how clear and focused it is that snapshots as small as 3″ x 4″ high produced quality designs.
- Determine the number of colors – Before even importing your design, limit the number of colors.
- Fine tune – When the computer has erratic colors, the plan is to “advance the doctor”, remove the errant colors, etc.
- Omit the background – Unless you want to color a lot, you’re better off removing much (if not all) of the background.
- Omit no colors and use them sparingly. Most programs have a “floss usage” tab where you can see how many stitches of each color. For example, if a color uses very few to ten colors, you may need to delete it if you don’t need it. Just make sure it replaces the empty squares.
Once you’ve decided on your first crossword clue you’ll want to create more. Creating your own patterns like sewing can become addictive.
First published in CI Suite.
