Cross-Stitch Patterns | Supplies | Instruction

If you are an avid cross stitcher then the chances are that at some stage you will probably want a pattern that you cannot find. In this case one way you can overcome the problem is by using cross stitch pattern making software to create your own pattern based on a picture that you have seen or even by drawing the pattern yourself. Unfortunately there are also disadvantages to cross stitch pattern making software and we will consider both the advantages and disadvantages in this article.

Cross Stitch Pattern Making Software Has Made Pattern Making Much Quicker and Easier

In the past cross stitch patterns were often made using pencils and graph paper. This was very time consuming and tedious work and one that I am sure not many people today would enjoy. Fortunately cross stitch pattern making software has speeded up the process making it possible to create your own cross stitch patterns a lot quicker and more easily.

Scanned Pictures May Require Some Adjustments

What I have noticed when using cross stitch pattern making software is that if you are scanning a picture into your computer then you will often need to make certain adjustments to the colors to get it just right. I also prefer to use less colors as I find it gets too complicated when using as many colors as the picture would commonly come out at. Although these adjustments can be more time consuming they are still nothing compared to having to draw it all out on graph paper.

Cross Stitch Pattern Making Software Allows You to Make Your Own Free Patterns

The greatest advantage of cross stitch pattern making software is the flexibility that it provides to create any pattern that you wish to create. You can use any picture or even draw out anything that comes into your mind and turn it into a cross stitch pattern and you do not need to be limited by the patterns that are available on the market.

Cross stitch pattern making software is a great tool for any avid cross stitcher and allows you to make a wide range of cross stitch patterns yourself. You may need to make some adjustments to the pattern or take a little extra time on it but in the end this is worth it.

This article was written by Mandy Buchanan. Mandy is a full-time freelance writer through Elance, as well as running her own websites including Moms Working at Home and Crafty Content

How to Cross Stitch : How to Make a Cross Stitch Pattern from a Photo

100 Cross Stitch Patterns $15.21 An ideal introduction to the art and craft of cross-stitch, this book presents a bounty of the most popular types of motifs loved by stitchers in an easy-to-use, spiral-bound, split-page format. The majority of the book is the over 100 mix-and-match patterns, organized by type: borders, flowers, alphabets and other simple motifs. These can be endlessly combined to create exactly the effect you want, simply by flipping through the pages! Whether you want to work large or small, create homewares, embellish clothes, or produce works of art, all the patterns easily mix and match. The patterns are presented in chart forms, each with a color key for ease of reference and a finished, worked example to show how the patterns should look when complete. In addition, an introduction to this easy-to-master craft covers all of the tools and equipment needed and demonstrates basic cross stitch techniques from starting to stitch through embellishments to finishing off.

Cross Stitch $16.57 Author Dorothy Wood follows the history of cross stitch throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and then amasses 150 highly original, decorative projects. Beginning with the rich motifs of the Celtic and Medieval eras, the book then moves on to the more formal cross stitch styles reminiscent of Victorian England. In the Folk Art section the simple patterns of the Shakers are juxtaposed with the bright ethnic designs of South America, Eastern Europe and Asia, while the Contemporary section highlights the bold modern motifs of the late twentieth century.

Subversive Cross Stitch $9.75 In this wicked little book, Jackson reinvents the age-old craft of cross-stitch, finally putting an end to all that saccharine sentimentalism and giving modern stitchers the chance to say what’s really on their minds. Includes 33 patterns.

Teddy Bears In Cross Stitch $14.99 Teddy Bears in Cross Stitch features a cute and cuddly collection of over 30 teddy bear designs from six leading cross-stitch designers. Readers can choose from classic vintage bears, cute nursery teddies or fun and quirky big bears for their projects. The patterns can be stitched on popular items such as album covers, apron pockets, cards, pictures and much more. Each project features clear color charts, full instructions and detailed photography and additional project ideas are provided for making the most of the teddy bear designs.

100 Cross Stitch Paterns (Hardcover) $16.33 An innovative approach to cross-stitch, the split-page format allows you to create thousands of different designs by mixing and matching alphabets with decorative borders and motifs. Over 100 patterns are presented in chart form, each with a color key for ease of reference and a finished, worked example to show how the patterns should look when complete. An introduction to this easy-to-master craft covers all of the tools and equipment needed and demonstrates basic cross-stitch techniques from starting to stitch through embellishments to finishing off.

Manga Cross-stitch $12.16 Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework is a bold, new, contemporary approach to the time-honored skills of needlework. Readers and cross-stitchers get a new twist on the old craft as they learn how to use the tricks of Japanese graphic art mixed with the skills of traditional needlecraft to make cute, action-packed, stylish images.The book includes easy, step-by-step instructions for cross-stitch beginners and insightful information for manga novices. Materials, techniques, and skills are clearly explained and help simplify the art form. Patterns include school’’s out, super robo, happy birthday manga, and many other cute and chibi characters.Also included is a CD with hundreds of unique manga designs. On the CD are charts for printing out and stitching. Plus, the software included lets artists create their own personalized manga designs by creating their own color palettes.This isn”t your grandma’’s needlework.

Manga Cross-stitch (Hardcover) $11.05 Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework is a bold, new, contemporary approach to the time-honored skills of needlework. Readers and cross-stitchers get a new twist on the old craft as they learn how to use the tricks of Japanese graphic art mixed with the skills of traditional needlecraft to make cute, action-packed, stylish images.The book includes easy, step-by-step instructions for cross-stitch beginners and insightful information for manga novices. Materials, techniques, and skills are clearly explained and help simplify the art form. Patterns include "school`s out," "super robo," "happy birthday manga," and many other cute and chibi characters.Also included is a CD with hundreds of unique manga designs. On the CD are charts for printing out and stitching. Plus, the software included lets artists create their own personalized manga designs by creating their own color palettes.This isn`t your grandma`s needlework.

Cross Stitch Kit $11.95 Cross Stitch Kit

Beautiful Cross Stitch Blooms $5.99 Beautiful Cross Stitch Blooms

Top 100 Cross Stitch Motifs $16.06 Cross-stitch has long been the most popular style of needlework and its appeal continues unabated. This inspirational yet practical guide from top thread manufacturer DMC takes a fresh look at the enduring craft, and brings together 100 of the most beloved cross-stitch motifs. With beautiful designs for everything from clothing to bed linen to soft furnishings, it caters to creative stitchers of all tastes and levels. Divided into 10 themes– birds, flowers, buildings, alphabets, borders, teddy bears, boats, holidays, cats and dogs, and fairies– the patterns include detailed charts with full-color keys and photographs of the embroidered motif. There are even helpful suggestions for the best uses for each design. Every cross-stitcher will want to have this in her library!

Cross Stitch Designs from India $12.79 A striking needlework image of the Taj Mahal, a framed picture featuring an elephant wearing a brightly-hued rug, a footstool adorned with 2 embroidered peacocks: these cross-stitch projects capture all the heat and color of India. The lustrous patterns decorate cushions, box lids, bookmarks, cards, bell pulls, bags, and more. Intricate motifs, beautiful beadwork, and lavish metallic threads adorn many of the designs, resulting in ornate and sumptuous items that are a pleasure to create and to own.

PC Stitch Pro Cross Stitch Software Version 7.0 $58.21 *PCStitch Pro Software version 7.0 was designed with ease-of-use as the top priority *Cross stitching software is perfect to help you get the most out of your cross stitch projects *Needlework program features graphic file import, pattern libraries, text, and borders *Create your own designs from photos or from scratch *Also enjoy the ability to add your own logo, open multiple patterns simultaneously, add pattern icons and more

Donna Kooler’s Great Cross-Stitch Gifts $9.75 From one of the world’s finest cross-stitch designers come some of the prettiest gifts ever created. This charming collection of projects will inspire newcomers to pick up a needle and fabric, while delighting experienced embroiderers always on the lookout for new ideas. Plus, all the necessary stitches and techniques are presented in an easy-to-follow illustrated introductory section. Stitch a floral sachet bag (there are several flower patterns to choose from); an individualized gift tag; or a blue-and-white pillow and afghan. Plus, there’s a special angel to cross-stitch for every month of the year. A Main Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

Easy Cross-stitch Pattern-a-day 2011 Calendar $9.77 Cross-stitchers can count on this calendar’’s collection of patterns for hundreds of quick, clever project ideas. A colorful completed design appears on the front of each page, and the corresponding pattern chart appears on the back for a year of stitching fun. Calendar includes more than 150 patterns and countless project ideas. Pattern sizes fit numerous formats, including linens, towel bands, baby bibs, aprons, coasters, bookmarks, ball caps, and more. U.S. cross-stitchers complete an average of 17 projects each year and spend $177 million annually on cross-stitch supplies, according to The National NeedleArts Association.

Ancient Egyptian Cross Stitch $13.25 Capture the Mystery of Egypt with Stunning Cross Stitch Projects

Stitch Graffiti $15.52 Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called "tattoos" to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar. Each project is accompanied by commentary explaining the inspiration behind the design, and sidebars offer tips for personalizing the final product by adding beads, dyed fabric backgrounds, or frames made from hardware and found objects. Basic technique demos teach beginners how to form cross-stitches, mix cross-stitch with other embroidery, choose and use embroidery thread, stitch on linen, and work out designs on blank graphs.

Sewing Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Overlock, Darning, Chain Stitch, Buttonhole Stitch, Running Stitch, Blanket Stitch, Lockstitch, Zigzag, $14.14 Sewing Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Overlock, Darning, Chain Stitch, Buttonhole Stitch, Running Stitch, Blanket Stitch, Lockstitch, Zigzag,

Pincushions 60 Cross Stitch Designs $7.26 Pincushions 60 Cross Stitch Designs

Love Kills Slowly Cross-stitch $9.12 Love Kills Slowly Cross-stitch

365 Tiny Cross Stitch Designs $15.22 365 Tiny Cross Stitch Designs

Thomas the Tank Engine Cross Stitch $27.17 Thomas the Tank Engine Cross Stitch

The Big Book of Cross-stitch Design $13.01 The Big Book of Cross-stitch Design

Rug-Making and Designing in Cross-Stitch $26.45 Rug-Making and Designing in Cross-Stitch

200 Ripple Stitch Patterns $16.29 *Fresh approach to knitting and crocheting with traditional and contemporary stitch patterns*Membership in the Knitting Guild of America has increased 21 percent – - to 11,000+ – - since the end of 2001, and surveys show most knitters also crochet*Clearly describes degree of difficulty for each projectNew and experienced knitters and crocheters will discover all the instruction and inspiration they need to create amazing afghans, scarves, pillow, wraps and blankets in this exciting new guide. An extensive directory covers 200 ripple-stitch patterns and variations, describes techniques used, and level of experience required to complete each project. This book gives readers: *Detailed directions and more than 200 color illustrations to use in completing each project*Tips for combining various types of yarns to create projects featuring a kaleidoscope of color*Access to various knitting and crochet resource Web sites

Quick To Stitch Cross Stitch Keepsakes $13.25 With Quick-to-Stitch Cross Stitch Keepsakes, readers will be able to create one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes that commemorate all of the most important occasions in life. Seven themed chapters feature 100 perfect present ideas and 20 miniature sampler designs that are quick to stitch but yet make a big impact. The author offers over 1,000 universal motifs that can be mixed and matched into unique designs and the addition of decorative alphabets can be used to further personalize projects.

The Cross Stitch Motif Bible $19.55 - 1,000 versatile cross stitch motifs- Step-by-step instructions for basic techniques and materials- Lay-flat spiral-bound format

Cross Stitch Quilts $9.91 Making cross stitch quilts is like doing a crossword puzzle… just drop the fabric in the right square. Arranging 1 1/2 fabric squares on a gridded fusible interfacing is great fun, and the results are beautiful! Make cross stitch in wallhangings or queen size quilts!

Cross Stitch Cards 100 $14.99 Cross Stitch Cards 100 is a fabulous collection of 100 cross stitch card designs celebrating every occasion, from christening and Christmas to Mother’’s Day and moving home. Each chapter showcases eight beautifully stitched themed cards, each with complete stitching instructions, a wealth of inspirational embellishment ideas and clear color charts to work from. Joanne not only offers a collection of adorable cross stitch designs, she also provides papercrafting secrets that will help you create simple cards that make a big impression.

Fantasy Cross Stitch $13.03 In Lesley Teares Fantasy Cross Stitch, readers will enter a world filled with intoxicating sorceresses, fairytale dragons, mythical unicorns and beautiful butterfly fairies, all intricately recreated in cross stitch. Lesleys versatile designs can be transformed into a range of projects including framed pictures, cards, cushions, notebook covers and more. Her clear instructions and full-color charts along with striking photographs create vivid images guaranteed to transport cross stitch artists into a fabulous world of fantasy.

Cross Stitch Art Nouveau $15.24 Cross Stitch Art Nouveau revisits the timelessly popular Art Nouveau style with a fantastic new collection of cross stitch designs inspired by the period’’s most instantly recognisable artists. Each of the ten chapters features designs inspired by the work of a well-known Art Nouveau designer translated beautifully into cross stitch. Projects include framed pictures, cushions, bags and even a table runner.

Cross Stitch Cuties $13.03 Cross Stitch Cuties has a wonderful collection of over 30 adorable designs from highly respected cross stitch designers. The designs range from wide-eyed toddlers to mischievous kittens. There is an irresistible project for every occasion, including births, weddings and Christmas! A range of project ideas for adapting the designs, from beautiful framed pictures and greeting cards to gorgeous drawstring bags are also included. Finally, the easy-to-follow color charts and charming color photographs are a bonus for any cross stitch lover!

Crafting Cross Stitch Cards $13.25 * Greeting cards are a popular project for cross-stitching enthusiasts* This creative guide bridges the gap between cardmaking and cross stitch, two perennially popular craftsFor crafters who like to create personalized greetings, and for cross stitchers who like to bring their art to cardmaking, comes Sue Cook’s Cross Stitch Cards and Keepsakes, a collection of over 200 charted designs for a range of holidays and celebrations–from new babies and bon voyage parties, to age-specific birthdays, to the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. Readers will also learn how to add embellishments to their works–enhancing already beautiful quick-to-stitch cards or tags, or meaningful photo albums, ring pillows, or gift bags.

Jane Netley Mayhews Cross Stitch Safari $13.03 Richly Detailed Wildlife Cross Stitch Designs

Donna Kooler’s 555 Cross-Stitch Sampler Motifs $16.54 Donna Kooler’s 555 Cross-Stitch Sampler Motifs

Stitch-A-Photo Cross Stitch Chart Kit $13.59 *Stitch-A-Photo cross stitch kit lets you turn almost any color photograph into an easy-to-use chart suitable for either cross stitch or needlepoint *Stitch a portrait of a loved one, a cherished pet, or the family home *With this craft kit photos can be changed into black and white or sepia tones *Works with photos from 1×1-inch up to 8×10-inch *Finished design size varies with stitch count of the fabric used *10 count would be 11×14 *14 count would be 8×10

---