Embroidery and Embellishments

Cross Stitch Pattern Making from Images

Shown above is three simple patterns for cross stitch work. In these images it is divided in tiny boxes each with a specfic symbol indicating the color of foss to be used. These images are the simplest to learn the art of cross stitch needlework. See future post of cross stitch techniques.

Shown above is a cross stitch pattern of a heraldic device. The image is design on a 10 x 10 cross grid, but the cloth been used for this project may range from 14 x 14 and increase in number count. The higher the number count the smaller the actural image will be when cross stitched. One will also see that on each ten line both ways it is drawn in red. This helps one in determining the color of thread and what location it will be located in the pattern when transfer to the fabric.

To make a Cross Stitch Pattern from an Image or and Photo

The other day looking through a book on Renaissance Embroidery came across a photo of a 15 century piece that had the look of been cross stitch. Long arm cross stitch is a version of cross stitch and pre dates to the 12 century, but that is not what the topic is in this post, as we will take a look at making and transferring patterns. Lets begin with a rose, as an example. The simpliest way is to either draw a rose or to use a picture or image of a rose.

Now that we have the rose, we must determine the actural size of the rose when it is cross stitch onto a piece of fabric. There is a number of fabrics that can be used for cross stitch and the easiest one is adria cloth canvas, made of cotton. A square inch determines the number of cross stitches that can be made, and these range from 10 x 10 all the way up to 32 x 32 and even higer. The higher numbers are usually of linen or silk. For beginners I would suggest a 14 x 14 to an 18 x 18.

Now lets say that the rose pattern is three inches x inches in actural size and you wish to create it a two inch x two inch cross stitch pattern. Using a ruler divide the three inches into the number of cross stitches per inch. Lets say that we are using the 16 x 16 needle point adria. This means we will have to divide the three inches into 32 equal divisions both ways which will make the actual size of two inches x two inches. Draw lines crossing the pattern horizontal and vertically. This will create small tiny boxes of which each box represents one cross stitch. Please note that if the pattern is two complex and is drawn with large boxes the details may be lost. Therefore try to keep the pattern reality simple at first to understand the concept of making a stitching pattern that can be used for long arm cross stitch and or cross stitch.

If the pattern is back and white, and the cross stitch work is to be done with color thread, than one will have to put in symbols into each and every box. For example on the rose pattern there can be several different reds to pinks used. Assign a symbol for each shade of color. Lets say dark red will be an X, the next red in lighter shape a slash through the box, and the next lighter a period in the center of the box and so on while the lightess color will be left blank in the box. If one is to take a look at a cross stitch pattern, you will see this symbolizm for the most part on the black and white patterns, and in some cases even on the color patterns.

Most patterns created by cross stitch embroidery, can be used as embellishments on clothing, tablecloths, banners, etc. The cross stitch pattern will also work on creating heraldry elements as well. Just take the image - you may have to enlarge the image - and make a grid across the image, and you will have your cross stitch pattern.

Article by Lady Christiana Elizabeth Constable of ye Phasiani lacus Manerium