Things You'll Need:
- Picture or design for cross stitch
- Color scanner/printer
- Computer
- Plastic graph paper
- Clear tape or paper clips
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Step 1
Draw a design for cross stitching or use a picture. Be sure you own the copyright to the picture or design because making patterns from copy-written work is a violation of the copyright law.
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Step 2
Make the picture the size of the desired project. You can scan it into a computer and adjust the size and then print it in color. Or you can take it to a copy center and let them re-size the picture.
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Step 3
Select the plastic graph paper that matches the count/size of the cross stitch fabric you are using for the project. The plastic graph paper comes prepackaged with several count/sizes and can be found at hobby and craft stores.
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Step 4
Place the plastic graph paper over the design, matching the corners so the plastic graph paper is straight on the design. Use clear tape or paper clips to secure the graph paper to the design. If the picture is larger than the sheet of graph paper, secure it to one corner and cross stitch that part; then move the plastic graph paper to the next section.
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Step 5
Use this pattern to determine the color and amount of thread you will need to purchase. Hand drawn designs of several colors will be easier than photographs with varying shades of colors. For detailed patterns, you might have to blend colors by using two threads of different shades. Buy extra thread with your own cross stitch designs because it is not possible to determine exactly how much thread you will need.
