How to Create a Pattern for Counted Cross Stitch

Have you ever had a picture that you wanted to recreate in embroidery? Here are some simple steps for you to make that picture into the pattern for counted cross stitch.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Graph Paper
• Picture to Create

Instructions

1. 

   PICTURE: Draw out the basic picture in on the graph paper. Use the squares as the stitches you will sew with the pattern. If you are using a digital photo for your reference picture, zoom in until you can see individual pixels. Graph out the photo based on the individual pixels for greater detail.

2. 

   COLOR: Add color to each stitch as you would sew it. Either use a symbol for each color or color the graph in with colored pencils. Either way use a legend to keep the colors and their representations in order.

3. SIZE: This graphical representation of your picture is to scale versus the actual embroidery. If you are doing a simple picture without too much shading, a larger squared material for your cross stitch will work. The more detail you have in your picture, the denser you will want the fabric. A good way to determine what size you use is to look at the graph paper you have drawn the pattern on. If it makes sense as a picture on the size graph paper you are using, use a fabric with similar sized stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• When describing colors in your legend, use the color and color codes for the floss colors you will use. It will make finding more floss later easier.

• Use Pencil when drawing so you can erase mistakes. You can always go over it again with pen after you are done or photocopy it so the pencil doesn't smudge.