What A Novice Cross Stitch Pattern Designer Needs

When you are a beginner it's sometimes hard to start. Simply because you don't know exactly how to start. And - what you should use. So, you have passion for cross stitching. And you sometimes wish to stitch something - and oops there are no matching patterns or kits, and you are thinking about creating one of your own. Well, let's get you to the land of cross stitch pattern designing!

Here is the list of top 5 things you should have to start creating your patterns (not all of them are some material things, really):

1) The cross stitch pattern software. There are several ways to create a pattern, and some people even draw them on pieces of paper and color the squares with different pencils. But the most effective way is to use special software. It could be Pattern Maker, PC Stitch or my favourite Cross Stitch Professional (XStitch Pro for short) or any other on your choice. Why I love XStitch Pro most? It gives the real-like impression of the design, so you can be pretty sure you know how it would be like stitched. You can make a preview on the Aida or evenweave fabric, and that's super-cool. It has great functions that make the process easier for you. And it's convenient to use. Besides, if you wish to change something in your design, it's easy, fast and you can always get the changes undone (well, that is true for all software).

Here is how it looks. I have a Russian language version, but the software is British, so it of course comes in English.

2) DMC color card. The DMC threads are most widely used and the colors in XStitch Pro and other software are pretty much like real ones. That's why most designers work with these threads. But if the software colors are quite matching, why you should use a real color card? The thing is, they still can differ a little bit. Besides, when working with blended colors or combining threads from different color palettes on one object you should be more than sure the result will be excellent. Only real threads can give you clear idea of the result.

3) Pictures or design ideas. Usually when creating a pattern the designer uses some reference picture. It is substrated the way you can draw a pattern above the picture.

Of course you should mind copyright. To use a picture you should buy the right for it or use some free for commercial use pictures. And I mentioned design ideas: you can change the reference picture to create something really unique! For example, for these patterns I used one reference picture - and there was lots of my own creativity.

4) Basic knowledge about Itten circle, color harmony, perspective and other artistic stuff. You don't need to be actually an artist to create patterns, but knowing some things is simply necessary. If you long to create astonishing designs, you need skills. You should be an expert of combining colors - or at least improving skill to become one. With experience you will know how to add volume, how to enhance contrast, how to create unbelievable color changings - but you will need Itten circle at first.

5) Passion. That means you need to have designing mojo. The desire to learn, create, improve, become better tomorrow than you are today. You should LOVE what you do. You should have a dream. Follow that dream - and you will open the whole new world to yourself. Don't fall into despair if you try and don't like what you get. Step by step you will transform into a professional cross stitch pattern designer - believe in yourself.

In next articles I wish to discuss the subjects on how to create your first simple pattern, how to use Itten circle and why we should mind perspective. If you have any questions or you are thrilled to learn something particular and want an article on the subject - leave a comment!)

#cross #stitch #itten #novicedesigner