How to Draw a Cross Stitch Chart on Graph Paper

Most of the time when we think about making our own cross stitch patterns, we probably think about using the computer to help us. There are lots of programs available that can take a picture and turn it into a cross stitch pattern (and I have talked about the process for turning a photo into a cross stitch pattern before).

But if your design isn’t that complex, or you’d just rather go the analog route, it’s not difficult to draw a cross stitch pattern by hand using graph paper.

This is even easier than charting a colorwork design for knitting or crochet, because cross stitches are already square, just like the squares on graph paper.

Crewel Ghoul has a great post all about how to make cross stitch patterns with graph paper, and it’s easier than you might think.

This is actually how I make a lot of my designs because I will start with the outline of an object that I trace onto the paper and then adjust and color in as needed.

The only special equipment you need for this process is paper and colored pencils, as well as a light box or tablet (though I’ve used my computer monitor before, a tablet would be a lot easier) or a sunny window.

And the only potentially tricky part is figuring out the count of your design, that is, how big you want it to be so you choose the right count of graph paper. (Better Cross Stitch Patterns has a great collection of free printable cross stitch graph paper of different counts to make this easier.)

If you’re ready to design your own cross stitch patterns literally by hand from a photo or other design, check out all the tips from Crewel Ghoul. If you’ve done this before I’d love to hear if you have any tips to share!

[Photo: Crewel Ghoul]

I was recently approached by Alyssa, the cross stitcher behind the Etsy shop Stitchonomy, to take a look at her cross stitch pattern subscription club, known as The Pattern Club.

I took a look around and there’s a lot of cute stuff and fun options you’ll want to check out, especially if you love themed patterns that are small, easy to stitch and fun to combine.

The Pattern Club combines cross stitching with a social network. When you open the site you’ll see a news feed and have the ability to share updates much like you would on Facebook. You can see who is online, have buddies and post your own updates and photos. The community aspect is a little sparse right now but that should only grow.

The stitch along hub is the place to find the most recent patterns and information on the current stitchalong. As of this writing the Book Lover’s stitchalong was happening, with little designs like Peter Rabbit, a skull for Hamlet and keys for Jane Eyre as well as authors including Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

Other pattern collections include European designs, Halloween, ocean life, an allotment garden and more. Alyssa tells me there’s a new theme every month that either she picks or members in the community suggest. You can stitch just the patterns you want or put them together to make a larger collage.

The Stitchanomini vault gives you access to all of the previous patterns, and new patterns are released daily through the stitchalong. You can download individual patterns (most of them are 19 by 19 stitches) as PDFs or Pattern Keeper files. The PDFs include a color and black and white chart as well as a floss list.

Another cool thing you can do is build your own pattern collages from all of the squares that have been released. The collage configurator allows you to add patterns of your choosing to a grid ranging from 2×2 patterns up to 4×4. You can scroll through all the current patterns or search by theme and size to make a project that suits your needs. (Above is an example I made kind of at random but you get the idea.)

If you want to check it out, you can grab a three-day free trial and see all the pattern options. Membership is $7.99 a month, or if you pay for a year at a time you’ll get two months free. In addition to the patterns in the club, members receive discounts on patterns and supplies purchased through the shop within the club. Annual members get access to three paid/retired stitchalongs and lifetime members receive all retired patterns.

If you check it out I’d love to hear what you think!

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