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]

The cross stitcher behind the blog Sirious Stitches is quite into biscornu.

If you’re not, a quick primer: biscornu are three-dimensional cross-stitched objects with eight points, often with an indention in the middle that makes them look a bit like doughnuts without the hole. They can be just about any size and subject you can think of. They’re often used as pincushions but can also be seasonal decor or just decoration for any time of year.

I’ve got a collection of biscornu cross stitch patterns here.

Once you’ve stitched one or several (they are a little addicting) you might wonder what you can add to them to make them even more extra.

It very much depends on the design of your biscornu and the look you are going for, but Sirious Stitches has a great post all about some of the options you might consider.

I don’t want to give you the whole list because you need to go visit and see all of their great biscornu they’ve stitched, but one really easy thing that you can do with a lot of designs is take advantage of that center indent by adding a button, beads, silk flower or another embellishment.

This is great to do just with a basic button from your stash that coordinates with the design and colors of the cross stitching, but it’s extra fun if you have a button that’s on theme, such as a leaf for a fall biscornu or a flower shaped button for a floral design. Add a jingle bell to a Christmas pattern, or a charm if you don’t have a button that coordinates.

Just this one idea is sure to get you thinking about ways to embellish biscornu (not to mention other cross stitch projects) but head over to Sirious Stitches to see all of their ideas for embellishing biscornu to make these already fun projects even more fun.

Have you ever made biscornu? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sirious Stitches]

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