Cross-Stitch

Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint

Tips for Changing Colors in a Cross Stitch Project

by

It’s pretty common to use the same colors in a cross stitch project as those that are used in the chart, but sometimes you might want to change a color or two in a design.

It’s not always as easy as just swapping in whatever colors you like that you have in your stash. It’s helpful if you can compare the colors you want to change with the colors used in the original design to make sure they are similar in tone.

Check out this tutorial and video at Peacock and Fig for more information about how to make the best choices when substituting colors in different projects.

[Photo: Peacock and Fig.]

Have you read?

Designer Spotlight: Stitching Elf Store

Stitching Elf Store is a small Etsy shop based in Ukraine with patterns that tend toward the floral, with lots of Christmas patterns and a few cats along the way, too. 

The largest category in the shop is “flowery pattern,” which includes floral designs, samplers and a few seasonal projects with text. I liked this Enchanted Poppies design because it reminds me of the colors of Ukraine. 

The pattern is 68 by 145 stitches and uses 24 colors, thanks to the kind of watercolor effect of the petals and leaves. On 14 count fabric it comes out to 4.9 by 10.4 inches, or 12.3 by 26.3 cm. 

Another large collection is Christmas patterns, which is heavy on sampler style designs, a couple of Christmas trees with different designs in the layers, some Christmas-themed biscornu patterns and a stocking with a chat and a bird on it. 

Other pattern highlights include a scattering of Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter patterns. The simply flowers series includes large, graphic flowers in bold colors. There are two sampler projects with a bird and a cat along with traditional flowers, and the purr cats patterns include larger cats with big, fluffy tails and more big, bold flowers. 

I particularly like the St. Patrick’s Day designs that feature shamrocks and thistles and Irish blessings. They’re traditional looking but also different enough to be interesting, if that makes sense. 

You’ll also find a few more biscornu patterns (see more about biscornu here) and a couple of Ukrainian floral bookmarks. 

The patterns are pretty, with a mix of traditional designs and more modern designs. Give them a look over at Stitching Elf Store on Etsy. 

Do you have a favorite cross stitch designer (or design patterns yourself) who should be in the spotlight? Let me know by leaving a comment with their shop link and a little bit about why you love them. 

[Photo: Stitching Elf Store]