Making a pattern

[Kalanit]

There is a mac download on the apple site called Stitches. It is free. I don't cross stitch, but I downloaded it because I wanted to base an embroidery on a very complicated portrait so I am translating the cross stitch into my own lingo. It makes me wish I knew how to cross stitch!

[zucch3ro]

there is a free program called Artopik, i just used it to change a picture into a pattern. It does up to 300 x 300  i think.. and you can change each colour into a symbol and print out the chart.
It doesnt simplify the picture at all just puts it straigth onto a chart. I found it pretty easy to use and this is the first time i have changed a picture into a pattern.
you can dowload it here:
http://www.artopik.rksoft.sk/artopik_download.htm

i hope this helps!

[devilxkat]

Web-based pattern maker: http://www.myphotostitch.com/Home.html.

Just upload your photo and it converts the image. You can set the dimensions in inches or by stitches (150 X  120 max stitch limit though), the # of thread colors, pattern style, and can enhance/dither the photo. Resulting image is the complete graphed image + multi-page pattern.

I've only played around on the site, but the resulting images look pretty good.

[beelisty]

Does anybody have any tips or recommendations for how to create cross stitch patterns from scratch digitally without using special pattern-making software?

Is there an easy way to do it in photoshop or excel? I've found tutorials on how to make patterns from photos in photoshop, but not for regular, black-and-white pattern creating.

I've been trying to find a way to convert my pencil-and-graph paper cross stitch patterns into a neat digital format to share, but it seems to be impossible without PC Stitch or other software. This is kinda frustrating since I'm a Mac gal (and honestly wasn't impressed with the MacStitch demo), and I don't relish the thought of having to borrow a PC to make patterns.

Thank you!

maybe i'm misunderstanding the question-- could you just scan them?

[Zhad_Squad]

maybe i'm misunderstanding the question-- could you just scan them?

I could, yes, but I was hoping to find a neater way that didn't involve sharing all my eraser marks and notes, y'know?

Also, was hoping I could use it for creation rather than having to erase lines of work when I realize I'm off by a square or two. So, if ya know of anything, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

[MyPhotoStitch]

There was a discussion similar to this in this thread, and so the resources I'm mentioning are mostly from there.  From that thread:

There is a mac download on the apple site called Stitches. It is free....

I haven't tried that program, so I'm not sure if it will do what you want.

An alternative that was previously mentioned is to use an image editing program (e.g. photoshop, or a free alternative such as the GIMP), zoom way in, overlay a grid on that, and then just treat each pixel as 1 stitch.  However, if you do that make sure you save your image in a lossless format (e.g. PNG or GIF) and not as a JPEG (since jpeg's might mess some of your stitches up).

That will let you copy over and edit the pattern.  Then if you wanted, you can then feed it into one of the free online pattern makers (e.g. myphotostitch or patternsforyou) to generate something that's a little easier to read.

[MrXStitch]

I'd just nag a friend who's got PC Stitch to process it for you.
If it's a small pattern, and the person is competent, it can be turned around quite quickly.

I realise that's totally not the answer you wanted but it's a workaround.

[Zhad_Squad]

Thanks for the advice, MrXStitch and MyPhotoStitch. I'll see what I can do!:)

[hipmama1970]

Oh my goodness, I love Craftster! I knew I could come here and find what I need. Thank you all!

[HistoricalNeedle]

Here is a freeware. I dont know too much about it!!
 http://www.iktsoft.net/kgchart-en/kgchart/download/

But I use Pattern Maker from Hobbyware for the last 10 or so years and I totally love it.
I want to get the newer version soon....can make samplers more easily with the newer one.
Here is the site. They do have a trial version too. (some people say it doesnt work well with Vista tho)
http://www.hobbyware.com/