I want to buy a program that will enable me to design my own cross-stitch patterns. I wonder if anyone out there has tried any of those available, and if they have any advice for me. Many thanks.
This isn't an answer about computer software for cross stitch, but a helpful suggestion for all you "Cross-Stitchers" out there. When looking for computer software, books or patterns for cross stitch don't only search in the "Cross stitch" area also look at patterns made for Bead Loom's, Rug Hooking & Fair Isle style of Knitting Designs & also designs created for knitting machines too! (You can NOT use designs for the "Peyote Stitch" style of beading as these grids are stacked like "Bricks") When I used to make things on a bead loom, I would sometimes get my patterns from Cross Stitch books. Of course you won't have the exact number of the floss color needed, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the difference between dark, medium & light green or other colors in a pattern. So live a little & let your imagination run wild!
If you cross stitch so seldom you see no need to buy software, here's a way to change a photo into cross stitch. If it's day time you can use your window or simply turn your TV to a channel where there is no picture (or use a lightbox) then set you photo down & put your graph paper over it & copy the main outlines. I, myself like to use side views of birds & animals. Once I had a friend draw a side view of an appaloosa horse rearing up, I then copied this onto graph paper by tracing over it with a piece of small-grid graph paper, then beaded a tiny detailed pouch style necklace with a tiny appaloosa on it. Graph paper comes in all sizes & if you can't find a piece large enough, you can tape them together or even print your own graph paper to make cross stitch & other kinds of patterns. Here's several links:
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