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Reviews of Cross Stitch Charting Software

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I have been doing a little more cross stitch design this year, and while I generally start by drawing out my patterns by hand on graph paper, eventually I want them to be prettier and easier to read than a hand drawn chart would be.

Because I’m also a knitwear designer, I actually bought a program that makes knitting charts, which I can use for really basic charts. And by really basic I mean single color, whole stitches only. I could show blocks of different colors but they wouldn’t be different symbols if someone wanted to print the chart in black and white. I also can’t add things like back stitching or French knots.

So I’ve been thinking about whether I need to get some design software that was specifically made for cross stitch. Luckily lots of professional designers have used cross stitch programs before me and are willing to share what they have learned.

Gathered asked five professional cross stitch designers to try and review five different cross stitch design programs, including one specifically for Macs, two for PCs, one that’s an app, and one, StitchFiddle (probably the most popular one out there) that’s a cloud-based program you access via a website.

It’s not quite the same as getting reviews of all the programs from the same person, but these reviews are good overviews of the features of the programs. They touch on the different thread and symbol options, key features, how importing photos into the program works and their verdict on how the program works and who it is best for. The prices are listed in pounds since Gathered is a UK publication.

You can check out all the reviews on their website. It was interesting for me to read all of these. Since I use both a Mac and a PC, I could use any of these, but I have to figure out where I’d want to design more often to determine which one is best to buy (or I could use StitchFiddle anywhere). 

If you have experience with any of these cross stitch design patterns I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo from Cross Stitch Professional Platinum, via Gathered]

 

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The Art of Embroidery Design: A Workshop for Developing Your Own Original Stitching

Christi Johnson’s “The Art of Embroidery Design” offers a comprehensive and inspiring guide for both novice and experienced embroiderers aiming to develop their own unique designs. Building upon her previous work, “Mystical Stitches,” Johnson provides a structured approach to the design process, emphasizing creativity and personal expression.

The book is organized into clear, manageable sections that guide readers through the design process:

Developing a Vision: Johnson encourages readers to explore their personal inspirations, fostering a deeper connection to their work.

Choosing a Color Palette: Guidance is provided on selecting colors that resonate with the intended design, enhancing visual appeal.

Using Variations in Line Weight: Techniques are introduced to create dimensionality and texture, adding depth to embroidery pieces.

Achieving a Range of Textural Effects: The book explores various methods to incorporate diverse textures, enriching the tactile quality of the designs.

 

Practical Exercises: Hands-on sketching and stitching exercises are included to build confidence and refine design skills.

Cultural Inspirations: The book showcases historical examples from artisans in Mexico, India, Peru, China, Nigeria, and more, offering a global perspective on embroidery traditions.

Artist Profiles: Profiles of contemporary embroidery artists provide insights into diverse creative processes and styles.

Visual Appeal: Dozens of colorful photographs of Johnson’s own work, along with inspiring examples from various artists, enhance the book’s aesthetic value.

Early reviews from platforms like NetGalley highlight the book’s impact:

One reviewer noted, “Christi Johnson has done it again in this beautifully detailed book… The book is absolutely beautiful with stunning pictures of Johnson’s work and inspiration pieces.”

Another reviewer mentioned, “This is not a book of patterns (there are many of those) but rather about taking inspiration from nature, fabrics and textures to create one’s own patterns even if you can’t draw.”

“The Art of Embroidery Design” serves as an invaluable resource for those looking to infuse their embroidery projects with personal creativity and cultural richness. Johnson’s structured approach, combined with her emphasis on individual expression, makes this book a must-have for anyone interested in the art of embroidery design.

In summary, Christi Johnson’s latest work offers a comprehensive and inspiring guide for both novice and experienced embroiderers aiming to develop their own unique designs.