Clare left a comment the other day asking about cross stitch design software but since I don't have her e-mail address and because others have asked me about it also, I think I will take a few minutes to answer here.
If you think you would like to design your own charts or even if you just like to personalize your projects, it's a great idea to get your own charting software - it is so much easier than the paper and pencil method I used to use. I use both Patternmaker and PCStitch both regular and professional versions. Each has advantages over the other so it depends on what I'm doing as to which version I use for a given project. Most of the time I use PCStitch Pro although I actually liked PCStitch 7 better. Both companies offer free trial downloads. Before you invest any money, I would suggest trying them out to see which one you like best. Patternmaker's trial version is a full version but for a very limited time (4 days) and PCStitch's is the full version but the Save feature is disabled, and you can print unmodified designs only. You might be happy with just the PCStitch Lite version which comes on the CD with the Pattern Pieces.
In the meantime, here is a link to Stitch - a completely free program that may work just fine for you. If you just want to graph things by color (not necessarily the actual DMC color numbers, etc, but by sight) this little program may be all you need. It is available in several languages as well. I have played with it only slightly, only because I already have the other programs and am used to them and haven't invested the time to do more than just try out the free program. However, it seems to work well.
I know there are other programs out there but I haven't tried them. Anyone have a different version they can recommend? I'm interested in the one that prints as virtual stitches on what looks like actual fabric, but I don't know which program that is. Any info would be appreciated.
Monday, July 28, 2008
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8 comments:
I use Easy Cross, which allows you to print out an image of what it looks like as stitches on fabric. I have the Enterprise version because I needed most of the extra features provided.
I use KX stitch which has been designed for the Linux system. It doesn't print out an image that looks like fabric though. It probably could do with a few more features, but the palette selection and converting photograph section are quite good. I would love it to do backstitch better as I quite like making up Blackwork designs. Does anybody else know of any other non micrsosoft based programs
I use MacStitch. Which is a program for macs, since that is all I run at my house. I think it is comparable to PCstitch from what I can tell. I downloaded it from the website. I don't remeber the addy, but if you google macstitch, I am sure it will pop up.
I prefer to use Pattern Maker.
Sharon, please, come visit my blog, there is a pleasant surprise for you there.
Thanks for making a whole post about software and answering my question in such detail! I made my first chart using Autocad and photoshop and it nearly drove me nuts. I might as well have stitched it up in the time it took to make the chart! I'll try one or more of these programs for next time.
I've only ever tried EZGrapher. I use it for all needlepoint stitches, not just cross stitch.
Carolyn
http://www.stitchopedia.com
An encyclopedia of needlepoint stitches…
Thanks for the links. I didn't know the free one existed and will see what it is like.
-Julie
I thank you for this great site and all the wonderful information. I used to have PC stitch. Probably their 1st version and worked on it okay but the new version I was totally lost in. I'm not computer smart anyway. So I've been searching for something to meet my needs, and be EASY. I now think I will try the free one you mentioned. It might fill the bill. I'd never heard of it before so that is why I am so pleased to learn of it.
My designing is primarily for rug hooking and punch needle embroidery work...though I've done needlepoint too...just not for a long time.
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