How I Design Cross Stitch Patterns - 2024 Update!

I'm no expert cross stitch pattern designer, but I have dabbled for many years. So here's the long awaited update to my original cross stitch pattern design video, may it be of some vague use to someone, somewhere!

Warning: Slight Eurovision overtones.

00:00 Intro
00:50 Inspiration & theme
02:35 Designing in Photoshop
04:33 Colour choice
06:08 Sample stitching
07:30 Creating the pattern - PS
09:16 Creating the pattern - WinStitch
12:15 Exporting PDFs from WinStitch
12:46 Final tweaks
13:43 Publishing
14:25 Closing thoughts

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[TheGiddyStitcher]

This video has a few rough edges but honestly, if you'd seen the state of me this week you'd understand! I hope it does actually answer some of your questions that have come in since the previous video, and also that some of you discover the wonder that is Eurovision because of me. NO RULES!

[Ariel_ButNotTheMermaid]

You mind reader! I've been pondering about making my own patterns one day! I love your humor too! Don't ever stop being your silly self! That's why I love watching you over other stitch channels

[belwynne]

I enjoy your vlogs and your sense of humor. This one did not disappoint. Good fun.

[kimakimakima]

Great guidance, and I love Finlands entry!!

[kimgarcia]

I just found your channel and i absolutely love your content! Ive been wanting to try making my own patterns so thank you sooo much for the tips and humor! 😂❤

[DebbieBuckland]

Love how you do it on the computer. I just haven't got the patience for computer so I design mine manually for myself - ie: I don't sell my patterns. I draw mine direct on grid paper with pencil and colour with coloured pencils. then I choose my colours accordingly and stitch.

[jeremyKH]

Thank's for this video, but how to create pattern that are compatible for Cross stitch saga app
I like the way you used Photoshop to create this pattern 🎉

[melissatan]

Great video btw, you are so funny and I enjoyed watching you create your own cross stitch patterns in your first video and in this latest update. But I'm thinking of making and selling my own cross stitch patterns one day in the near future. Are you able to advise on how I can design cross stitch patterns using Affinity Publisher instead of Photoshop? I can't afford to pay for the Adobe monthly subscription and I only have Affinity Publisher now, that's exactly why I'm asking. Thanks so much and I hope to hear from you soon.

[apdowell]

I highly recommend using aseprite for design work. I use it especially when I want to make a video game piece by importing the sprites to help when design. I like that you can export it in any image file and scale which I use to with flosscross since you can import pixel art.

[emilyhobbs]

I’m just started video and I’m already hyped! Love this dress!

[MiMiLovesCrochet]

Hello, I'm making my 1st afghan and decided to change stitches after each 5brows and color change. Impressed with your knowledge. Thank you. ❤

[ericathefae]

2:31 I adore how unapologetic you are about your obsessions!

[SaraiMiryam]

do you have to patient copyright the pattern?

[sarahbreed]

Love this (and your sense of humor) !

[craiggordon]

So one other thing you might want to try instead of importing you can take your image file and put it behind the grid in winstitch and color over it. I do this for store bought kits that I want to keep but you could do the same with your image file. Also has the added benefit of teaching you the software in smaller chunks so that maybe eventually you can just use it on its own without all the extra steps you’re doing today. It has a lot of good functionality with layers as well and mirroring your patterns you can create stamp like patterns as well for reusability And it even has its own iOS software for keeping track where you left off similar to pattern keeper but I’m not as familiar with that. There are tons of floss vendors in there making color choices easier. The deluxe package the have with lifetime license comes with extra floss vendors and you can even make your own

[ohrwurm]

I definitely would stitch the pants, because it is so damn hilarious!

[retrocraftdreams]

Those shorts could also appeal to Arrested Development fans...

[samvanderkooy]

Your previous video is actual how I ended up watching your videos and following you on Instagram and Ko-fi. Before I got into the business of making wire trees I made like 60-70 cross stitch patterns (mostly bookmarks before they were quick and fun), but I never managed to take the next step and try selling them on Etsy or Ko-fi or whatever. With the economy the way it is I should probably get on that, but life is also very busy and one only has so many spoons on any given day, ya know? Anyways, loved the new video! Excellent update! Love the pattern! Very amusing! Definitely gonna go check out Finland's song right now. :D

[marie-low-stresslife]

I really wanted a video about this, thank you so much Michelle! It answered all my questions! 😊

[FluffyLlamacorn]

Hmm, I have a friend who's still obsessed with last year's should have been Eurovision winner. Let's see if she's into this year's Finnish contestant as well...