Hi this is something I would like to try with my kids picture but cant find any really good tutorials on how to make the pattern? I have several software programs that do this but they are a bit hard to figure out because of floss color and resolution of the picture? so if anyone has done this and has any tips I would be greatful thanks......kat

Kat,
This site may help.
http://laydenwithstitches.4t.com

I have a pattern making software program and it has an option that you can just import the image into the program and it will make all the necessary color choices for you. I bought it about 3 years back and there are updates on the web on occasion. Look through your programs and see if this is an option. The only problem that I have found is that there is no backstitching. In the patterns I have made for myself from a picture I had to add in the backstitch but that is done using some of the colors that are already suggested by the machine. Just a thought hope this helps in some way.

What software program do you use Rose?
I have found that Pattern Maker is the best choice for me. I have had this program for about 3 years too and am still learning to use all of its features. I don't know of any program that automatically adds backstitching.
I wish there was one. You have to have a sharp eye know just exactly where to insert the backstitching. I really like your suggestion on using a colour that's already in your pallette rather than outlining in plain black. Sometimes that just makes the design cartoonish.

I have compiled some questions and answers about photos to cross-stitch at this link that may help too.

http://laydenwithstitches.4t.com/custom3.html
Regards,
Elaine

The program that I have is called PC Stitch Version 6. It is a very user friendly program and I have made or revised many patterns with it. My dad used to make the patterns for me and my mom when we needed something that was not on the market. He could take a picture and turn it in to a beautiful pattern. Unfortunately he passed this time last year. So know I have to make do with my own talents. Not as good as he was but most the time at least passable. There are some things I just can't seem to get right and know I have to look for someone with the talent to help.

Rose, you will get better at it the more you do it. Are these programs just for PCs? (I have a Mac.)

Rose,
There are several types of plastic transparent grids that correspond to various fabric counts that might also be helpful to you. The one I use is explained at this site
http://www.transgraph-x.com/index.html
These grids have often made it easier for me to visualize a design.
You can even put them over top of the drawing or image on your scanner, print it and you have an instant chart. You have to pick all the colours though.

Elaine

Serinade,
Here are a couple of Mac programs that I know of. I use Windows so have never tried these programs but maybe some other Mac users will post on this thread and let you know what they think of these programs.

CompuCrafts-StitchCrafts Pro
http://www.compucrafts.com
Ursa software
http://www.ursasoftware.com
Stitch Painter
http://cochenille.com/stitch.html

Elaine

I know that my dad used a MAC. It was what he had learned on and so he just stayed with it. It was a very old program and I don't recall what the name of it was but the above links should help you out. I have heard they are good but since I don't use a MAC I wouldn't know.

Macs are great, but I won't bore you with their wonderfulness. Using is believing!

Anyway, I do run Windows, but not all software out there can run on Macs. Guess it's something of a niche market, and many designers and programmers only write for PCs. That may be about to change -- some bright spark decided that it was now "worthwhile" to write a virus for Macs. We used (smugly) to be a virus-free zone. Alas, no more.

Thanks for these URLs. I'll check them out.