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Hello
I'm just starting with cross stitch and want to start small. I have some plastic key rings of the type that you press the back in to keep your picture/cross stitch in.
I have 14 count aida and a good mix of coloured thread, I have done a couple of kits but what I'd really like to do is design my own. I have an app on my ipad which you can use to design patterns but I have trouble with shading on flowers and difficulty designing in general.
Any help you can give would be great.
Bobble

Small keyring + 14ct.. there's not a lot of room to work with. I don't really think shading would be necessary. I keep small designs simple.

Would 18 count be better?

18 ct would be smaller x's.. 18 stitches to the inch vs. 14 stitches

I am thinking your keychain is small.. an inch or two rectangle? So, take a look at how much room you have to stitch. Theres not much room to play with. (unless you have a larger keychain than what I've done)

When I've done keychains, I've just done a simple monogram in a single color, a key in a gold metallic, a music note, a 4 leaf clover. Simple, basic designs... because of the space issue.

right thanks
there are 20x25 stitches, the key rings are 35x50mm so you are right i should think.
i should be able to make my own designs on small pieces shouldn't I?

Oh yeah.. you could do your own. Or look at other designs.. and pull a single item from that. A lot of samplers would have small motifs that might fit that space. Or small border designs.. flowers, or knotwork, geometric diamonds, or circles. You will be able to find many alphabets for doing single initials that would fit that space. Or just do a random polka dot pattern with threads that look good together.. each one unique.

When I do my own, I just grab my pad of graph paper and start doodling. I draw my outline in ink, then use a pencil to draw out what I want to do.

I have just started cross stitching myself and designing my own patterns. I pull from other patterns and make it my own. As long as you like it, that's all that matters.

Just remember that if you us an existing design you have to get permission from the original designer before you offer it for sale or trade. You of course can use any altered patterns for personal stuff but due to copyright you can not use it for profit or trade it as an original design unless you get written permission first.