Transferring chart design to canvas??

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:41 am

Hi everyone, I'm really new to this and would like to know the secret of transferring a large complex pattern to the blank canvas. It all seems a daunting process for a large scale piece - any tips???

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:58 am

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

Starting with a blank canvas can be a bit daunting, especially if you are new to the technique. There are a few ways of tackling starting a piece, but basically (if I'm understanding you correctly) it all boils down to two methods:
(1) either find the centre (usually marked on your design, and easy to find on your fabric by folding it into quarters) and start stitching from there or
(2) carefully measure up and start in the top left hand corner of the design.

For cross-stitch, hardanger or tapestry designs it isn't necessary to literally transfer the pattern. Some people prepare fabric by basting in threads every 10 stitches (not me!

). This forms a grid pattern like the one on your design pattern which can be very useful.

Does that help at all? I think we must have a thread about this. Surely!

And it's called "How do you start" (fancy that!)

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:23 pm

i tried the making a grid thing and it too sooooo long!
so i fold it in quarters and start in the middle..
i also tried to measure and start at the top but i was off by 2 inches..made framing hard!

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:55 pm

Thanks for the advice and the welcome! The main focal point in the work is a woman sitting in a chair just off centre, if I start with her (if she doesn't look realistic the whole thing will die horribly) and work my way out, that would be using the same principle too. Keeping track of the parts done and not done will be quite a feat. I usually paint and thought this would be easy...WRONG, its a whole art form to itself!!!!

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:19 am

Yes, it is a different art form, but you will soon be 'painting' with stitches.
If your main figure is just off centre, then count out carefully to the place you are happy to start. And then count it out again. The first stitch is always the most fraught.

(Coffee_freak is right: it's easy to start in the wrong place and jeopardise framing!)
It isn't called 'counted' cross stitch for nothing.

But remember, if it isn't going the way you thought or not in quite the right place, you can always rip it all out and start again. Can't do that with canvas and paint!

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:05 am

Many thanks for the help - this will test out just how much patients I have

Count twice - stitch once!!! Got it!!!

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:30 am

here's what I do to help w/ keeping track of what's done and what's not...

if the pattern has black symbols then i photocopy this and keep it on a clipboard and use a highlighter to mark what i've done.

if it is color, same thing but use a black marker.
it takes time to mark it off but it has been a real lifesaver to me.

just be careful that none of the marker rubs off on your hands then your fabric! that happened to me b4

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:24 am

Welcome to the forum. I hope we can help you out to get started.

Both ladies have given you some very good advice. I always start in the middle and work my way to the subjects face. That of course is just how I do it and if you chose to work it differently then that is best for you. Yes count twice, or three times or even four to make sure you are were you should be. Then stitch.

I make 4 copies of a pattern most times one is set aside and will be used for the end when I need to back stitch. One is ready with my pattern, I have a stand and metal board that I use to keep my patterns ready and at eye level. Some people used highlighters to mark off I use a pencil to mark mine then if it there is a mistake I can erase and go back. But remember I still have 2 back up copies. That means that if it is a large pattern then after I have been marking and erasing and marking it can get a bit blurred so then I take a bit of time and I make one of the back up copies and go on. This I have found is best for me and is only a suggestion to consider. However you decide to stitch is up to you, what feels right for you is usually the best way to go.

Good luck and check in often we would love to here of your progress and if you have a problem we are here to help.

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:32 am

Thanks C_F and Rose, I better make quite a few photocopies in that case!! My next greatest problem will be finding all the different shades to replicate the colours. Looking at the chart of the original painting that its taken from, there's many transparencies and saturations of the one colour to find, could take me years just to get them together.

Yes I know, I've bitten off more than I can chew....I like to be challenged!!!

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:47 am

wow that is quite a piece you're going to tackle!

good luck and you should photo your progress! would love to see it!

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:55 am

Be glad to...I've been reading thru the other posts and have found it of great help. Its always nice to hear how other people tackle similar problems...the ones that books just don't tell you about. Many thanks to all...Julie

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:35 am

Whew! That's a lovely piece and a challenge for an experienced stitcher.

Are you computer literate? There are some excellent programs available for converting pictures to a stitchable design. Some are very sophisticated and have hundreds of colours available (if that's what you want!). Our resident expert is laydenwithstitches, who started a thread dealing with this subject.

Or try this: www.cochenille.com/stitch.html#overview

Also, if this picture isn't an original of yours, you'd be wise to explore any copywrite implications...

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:02 pm

My understanding of any copyrights is that as long as you are the only one using the chart and you do not share it or try to sell it(the chart) then you are ok. You can make a cross stitch for your own personal project.

I would send a pm to laydenwithstitches also she is very good at the converting and has many good ideas. She is a good referance source.

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:44 am

I bought this chart from an internet auction site...I didn't even think about copyright!!! You can rest assured that I won't sell it on or copy it for others. I've looked at the software that makes charts. I'm pretty sure I can do the same thing with Photoshop. I'll have to have a "muck about" with it but I have created a similar effect before by accident. You're right about me not having experience but I have an analytical mind and heaps of patience, I may be old and grey by the time I've finished it but I'll get there

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:50 pm

Well then, you'll be just all the rest of us and our UFOs!

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:49 am

UFO's???

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:26 am

Un Finished Objects

(Of which I have many.

)

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:33 am

This is the year of finishing all the ufo's. They drive me crazy, I started a cross stitch for my daughter when she was first born, she's now 16 and I'm just finishing it for her now!! That's what started me off again. More cross stitch projects for me, its better than watching telly

!

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:43 pm

No, no.

You only finish her baby cross stitch when she's about to graduate from university or get married. That is, at the same time you have to start a whole new piece for her next milestone.

eckles · Post by **eckles** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:25 am

and I thought it was just me...it took me 15 years to finish her quilt, hand stitched, but I did finish it! I have my chairs reupolstered, jumpers finished, cushions quilted...2007 what a year! Received my large cross stitch chart of the lady & dog today, if my eyes hold out I think I might just make it