Photos2Stitch™
Photos2Stitch is a rapidly expanding web based business producing top quality cross stitch charts and kits from your own photos or pictures. Each order is processed rapidly and with individual care to ensure the best service to you. We keep you informed at every stage of the process and you pay only when you are happy with the product. Why not give Photos2Stitch™ a try today?
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There is often confusion about which Aida fabric and DMC colours to use when preparing
a cross stitch chart from a photo. This is our own guide to clarify the situation
and make selection simpler, especially if you are a first time stitcher!
Colours or threads
The number of colours or threads that make up a design do not affect
the amount of detail in the design. However, the more colours that are used the better
the chart will represent the original photo – up to a point! There are 447 thread
colours in the stranded cotton DMC range so the number of variations on a colour
such as, for example, pink are limited to maybe 15 or so. Once these shades have
been used adding more colours will not improve the image. We usually use around 50
colours for our charts. This will vary slightly as each image is optimised by hand.
Detail
The amount of detail in a cross stitch chart is influenced by only one thing
– the number of stitches in the design. The more stitches the better will be the
detail in the design. The number of stitches depends on two factors:
- the size of the chart (the larger the chart the more stitches there will be – fairly obvious!)
- the Aida fabric count or number of stitches per linear inch of fabric – the higher
the thread count the more stitches per inch. A 14 count Aida fabric will give 196
(14 x 14) stitches per square inch, whereas a 18 count Aida fabric will have 324
(18 x 18) stitches per square inch – an increase of 65%.
Of course more stitches mean more stitching! We generally recommend a design size of at least 10 x 8 inches on 16 count Aida fabric as a good compromise between detail in the design and ease of stitching. If your design is limited in size (by, for example, the need to fit an existing frame) then try and go for a higher thread count to compensate. Equally, if you are more comfortable with a lower thread count then try and go for a larger design size!
To place an order visit the order section of our website. You will be given the option to fill out an online form or you will be able to print the form and send it to us.
Guide to colours and detail
DMC st
randed cotton
DMC thread is comprised of six easily separated strands, which you separate into three lots of two strands before stitching. We supply DMC threads because they are made from the best long-staple cotton and are mercerized twice to give them exceptional sheen. The highly resistant dyes are carefully selected to ensure that the thread does not fade as a result of washing or exposure to light.
Aida Fabric
Aida fabric is manufactured with various size spaces or holes between
the warp and weft to accommodate different thicknesses of thread. These are described
by the count. For example, a 14-count Aida fabric would have 14 holes per linear
inch. Typical sizes are 14, 16 and 18 count.
Aida fabric has a tendency to fray and often needs hemming before use. It should never be laundered prior to craft work and tends to contract 1/2" to 1/4" when the finished item is washed in soap and water. Hand washing improves the appearance of finished cross-stitching because Aida fabric naturally contracts in specific areas where it is embroidered.
Design size
When choosing a size for your design bear in mind the dimensions of the original photo. You will not want us to stretch or distort the photo so, for example, a square photo will only be suitable for a 10 x 6 inch design if the image is cropped either top or bottom, or both. Let us know when ordering if you want to keep everything in the photo or whether it should be cropped to concentrate on the subject matter.
Good quality photos produce the best charts and kits.
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