Advanced Cross-stitch Pattern Creator

Cross-stitch is counted-thread embroidery, composed of X-shaped stitches using different colors of threads, thus producing a pattern or picture. It is an old form of embroidery used to decorate household linens. Today, it evolved to be an embroidered home craft for wall decorations. Yet, many people still use cross-stitch like the old way.

Distinct from other forms of cross-stitch, this is called counted cross-stitch. For example, the stamped cross-stitch has the designs printed on the fabric where the stitcher stitches over the printed pattern.

Today, computer-programmers have created various programs for cross-stitch patterns. Such high technology enables you to create a personal cross-stitch design such as family pictures.

The Creative Design Chart Maker 1.2.0 is a software application that creates design for not only cross-stitch but also knitting, beadwork, and patchwork. This application has an easy-to-use tools and interface. It can be opened from any screen, where you can set a definite grid size. In addition, it is also programmed for custom colors aside from the available standard ones. The price of this application is only $30.

Another software application is the PanoGraph 1.07. This is more expensive at a price of $39.95. This user-friendly application allows a creation of cross-stitch patterns of snapshots and panoramic images at bmp and jpg formats. Moreover, PanoGraph 1.07 has both automatic and manual choices for image stitching.

The PM Stitch Creator 3.0 is a more advanced program compared to the aforementioned two applications. This program creates a stitch pattern directly from an image file, scanned photo, or downloaded pictures from digital camera. It also allows manual editing of stitch patterns such as the color and text through virtual needle and tools.

The PM Stitch Creator 3.0 has a user-friendly interface and accessible tools like advanced printing options and usability enhancements. This program is worth $49.

With a much higher price worth $52, the PhotoFit Harmony 1.4 has more superior features than the former program. It can create one stitch pattern with single panorama from separate pictures and various panoramas.

PhotoFit Harmony also offer advanced automatic tools such as automatic focal length detection, automatic distortion cancel, perfect perspective revision, and color adjustment system. It also has a built-in thumbnail viewer that allows easy selecting of images.

The global popularity of making such home craft led to creation of not only software application but also establishment of cross-stitch guilds that offer classes and other social networking activities.