The program for creating cross stitch patterns from photographs. Programs for cross stitching, and creating patterns

Cross stitch is not only an exciting hobby, but also a kind of professional activity. Craftsmen with invaluable knowledge and vast practical experience manage to get high-quality embroidery. However, many still want to work only with ready-made embroidery kits, since it is quite difficult to develop cross-stitch patterns on their own.

At the moment, special programs for cross stitching provide effective assistance in solving such problems. Their functionality is aimed at optimizing any images, photos for a specific number of crosses and color shades. There are both free programs and paid ones, accompanied by a trial period, which allows you to practically get acquainted with the functionality of the cross-stitch utilities.

PCStitch

PC Stitch is a popular cross stitch software that allows you to turn your hobby into a fun experience. The interface is self-explanatory, so you don't have to be in a tedious process of how it works. Unfortunately, such a program for cross stitching also has disadvantages, including:

lack of highlighting of the selected color;
low quality of color conversion;
English-language interface (crack is not provided).

Pattern Maker Viewer version 4.04

You can download the Pattern Maker Viewer, oriented to view and print ready-made embroidery patterns. The functionality is not intended for reformatting images, creating new diagrams, so the application is recommended to be used if ready-made interesting examples are available.

Pattern Maker Viewer allows you to change the scale, print the scheme, so that you can work with paper later.

Crestik

Crestik is a multifunctional program for creating various embroidery schemes from a photo or any image. It is enough to load the photo into the program, and within a few seconds it will automatically develop the desired card, using which you can embroider not only with a cross, but also with beads. Unfortunately, you won't be able to download Crestik for free. The developers offer several versions of the program, accompanied by different prices.

The cheapest version of the application is endowed with minimal functionality. From time to time, developers offer to purchase the application for a promotion.

Embrobox

Embrobox is an excellent utility with rich functionality. It is enough to load any picture, decide on the desired level of detail, the number of required shades, and then the utility will start the conversion process to compose understandable and convenient schemes.

The working interface of the utility is divided into several zones, so it is possible to preview and study recommendations regarding the use of thread types. With such a program, it is quite easy to create patterns for embroidery.

Stitch_Art_Easy 4.0

Stitch Art Easy is a small program suitable for experienced and novice embroiderers. The functionality of the utility allows you to convert any image, and then enlarge individual segments of the circuit in order to better see individual fragments.

If special utilities act as an assistant, the embroidery process becomes more interesting, and the result is unique.

Sooner or later, lovers of cross-stitching are faced with the question of how to make a cross-stitch pattern from a photograph. At first glance, this may seem impracticable, but everything is not as difficult as it seems. In the computer age, you do not need to sit with a pencil in your hands drawing a pattern for embroidery.

There are some photographs that you want not just to look at, but to make a masterpiece out of them. Cross-stitched favorite photos are the dream of all embroiderers. Realizing this dream requires experience with schema software.

How to make a cross stitch from a photo can be described as follows:

First you need to choose a photo that will be used for embroidery;
Then download a special program for creating circuits for free;
Then load the selected photo into the program;
Create a scheme by clicking on the corresponding button;
Wait for the diagram to download to the computer.

When developing a circuit, you need to pay great attention to the faces, especially the eyes. When examining an embroidered picture, it should attract, dispose to itself. Then it all depends on the skill of the needlewomen.

It takes a lot of patience and dedication to create a unique painting. The finished result of the embroidery will delight for a long time if the canvas is fixed in a frame.

Cross stitch from photos: ways to realize your plans

Cross-stitching from photographs is like drawing portraits, only instead of a pencil and paints - threads and needles. Creation of schemes, selection of photographs, processing with the program and the embroidery process itself are creative work. The picture-photograph can be embroidered in any color option. It can be black and white, tricolor, or full color palette.

There are several ways to create an outline for embroidering photographs and turning them into originality:

With the help of specialized programs;
Using graph paper and colored pencils;
With the help of a graphics editor photoshop.

The same should be done with the resulting circuit. It is necessary to estimate the number of colors offered by the program.

Many of them can be excluded, and, if possible, single crosses can be removed. Each of these methods will ideally translate the artistic idea into reality. Embroidery will be a great pleasure when portraits are made with soul. An embroidered portrait can be made as a gift for a wedding or anniversary, or you can simply present it as an original gift.

Original cross stitch with photographs: the secrets of success

Photos can be stored not only in photo albums, on flash drives and personal pages of websites. There is another very original way to preserve a memorable image - cross stitch with photographs. Photos should be selected without strong glare, better taken in sunny in the shade or cloudy weather. If the required photo quality simply does not exist, then you will have to carefully process the existing one.

Embroidered canvas has many advantages over ordinary photographs:

An embroidered photograph is not just an image, it is an art exhibition;
The canvas with the embroidered photograph is not afraid of getting wet;
Embroidered photographs cannot be formatted and erased;
You can always make an original copy.

Embroidered and framed photos will easily decorate any interior. The paintings will turn out to be inimitable, unique and very memorable. More than a hobby, cross stitching combines sewing needle skills with artistic drawing skills.

Realistic cross stitch: make a diagram from a photo

For the first experience of cross stitching from a photograph, it is necessary to study the whole process in detail. It is practically no different from the embroidery of other non-photographic images. The cross stitch pattern itself from the photo also does not differ from any other pattern. Although this is not just a diagram, it should convey all the facial features, his facial expressions. The face should be free of distortion and have the most natural tone.

However, it is still worth studying the stages:

It is necessary to prepare the material on which the photo will be embroidered, it is called a canvas;
Then choose the best program for creating cross stitch patterns;
Process the photo in the program and, if necessary, correct the image;
Next, select the area to be sewn;
Pick up threads;
Create a schema;
And you can start embroidering.

These are, perhaps, the most basic stages of preparation for cross stitching from a photo. The resulting scheme can be printed on a color printer, or you can embroider directly from the monitor. It is necessary to pay attention to the fabric, which is the basis for embroidery. The canvas serves as the basis for the image as well as paper for the artist.

Canvas is a soft mesh weave fabric. This type of fabric is used not only for embroidery, it is used to make bags for storing various herbs.

Learning how to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo (video)

Canvas for embroidery is not only woven fabric, but also as a plastic mesh base. There is another type of canvas - water-soluble, it is used for embroidery on fabric. After you finish embroidering, just soak the fabric in water and it will dissolve.

I don’t want to scare anyone, but I’ll say right away that preparing a good circuit will require several skills and abilities from you at once:

experience with the PhotoShop program (I don't know of any other program, how competently and efficiently it works with photo processing),
experience with the PatternMaker program (of all programs for creating patterns for cross stitching, this one showed the best results, I wrote about this already),
perseverance (of course, lovers of cross-stitching will not take it, but I can say that developing a high-quality pattern takes no less time and patience than two large cross stitches; in other words, when starting to develop a pattern, you will “embroider” it at least three times: first in a graphic editor, then in PM, and only then in reality),
vision of color (it is difficult to explain here, because the very first stage is very dependent on this skill).

Now I'm telling you how I made the embroidery from the photo myself.

The stage is preliminary.

Here you need to decide on the photo you want to embroider.

It is clear that, for example, there are more than hundreds of wedding photos, and it is very meticulous to choose the one that will look beautiful on the wall. I looked at all the photos five hundred times: I evaluated the composition, the background (at this stage you need to decide whether you will embroider it or "cut it out" in some way), the color palette, faces (after all, they will become the main objects of embroidery!), I thought, how about it all will look on the canvas ... In general, although the stage is preparatory, but here you need to be careful. I took several photos as a basis, worked with them this way and that in "Photoshop" until I was satisfied with the result. This I am already getting to the first stage.

Stage one.

Thorough study of the photo in a graphic editor.

Initially, I considered the option to embroider in black and white, or a "three-color" portrait ... (all photos can be enlarged by clicking on them with the mouse)

But, having worked a little with colors and sharpness, I realized that the option on the right was not enough for me. I wanted more. More precision, more authenticity, so to speak. That is why I started a thorough study of the color photo ...

Here I will not say exactly what tools I used in "Photoshop". But the following were definitely involved: curves, color balance, image cropping, stamp, selection of fragments and work with the color of a fragment, sharpness, posterization (this item must be done to reduce the number of colors in the final embroidery) ... Perhaps I have already forgotten something over the course time. But I “twisted” the photo until I was satisfied with the result. And I can say with confidence - I did not take this photo in one evening.

I think the difference is noticeable between the original and the photo that I then sent to the program to create an embroidery pattern?

When the result of photo processing is satisfactory for you, be sure to save it in jpg format. And then, opening the saved file, resize the image to 200 pixels per inch and save it as a separate file. It is with this that you will work in PatternMaker. And this is the second stage.

Stage two.

You can take any program, I in no way impose my opinion on you, but personally for my needs the already named PatterrnMaker came up.

In fact, it can also process the image in some way to simplify your work with the further scheme, but still its arsenal is very limited. Therefore, you should not neglect the first step if you take a difficult job - a portrait. For simpler pictures (like my dragon diagram), you can skip the first step.

When uploading a photo to the program for the first time, she will ask you about your main wishes about the size of the future embroidery, the canvas count, the number of colors and other important parameters ... Honestly, I wanted to make a detailed review of working in this program, but this too need time. I'll put it in my plan and this year I'll try to prepare something like a master class on the main stages of work in PM. So, having loaded the photo into the program for creating a diagram, you are almost halfway to your idea! That is, now you have one more, penultimate, but also important stage - the third.

Stage three.

Working with the resulting circuit.

When you see the result of exporting the original, don't be alarmed. Looks, of course, a little creepy. But there you can see how the work looks in different forms - just experiment with the buttons. The program gives you the opportunity to see how the work will look in the form of a picture, in "sewn" form and in the form of black and white and color symbols.

I strongly advise first of all to check the number of colors - usually the program gives too many similar shades and "extra" colors - which are used in the scheme with only 1-2 crosses. In my case, the program produced 62 shades of colors. Using the capabilities of the program, I, switching the selection modes of one color, was able to get rid of the extra 20 (!) Shades. This, you see, is decent. Of course, the result is also impressive - 42 colors. But here you have to choose: either you take fewer flowers and have large “gaping” fragments; or take more colors and get better image fidelity. In fact, the same story happens with the size of the cross (count) - if you set the size to 11, you will get huge crosses and work half a meter wide ... I had the scheme on the smallest 18 count, and I generally embroidered on a uniform of the same size.

At this stage, you also have to tinker: carefully choose the shades to be removed, check the number of single crosses and, if possible, remove a large number of them. I will say right away - I just had a huge number of "singles" in the original version, but a good part of them remained - because sometimes even one cross matters. And for that, taking one step, I had to check the quality of the image, switching between views, and then take a step back ... How long I danced like that I can't say. But then time went on for months.

It was at the stage of working with this program that I got the idea to embroider the background in a half-cross. As you can see in the photo, I even tried this idea.

But then she refused. Firstly, it took a very long time and carefully to do "busting from cross to half cross" (perhaps I still do not know the program's capabilities so well), and secondly, I was simply scared - how could I not get confused and fasten the thread? And the option of a translucent canvas through a half-cross was also not acceptable for me. In general, having estimated all these pros and cons, I still gave up my idea. But for which I am grateful to the program: it gave me the opportunity to experiment.

So, when your image is turned into a scheme, and again you are satisfied with the number of colors, the quality of the image, the crucial moment will come: saving the scheme.

Stage four.

Saving the resulting pattern for subsequent embroidery

In fact, as it turned out, everything is not so simple here either. The fact is that the program, of course, is equipped with an "import" button and creates a separate text file for you with a key, where all the colors of the palette and the size of the canvas are registered, and in another jpg file it will create the scheme itself ... But it is at this stage that you have to decide : where and how will you embroider? I know that some embroiderers work directly from the screen. This is not a valid option for me.
You also need to try to find a color printer that will print the scheme for you in color - after all, the dimensions of the embroidery sometimes do not fit into the size of one A4 sheet.

What did I do. I kept the black and white symbolic scheme with the key. Then I opened this file in my favorite "Photoshop", and literally manually split the file into 8 A4 sheets, making sure to duplicate fragments at the joints of the sheets, so that later you could find what to attach to what.

Then I printed it out on a regular printer. The size of the circuit came out impressive. But this happened because I made the symbols on the diagram rather large to make it easier to work with them. But even then I had to draw on the diagram - I usually do without this "coloring" of the source material - because the number of characters per square centimeter was simply enormous.

In addition, I saved these fragments as separate pictures, so that later I could print a second (or even a third) copy - after all, it was supposed to work for more than one year and you never know what could happen to the diagram. Fortunately, I didn't get a secondary seal.

Of course, from time to time I still had to open the saved color version of the scheme (I showed the photo in the second stage), but these were episodic cases.

Yes, and I almost forgot: don't forget to print the key!

Now everything is ready for cross stitch pictures.

And here are my results: on the left - the original image (the one that became original after the first stage), in the middle - the scheme in color, as suggested by the program, on the right - a ready-made embroidered portrait.

It should be noted that the program was able to select the color scheme quite reliably. I simply did not dare to do the selection of colors manually. It might have been worth a try though. But I'll try it another time. In the meantime, I am very happy with the result.

And when my husband and I presented this portrait with threads to those who are depicted on it, the guys did not even immediately realize that it was cross stitch! For me, this was the best praise for my long and painstaking work.

Below is a list of 6 best programs designed to help cross stitch enthusiasts create their own designs, as well as convert existing images into cross stitch patterns.

"Cross 2.0"

A really good and convenient program (its website is a cross.rf program) for creating embroidery patterns from photographs or images!

On the one hand, the program is quite simple, understandable and convenient: if you don’t want to figure it out, you can simply load the desired photo into it, indicate the size and number of colors right there and select the floss manufacturers for which the scheme will be selected (DMC / Kirov PNK / Gamma / Riolis / Anchor / Madeira). And that's all - in principle, after that, with the received scheme and key card, you can come to the store, buy the necessary floss and sit down at the embroidery the same day!

On the other hand, "Cross" has all the necessary functionality for editing circuits obtained in automatic mode. Deleting single stitches, adding and removing colors to the scheme, finalizing the scheme for individual stitches - all these and other necessary editing tools are also present in the "Cross".

The main window of the "Cross" program - creating a diagram from a photo of a baby

By the way, the program is executed entirely in Russian, has instructions, video tutorials and technical support (e-mail, phone and a consultant on the site) also in Russian!

Probably this is the only program currently available on the market for programs for cross stitching, which the authors have not abandoned, but are actively refining and developing. You can simply write a letter to the authors with a proposal to improve the program (the contacts are indicated on the program's website) - and if your idea turns out to be worthwhile, in a couple of weeks wait for the program to be updated with the revision you need. By the way, the program is fully automatically updated from the Internet to the latest version every time you start it.

Get to know all the features of the program on its website:
program-cross.rf

It is probably the most widely used software product in the embroidery world. His idea is to convert the image into a model consisting of cross stitches, retaining all the details and at the same time simplifying the image. This idea has gained significant success among cross stitchers of various skill levels.

Pros:

The program is easy to use.
It has an intuitive interface with easy-to-understand cross stitching functions.
The file size of the created embroidery designs is much smaller compared to other software.
While these pros have helped win this program so many fans, its uncomplicated toolbar has some significant drawbacks.

Minuses:

There is no highlighting of the selected color even in the professional version of PCStitch.
It is quite difficult to look for individual stitches in the chart if you need to remove any color.
The color scheme is slightly tilted towards the red side of the spectrum.

Summary: This is a good solution if you have just started to design cross stitch patterns using software. PCStitch's feature set is basic, while the end result is sometimes moderately acceptable.

Cross Stitch Professional Platinum

This software is used to create unique custom cross stitch patterns. The program offers another function, it is converting digital photos into embroidery patterns. The program creates a complete circuit that does not require additional editing.

Pros:

Cross Stitch Professional has automatic digitizing: just draw or scan an image and the software will do the rest.
The program offers a visualization of the finished work, a diagram and a thread layout.
There are 5 versions of the program: three for manual embroidery and two with the function of creating digital patterns for embroidery machines.
This ensures accurate color reproduction.
The latest software also allows the use of CMYK notation for colors, a custom stitch editor, etc.

Minuses:

A complex set of tools that takes some time to learn.
Relatively high price.

Summary: This is a good program that allows you to make high-level circuits. In addition, this program renders colors accurately. For beginners, it can seem difficult due to the sheer number. functions

Pattern Maker for Cross Stitch

Unlimited image export options and extensive tooling make this cross stitch software one of the most complete versions on the market right now. The program covers all stages of creating a cross stitch design.

Pros:

The Foreground function allows you to select the priority colors that are required for the foreground of the cross stitching pattern.
You can select all the stitches in the color you want.
This program can be used for machine sewing.

Minuses:

The color gamut deviates slightly towards the red side of the spectrum.

Summary: Surely, this program will be the best choice for people who make their own embroidery designs from scratch.

PM Stitch Creator

This is a great choice for people who are creating their own cross stitch patterns. This program also offers an extensive set of image conversion tools for JPEG and Photoshop.

Pros:

With PM Stitch Creator you can view your paintings as block colors, threads, or a visualization of the result of the stitching.
The program has a navigator help for users, which explains the various functions of the program.
Has an easy-to-use user interface.

Minuses:

This is a relatively long time to familiarize yourself with the program.

Summary: This is an obvious choice for people who make their own circuits. The assistant, which is included in the software package, should facilitate the learning process for beginners.

PixelStitch

This cross stitch software is not as popular as the others. This program offers all the basic functions, however, it is worth paying attention to.

Pros:

All basic functions are included.
Conversion of images to outline is included.

Minuses:

This program is not widely used, you may experience file compatibility issues for this program.
The price is relatively high.

Summary: It's definitely worth considering getting a free trial before buying.

Now you know there are good cross stitch software on the market. Use this guide to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Cross stitching is not just a hobby, but also the professional activity of some people. It requires special knowledge, experience in creating cross stitch patterns and a whole lot of material. To facilitate this process, special programs have been created that allow you to optimize any images for the required number of colors and elements - crosses.

Trial versions of embroidery software (limited, paid)

Free cross stitch software

- a good utility for Windows, which stands out for its very rich functionality. It has almost everything to turn an image into an understandable scheme. Users note that this is one of the best programs of its kind. And this is confirmed by the high rating and the mass of reviews.

The Embrobox working interface is divided into several zones. This allows any person to understand it. The first zone is a thumbnail of the loaded image showing the general view. The second shows a smaller section. The third one focuses on the item being embroidered. The fourth differs from the previous ones in that the colors are indicated in it, the desired characteristics of the thread are signed.

This embroidery program works very simply: you just need to load an image, select the level of detail and the number of shades, and then start converting. As a result, you will receive a convenient and understandable diagram.

This miniature cross stitch software is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. Its functionality allows you to transform any images into digital schemes. From a number of similar programs, it can be called one of the best utilities.

By loading the image into the Stitch Art Easy! Window, you can select the existing set of threads (DMC or others), and then get an understandable scheme. Among analogs, this program is distinguished by its simplicity of working with the finished image. In it, you can enlarge individual segments in order to understand them better. Stitch Art Easy can be downloaded for free in Russian, and then enjoy its functionality.

The program interface is very similar to Microsoft products (Excel, Word, and so on), which makes it more understandable and familiar to the user's eye.