Cross Stitch Software Programs

Mark Smith

unread,

Aug 9, 2003, 9:47:26 PM8/9/03

to

I am planing to buy a software program to chart some designs, including
scanned photographs. I know that there are a number of programs at varoius
prices, but I seek some guidance or recommendations from any users out
there.

I hope this is the right Newsgroup to ask in.

Mark Smith
Canberra Australia

emerald

unread,

Aug 9, 2003, 10:38:16 PM8/9/03

to

"Mark Smith" <mar...@cyberone.com.au> wrote in message
news:3f35a42d$1...@news.comindico.com.au...

> I am planing to buy a software program to chart some designs, including
> scanned photographs. I know that there are a number of programs at
varoius
> prices, but I seek some guidance or recommendations from any users out
> there.

Hi Mark,

There is a free program which might be useful to try before you make any
purchases:
http://www.dsv.su.se/~henrikbe/stitch/

You can also download free trials of
PC Stitch http://www.pcstitch.com/
Patternmaker http://www.hobbyware.com/
Easy Graph http://www.easygrapher.com/
Compucrafts http://www.compucrafts.com/
Easy Cross http://www.easycross.co.uk/
Ilsoft http://www.ilsoft.co.uk/

It might be best to have a look at some of these and see how they work
within the framework of what you have in mind. I think the main thing to
remember is that direct photo-to-chart transfers always need a bit of
"tweaking" in order to get rid of some oddly transposed colours.

Hope this helps,
emerald

Ceredwynn (remove the bad robot to reply)

unread,

Aug 9, 2003, 10:48:35 PM8/9/03

to

I personally like pcstitch... www.pcstitch.com. I've tried this one and
photxpro, and I must say of the two, I definitely prefer pcstitch. It has
more flexibility, and the page number set up of the charts make much more
sense.

hth

"Mark Smith" <mar...@cyberone.com.au> wrote in message
news:3f35a42d$1...@news.comindico.com.au...

Addie

unread,

Aug 10, 2003, 12:19:51 AM8/10/03

to

I use PMStitch Creator, but I've readjusted ALL of the colour values based
on a scan of the DMC Colour card. It's made a big difference. I found that
with the original colours, everything had a green tinge, but now that's not
the case.

I do recommend trying out different programs and making a good list of the
features you like and don't like with each one.

Addie

"Mark Smith" <mar...@cyberone.com.au> wrote in message
news:3f35a42d$1...@news.comindico.com.au...

NEWS

unread,

Aug 10, 2003, 7:06:21 AM8/10/03

to

The “PC Stitch” software allows me to design by own patterns or import
scanned images. I’m amazed at how well it works with imported images. The
program creates a cross-stitch pattern from the image. It allowed me to
change the colors, pick the stitch count, calculate the fabric size, etc.
You can purchase the software at
http://www.pcstitch.com/Purchase/Purchase.html. In addition, if you go to
http://www.patternsonline.com/, you will be able to buy patterns to import
directly into the program. I hope this helps.

--
Anita's Tried & True Recipes
http://www.anitasrecipes.com

Dianne Lewandowski

unread,

Aug 10, 2003, 8:33:50 AM8/10/03

to

I've tried most of them. The best mid-priced ranged, in my opinion, is
PatternMaker Pro by HobbyWare. Emerald gave addresses for several
sites. You can download demos and decide what's right for you.

There is one from the UK that is better, but it also costs a lot more.
I'd definitely download the demos and experience firsthand what they do.

Comments are relevent about color values. Everyone's printer and
monitor sees colors differently. If you know how to calibrate them,
you're well on your way. You may have to adjust individual (or all)
floss colors for your situation. But that is a problem for all the
software companies, not just one of them.

I love PM Pro's ability to design "new" stitches and use them on a
pattern. You're not limited to the normal cross, Fr. knot and
backstitch. I designed an ornament and it made it so easy to add
specialty stitches.

Dianne

Darla

unread,

Aug 10, 2003, 8:11:57 PM8/10/03

to

On Sun, 10 Aug 2003 02:38:16 GMT, "emerald" <ejk...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

Those odd colors showing up in scanned stuff, I've read somewhere, are
because the camera's "eye" doesn't function as the human eye-brain
does. The brain knows that (for example only) spot of chartreuse in
the human face isn't *really* there, and compensates for it,
integrating it into what we end up seeing, according to our brains.
The camera can't do that integration, so it shows up there, where it
hasn't any right to be.
Darla
Sacred cows make great hamburgers.

PaulaB

unread,

Aug 10, 2003, 10:19:31 PM8/10/03

to

I got the regular PatternMaker program last spring and I really like
it. You can also manage to do specialty stitches with the regular
version but I suspect it's a bit more unwieldy than the Pro version.
And Mark (I think that's his name!) who owns the business and wrote
the program, is just great as far as tech support goes - helpful,
prompt, friendly, and interested. I haven't had time to do much with
mine lately but as soon as school starts (two more weeks) and the kids
are gone, I will!
NAYY, just a satisfied customer, Paula B.

Dianne Lewandowski <dia...@heritageshoppe.com> wrote in message news:<3F363BAE...@heritageshoppe.com>...