General Chat

Whilst looking at the resources page on GC/GR i came across a webpage where you can send in a photograph and have it made into a cross stitch pattern. I thought this was a great idea and have thought about ordering one or two for christmas presents. You have to say when ordering which type of fabric you want (aida,evenweave or linen) and the type of thread (anchor, DMC or madeira).It's not something i've done much before so my question is which fabric and thread would be best? Tracey

hi tracy i cross stitch but not very experienced, i would go for aida and anchor thread as i would think the other two are for very experienced needlewomen i hope this helps sandra

Thanks Sandra, I think i'll order one. I think they'll make great stocking fillers. Tracey

Would agree with Sanrda, Aida fabric is easier to work with and has got less 'holes to the inch' - my sister does linen stuff but she needs a magnifying glass!

I think you can actually choose how many 'holes to the inch' to want to stitch as well. I suppose it's down to the individual. Tracey

Tracy She Wray does a lot of cross stitch might be worth having a word with her, she will be delighted to help I'm sure.

Thanks June, Maybe She will see the thread, if not i'll post a message for her! Tracey

Tracy , My daughter has just done this with a photograph of my grandson it is very good if you need any more info let me know as she will becoming to me this afternoon Chrissy.x

Hi Chrissy, I thought i'd get a couple done of the kids for grandparents as stocking fillers. Would you mind asking your daughter what material and thread she used? Aida and anchor have been suggested so far so i would probably get those. Tracey

Definitely go for Aida and I would choose DMC thread over Anchor as I've always found it more readily available in craft shops. On the other hand, check out your local craft stores to see which brand is the most popular in your area before making a decision......just in case you need to buy more thread if something goes wrong. Aileenx

I do quite a lot of cross stitch but have never done anything from a photo. I have seen one that my cousins did though and it did look good. Aida is the easiest to work with. As far as DMC, Anchor etc is concerned - well it depends what is available in the local shops. A good sewing shop will usually stock both so really it doesn't matter. Be careful which photo to choose though. Some have so many colours which can get expensive when buying the thread - around 35 - 40 pence each. Also it could contain quite a bit of grey/black tones which can get a little boring. Bue for anyone who wants a challenge and something a little different to the usual pictures you get then it will be fun. Jane

Hi Aileen and Jane, Thanks for your replies. I'll have to have a look in hobby craft and see what threads they have. It's not something i've done before so it'll be a challenge!! Take my mind off those elusive rellies for a while!! Tracey

If you are choosing Aida - and I would - think about the person's eyesight. 14 count Aida is the one most commonly used. 16 count has the holes closer together and I find that I can't work on it for so long unless I use a magnifier as it strains my eyes. Janice

Tracy, I have done these pictures myself of my children. Are you planning to stitch them yourself before christmas? They do take quite a while. I am experienced but it took me about 3 months to complete, for a 10 x 12 Picture. I have a cd which makes a chart from your photo, you can choose the thread type i.e Anchor/DMC. It does depend on the picture what thread you should use as the shades of colours can vary. If you want some help, you can email me your picture, and I will chart it for you, in both anchor and dmc thread, then you can see which you prefer. Happy stitching. Pat

Hi Janice and Pat, I'm hoping to get them done for christmas - better get cracking then!! LOL Pat, where did you get the CD from? Would you mind if i mailed you a couple of photos to try for me? I'd really appreciate it if you could - thanks for the offer. Tracey

Tracy, I got it from PC World. About £20. Yes send them to me. I will have a go. Pat

Thanks Pat, Have mailed you via GC now - will mail photos when i get your e-mail addy. Tracey

I wouldn't say I'm an expert but have made quite a lot of cross stitch pictures - Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Pooh Bear, and Paddington Bear. I also make a lot of guest towels to give away as presents, also hand towels. I mostly use Aida and DMC always. If I use evenweave then it's mostly for fine work with 1 thread instead of two. Sylvia

Hi Sylvia, As i've said, it's not something i've done before but i'm willing to give it a bash! Hopefully i'll get something done in time for christmas. Most people have said to use aida but there's mixed replies on which thread to use. I'll go to the craft shop and have a look at some. Tracey

I know that as a man I am not supposed to know anything but don't you think a picture like that is a little ambitious for a first attempt? I suggest that you first buy a mag like Cross Stitcher which has a free kit on the front together with full instructions. These should only take an hour or two and will give you taster before you start spending real money. Bob