Stitches

I want to do a counted cross stitch, where can I find patterns?

I have used kits before but I want to try a higher counted fabric and they don't make kits for the higher ones (at least not that I have found). Where do I find a pattern that I like and then how do I adjust it to fit the size of fabric I want? Thank you in advance. I am looking for a nice, detailed pattern of either The Grand Canyon or Utah red rock formations like the Arches. The other possibility is a golden retriever. I'm doing this for my mother and I want it to be tactful and something she can hang on the wall (not the cartoony pictures of dogs).

Public Comments

1. Try this. Take a picture of the object you want to do a cross stitch and have it enlarged to the size of the work you want to do. With any luck, you will be able to work out how many stitches of each colour you need. At one time, I thought there was a software package out there that would take the picture and pump out a pattern for you, but I have never come across one. Good luck
2. Have you checked the on line catalogs? There are many. I have just started quilting and found many websites by typing in "quilting". If you type in "cross stitch patterns" you will probably find something that appeals to you. Also AC Moore and Michael's Crafts have large selections of pattern books where you may find what you are looking for. Ellie
3. If you want to see some fabulous patterns, go to www.scarletquince.com and be prepared to be impressed. They only sell the patterns, you have to buy the fabric and floss separately. Most times when you buy just a pattern it will have a chart that says how many stitches wide and how many stitches high the pattern is and then will give the dimensions for various kinds of materials. So it will say: 14 count aida requires a piece x inches by y inches 18 count aida requires a piece ..... 28 count evenweave requires a piece...... If the pattern says it is 100 stitches wide by 200 stitches high, you just divide by the fabric count. so if the fabric count was 18, you would need 5 1/2 inches wide by 11 inches high. That would be the size of the pattern. You would normally add 2 inches on each side for framing (better too much than not enough) so now your fabric has to be 9 1/2 inches wide by 15 inches high. then you need to decide if you need some blank space around the pattern itself. If the pattern is going to go right to the edge of the frame or the end of the matt that surrounds it, then you do not need to add anything more.
4. I have found some really great patterns ( for FREE) online. Just goggle free cross stitch patterns or free patterns.com. Some are real cartoonish and corny but, others are great. many patterns will list the size your item will be using different thread counts. Look for a little box that says design area or just gives the stitch count. In that same box you may also see a type of fabric listed by the numbers such as Aida 14 or Hardanger 22. The first numbers are the fabric threat count and the next numbers are the finished design area ( like Aida 14 - 5x8 ) - this size does not include a border, it is just the design size. Usually patterns will list 3 or 4 different thread counts. Also if the pattern is designed for linen it will have a high count, such as Raw Belfast Linen ( 32 ct ) but, you stitch over two threads ( basically 16 ct ) and Aida is the number given, such as 11, 14 or 18 count ( these counts are per inch ). I have been cross stitching since 1988 and I love it, but I don't remember EVER following a pattern exactly - I always make changes that make it my own unique design. I hope this helps and I didn't leave you confused. If I can be of any more help email me and I will do whatever I can. Best of Luck.
5. I get a lot of my patterns at Hobby Lobby. They have a section of the store specifically for cross stitchers.