Marion Hernandes

Have you ever found a great cross-stitch pattern only to be discouraged by the fact it was the wrong color scheme?  Or maybe you want a pattern that fits a certain ethnic group?  How about a pattern of a specific size?  Do not be discouraged.  There are ways to adapt your cross-stitch chart so that you can meet your particular needs.

The Color Scheme

When looking for the perfect kit or pattern, do not be discouraged if it is in the wrong color scheme.  Simply look at the pattern closely and decide which colors to replace with other colors.  For instance, maybe there is a red, orange, and yellow theme in your pattern, and you want a blue overall theme.  Maybe you replace the red with dark blue, orange with green, and yellow with light blue. 

If you are unsure about which colors to use as replacements use a color chart to help find the right blends.  When you do find your colors, you should mark them in pencil next to the colors on the key so you can remember which color goes where on your chart.

Alternate Skin Tones

You may find the perfect cross-stitch design, but the skin tone may be wrong.  Many cross-stitch patterns are made with one ethnic group in mind, and that could discourage you from using that pattern.  However, instead of giving up on the pattern, you just need to find a color that fits the ethnic group you are trying to portray.  Instead of using the color delineated by the pattern, you should pick out a color closer to the correct skin tone.

Design Elements

Sometimes a design itself needs to be modified.  You may have a pattern with a boy that you want to change to a girl by adding longer hair.  Or you may want to take an angel and turn it into a graduate.  Modifications can be fairly simple. 

Start off with a photocopy of your pattern.  Do not mark on the original pattern in case you want to use it again.  Use a pencil to draw the modifications on the pattern and then assess which colors you want to use in those areas.  For instance, the angel that turned into a graduate required that the wings and halo be removed and a graduation cap be added to the head.

Remember that the color of the fabric on which you are stitching will have to blend well with your chosen colors. 

Change the Size of the Finished Project

Sometimes cross-stitch patterns call for a fabric that will make the finished project the wrong size for your needs.  The solution is to use a different fabric that will allow you to increase or decrease the size of your cross-stitch.  Aida fabric comes in different counts -- usually 7, 10, 11, 12, and 14 count, but there are also specialty counts. 

The number on your aida fabric is how many holes per inch.  So, the higher the count, the more squares per inch, meaning your design will be smaller.  The lower your count, the larger your project will be.

Changing the Fabric

While most people prefer aida fabric in cross stitch projects, it does not mean that you are required to use fabric.  For instance, you may want to cross stitch a seat cover where aida fabric will not look right.  However, if you are a beginner, using a different fabric may be too great a challenge.  There are software programs that will print a cross-stitch pattern on any fabric.  You will just need to devote more time to getting your pattern stitched correctly and evenly when you use a fabric not broken down like aida.

So - next time you are looking for a cross stitch design, remember that the main limits are in your own imagination; so if you are confident about the changes you wish to make - go for it.