Cross stitch design may be easier than you think! To produce your own design in cross stitch, you will need to create a chart (pattern) from which to work. You do not need to be a great artist. You do need patience and determination however. You may wish to experiment with the 'graph paper and crayon approach first'. If you think that you would like to develop your skills, then buying some design software is the next step. Here's how to start:

Equipment
Graph paper (10 squares to the inch; 2.5 cm), ruler, pencil, sharpener and eraser, crayons and tracing paper.

Inspiration
Ideas can come from many sources; you will find that ideas will come more quickly the more accustomed you are to looking for them. Here are some ideas to kickstart your creative process: animals, landmarks, people, flowers, abstract designs that surround you. Look in magazines, study the landscape as you walk around and take interest in paintings and fabrics. It can be helpful to make up a resource folder of design ideas. Your designs do not have to be elaborate.

The Process
Start with a small and simple design, perhaps just an outline drawing. If you cannot draw freehand, then perhaps trace the outline of a simple flower from a gardening magazine. You may wish to enlarge the picture with a photocopier first. You will need a drawing big enough to get plenty of squares for each petal so that you can add detail, rather than having a flat block of colour.

Then, add colour to your drawing on the tracing paper, by shading in the different areas of the flower. As you can use  your original picture to choose your threads (floss), do not worry about getting the colours exactly correct in your drawing.

Next, transfer the outline onto graph paper, again by tracing, penciling in the lines to indicate where the colour changes take place. Now, square off the design (- remember: this is for cross stitch). Create a new outline in pencil, using squares that are closest to your original line.

Add the colours (or use symbols if you prefer). Now, match your colours to the exact thread colours you need, and make a note of these.

I hope these simple instructions will have whetted your appetite to try some simple designing.

If you wish to learn more, I recommend an excellent book written by Jo Verso, called Picture It in Cross Stitch Today. She walks you through every aspect of designing your own life in stitches.

For people who enjoy using computer software, there are some software programs that can help you design. If you are computer-savvy, it is easy to learn how to use them. Computer-designing is quicker and more sophisticated, and programs will print off your key of colours for you. It is easier to adapt and store your designs. When considering buying some software, remember that if you run Vista on your computer, it may not be compatible with some design programs available. Check the specifications on the software package before buying.

 Happy designing!