So… you like to create your own cross-stitch designs, but you are getting tired of using graph paper and colored pencils.  Well, thanks to the advances in technology you can start creating those patterns on your home computer using cross stitch software.  Before you buy  though, you need to know what features are available and how to get the right software for your needs.

What You Need

Logically, in order to use any software you need to own a computer and know how to use it.  You will also need a printer so that you can print out your patterns.  Some programs require specific operating systems and other features, so you will need to check with the software company to see if a particular program is compatible with your particular operating system.  For instance, many cross stitch programs operate only on PCs and others only on Macs.

Try Before You Buy

A helpful hint is to start off with a trial program.  While it may not have all of the elements of the full program, you will be able to see if the program is easy for you to use.  All the recommendations in the world do not mean a program is easy for you. 

Elements to Consider

There are some elements of different cross-stitch software programs that you may want to consider before you purchase them.  Here are some elements you may or may not want depending on your design needs: 

• Variety of Stitch Types:  You will want, at a minimum, the option to include a full stitch, half stitch, quarter stitch, back stitch, or French knot.  The more stitch types available in your program, the better your projects will look.
• Thread charts with variety of brands:  Not every craft store carries all brands.  Your software should be able to give you thread colors using at least DMC and Anchor brand.
• Fabric charts with variety of brands:  Again, your craft store probably carried more than one type of fabric, so make sure your cross stitch software allows for more than one type of fabric.
• Maximum colors per design:  Some programs only allow a certain number of colors, but if you have ever been to a craft store you know the colors are limitless.
• Maximum size of design:  If you like to make larger designs be sure the program has the capability of creating a design that big.
• Thumbnail viewing:  Thumbnails (small versions of the finished picture) are an easy way to keep track of your design elements.  Being able to view thumbnail pictures allows you to move thinks along faster.
• Database organization of files:  Files can sometimes get bulky, but if your software has a database aspect you will be able to keep elements organized easily.
• Templates:  Sometimes you need a bit of inspiration, and having templates allows you to create your own designs easier.
• Flexible Printing Options:  You should be able to print your patterns with or without grid marks.  You should also be able to select color charts or symbol charts and change font type so that your pattern is easy for you to read.
• Conversion of photos to charts:  You should be able to scan in a photo and create a chart from it.
• Partial image conversion:  You may not want to use an entire image in your design, so you should be able to only get a part of an image to use.
• Copy, move, cut, or paste of irregular shapes:  Not every shape is a perfect circle, square, rectangle, etc.  You should be able to easily modify shapes.
• Rotation tool:  Sometimes you want to change your design by angling it differently or flipping it altogether. 
• Automatic smoothing out of images using ¾ stitch:  Who wants to go back and add all those ¾ stitches.  See if you can find a program that does it for you.
• Automatic backstitch outline:  Having the backstitch lines go in automatically can save you a lot of time.  However, be sure that you can disable this function, too.
• Flood fill of squares:  When you have a lot of squares to fill it can get tedious doing one at a time.  If you can use a flood fill you will save time and not get bored.
• Selection of fabric colors and count:  Your program should be able to adjust to certain fabric colors and count.
• Flexible zoom:  The cross-stitch program should allow you to zoom in so that you can see intricate detail work more readily.
• Flexible grid, ruler, and toolbars:  By being flexible, you allow yourself to work more efficiently.

Buying Software

When you go to buy software, there are some customer service items you really want to consider.  Since you probably have not used the full program before you should make sure that there is a way to contact technical support.  You never know when you will run into a question when you are trying to install or use the cross-stitch software.  There should also be a warranty on your software in case it ceases to work when you are trying to use it.