We’ve posted a few times now about How to make a cross stitch pattern perfect, How comics help create cross stitch patterns and How to finish a cross stitch pattern, but that’s not where cross stitch patterns end. There’s a final, and easy to master, the last step you might want to consider. What little thing will push it just a bit beyond?
Make it shine with Metallics
I’ve stated here metallics, however glow-in-the-dark works too, just look at the awesome Fallout 3 cross stitch above which utilized glow in the dark so that the screen glows, just like the game. Would it have worked in just green? Yes. But now it works that little bit more. Its something a little better.
This can be done to pretty much any cross stitch as no change in actual pattern is needed, just the thread. Try a blending filament on something that’s meant to be wet to give it that extra bit of shine.
Hidden Elements
You can hide things in cross stitch all over the place. One that I love to do is hide text in the background using font specific to the theme. You can also hide things using the above method, with glow in the dark, hiding a message, or even a totally different pattern within a block of white.
The advantage of this is that the main pattern is once again, completely unaltered, however as soon as dusk falls, your piece takes on a totally different feel.
Can you read it?
This actually covers a few things, however, it is one of the biggest issues you might have with a pattern; language.
Do you actually need that text?
Samplers are a staple of cross stitch, and whilst that will never change, it does close off that piece to non-native speakers. Now, there are some situations where the text is completely necessary, so don’t avoid it, but think of how you might want to adapt the piece so more people can enjoy it. For example, many Pokemon are named differently all over the world, but English translations are best known.
Distance
Chances are you’ve either made the pattern or you brought the pattern because you could read it. But can others? The best way to do this is to put up the pattern and take a 10-meter walk. Turn around, and ask yourself “can I read that WELL?” The most important thing here is ‘well’, as if a passerby can’t, they won’t bother trying.
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan
Explore all our cross stitch guides to master everything from basics to advanced techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add contrast and depth to a pattern?
If you wish to add depth or contrast to a cross stitch pattern, consider altering the number of threads used in each cross stitch for objects in the distance, or consider using petit point for those objects instead of regular-sized cross stitch. Another option would be to swap out the cross stitches for background objects with half stitches.
What color tricks make designs stand out?
Creating designs based on 2 or 3 complimentary colors, or creating a color theme is a great way to make a cross stitch design that pops.