BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Sewing Making your own cross stitch sampler

I wasn't sure where to post. I would like to design my own cross stitch sampler and was wondering if anyone has done this and if they have any tips to offer! Thanks! Connie

BTW...I was wanting it to be an old fashioned looking one.

While my topic does not address cross stitching, that is another one of my hobbies.

I would search under "cross stitch sampler pattern" to find patterns that are around the web. Here are a couple of links that I found:
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Hi Connie

I can help you (being the Embroidery editor here). With a sampler, you first need to decide what sort of sampler you want to do, and what your theme is.

Basically, samplers come in two types - square ones and long thin "band" samplers. Now - I've just had a look for my article on samplers. Written but not uploaded (I think I've been having a few too many blonde moments there...).

It depends on your experience too. If you are a beginner, then I would stick to simple designs. More experienced embroiderers can usually let themselves go.

There are 2 options in making your own sampler. You can design it from scratch - motifs, etc., or you can go through your patterns and find motifs that you like and then your "design" is the decision on where they should be on your sampler.

Traditionally, there are 2 types of samplers - ones that are true samplers and show different stitches, motifs and generally "playing" with the designs, stitches and colour to see what works. These are often referred to as "working" samplers.

The other type (and what most people think of as a sampler) are those with motifs, an alphabet or verse and then the stitcher's name or initials and date.

Both types can be either the square or band style of sampler.

Samplers always look best stitched on linen - if you haven't used linen for cross stich before, then start with about a 26 count and use an unbleached or off white (especially if you are going for an "antique" look). Alternatively, you could go ultra modern and use a coloured fabric.

If you decide to draw your own motifs or bands, then all you need is some graph paper! Draw your motifs on the graph paper (use and stitch from there (as you would a chart).

If you decide to use other motifs, you can just copy them onto your graph paper.

Use the graph paper as your design tool - tape bits together or cut it to meet what you are looking for, and then you can keep drawing on it until you find a design that is pleasing to your eye.

I hope that this helps (and I'll find out what I did with my samplers article!!)

Thanks Ladies!

Tammy, I did a search and so much stuff came back it was crazy. That is why I posted, I thought maybe someone might have designed their own.

Hey Megan! Thanks so much for the info! I have been cross stitching for quite some time now, since I was a little girl. I am a fan of antique roadshow and you see them now and again that were done by a young girl. I think it will be a fun project, and using the graph paper is a very good tip. I use graph paper to design my hatbands that I bead.

I will be looking forward to seeing your articles!

Thanks again ladies! Connie

Connie - glad to help. I love antique samplers as well and my own favorites are the "working" samplers that are not just cross stitch.

When you're done, please post a picture!

Well, I would plan on seeing any photos soon! I have several projects I really need to get done! I seem to never be able to start something and finish it at one time though...I get too bored! Connie

Nah - you're a typical embroiderer! I have so many projects on the go it's not funny! Hope to see maybe the design then?

As soon as I get something decided I will let you know! I have a blanket to get pieced for my grandaughter and it will be off to my moms. She has a long arm quilting machine so that makes it easy on me. I just need to add borders and I will be done with that. Then I have a hatband to make for my dad and a bracelet for my sister that I just have to get finished! Maybe then I will think about the sampler! Connie

Megan, did you find your article?

You can create a pattern on your computer.

Go to start>Programs>Accessories>Paint
Go to File>Save As (type in your file name)Click Save leave as 24 bitmap
Now set up your canvas
Go to View>Zoom>Custom>slect 800% option>then OK
Go to View>Zoom>Show Grid
Now you have a blank canvas

Select pencil feature and create your image using the collor box (just click on each box with the color you want.

Once finished
Copy and paste your image
using Select tool click and drag over the image. Go to edit menu and select Copy. Go to Edit menu again and select Paste.

To create a sampler on paper. I would go buy some graf paper and colored pencils. Then just start designing. You can find designs and incorporate what you like best using a bit of this and a bit of that.

Thanks rdywenur....I have yet to even get started but have been thinking about it alot and checked some books out of the library for ideas.

I did find a pattern for my flamingo. (see cross-stichers-club dot com) Lots of free patterns.

Your welcome. I have always wanted to make a sampler but can never find the right one. Either it includes the alphabet and numbers which mine must have but then either the border or the other stuff on it is not what I want. So one day I hope to just put it on paper and sketch out exactly what mine should be like. The other problem is the scale and fitting it all in to size.

I will check the cross stitchers club out. Thanks for the suggestion.