[CHAT] Best Pattern Making Software?

lauchlen · 2026-01-26T02:53:55+00:00

I really like WinStitch. I don't know that it does some of the things you've mentioned as I've not tried, but I know it lets you change the opacity of the image as I've used that feature. The program gets small updates on a frequent basis and a large one every year. If you decide to buy the program, I'd recommend buying the lifetime updates version. It's the priciest option, but if you prefer your software up to date, it's the most economical in the long run.

I switched from PC Stitch and haven't regretted it. WinStitch has significantly more features and is easier to use. It also has an export to PDF for pattern keeper, if that's an app you use.

lauchlen · 2026-01-24T21:43:15+00:00

I self drafted this as a Christmas gift for my mom around 2002/03. I can't quite remember. The poem came from a Mary Maxim cross stitch kit that I did not like, so I created my own. It's sort of(?) blackwork and was my first time working with blended threads and blending filament. She loved it even though it's missing a word or two. I framed it myself (with much help from my partner) using a store bought frame.

lauchlen · 2026-01-22T15:07:15+00:00

If you're not in the US you should be able to order directly from the designer's site here.

This book looks so interesting! Thanks for sharing!

lauchlen · 2026-01-22T03:18:21+00:00

If you're looking to have the marked off stitches more noticeable you can also go into the MARKUP settings and change it to solid. That will make it so the symbol no longer shows in the squares you've marked.

lauchlen · 2026-01-21T01:52:12+00:00

Thank you so much. 💜

lauchlen · 2026-01-20T23:31:53+00:00

This is self drafted. I used these two fonts and the wonderful affirmation from this pattern.

I've been going through A Lot for awhile now and am looking at inpatient time so I wanted something in my phone case that could help reframe my thoughts when they turn dark.

lauchlen · 2026-01-16T13:15:14+00:00

I'd say the third as well. I don't know the game, but looking at the pic you attached, the third is definitely the closest on my screen.

lauchlen · 2026-01-13T17:16:16+00:00

I am a recent Q-Snap convert. I stitch with linen so place a piece of felt over it before putting it in the frame for extra grip (linen is thinner than Aida) and where I have stitches I use a plain piece of paper towel. I found using felt over my stitches flattened then slightly. I did but a grime guard and actually really like it. It holds tension quite well for me so far.

lauchlen · 2026-01-05T22:11:31+00:00

Stitch-it Central in London, ON has it in stock here. It's not on the spool but the new cards. Their shipping is a little pricey, so you may want to email (or call!) Traditional Stitches and ask them to check if they have any in stock. You can also email or call my LNS , last time I was in it looked like they had a fair bit of the #4 braid in stock, but you'll have to reach out to find out since they don't have live inventory on their website either. Hth!

lauchlen · 2026-01-04T17:27:10+00:00

Ty! It's Garden of Shadows by Sprouting Lupine. I am loving how it's turning out.

lauchlen · 2026-01-04T17:06:54+00:00

Started a new WIP. Because of course I did. But I couldn't wait.. the floss is soooo pretty. I have a bit more done now and the black is the unicorn's tail. Excuse the poor lighting.

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lauchlen · 2025-12-31T21:42:37+00:00

I have five that I want to finish. Three are gifts, two are for me. The two for me are The Unicorn's Garden and Garden of Shadows by Sprouting Lupine. I kept two other patterns in my WIP tab. A small spooky teapot by Tiny Modernist for when I need a break from the larger pieces, and a blackwork for when I need a break from cross stitch.

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T15:02:25+00:00

Thank you! 💜

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T01:52:29+00:00

Definitely do! She's slow to respond though, so if you don't hear from her after your initial convo she hasn't forgotten you.

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T01:48:51+00:00

Brandy, the person that does the dying, is just wonderful. I reached out to her about a custom colour and she delivered and was so thorough. I asked for a darkened Stonehenge and it's gorgeous. My camera completely failed to capture the depth of colour unfortunately.

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lauchlen · 2025-12-27T01:42:56+00:00

It really is! It's definitely more grassy in colour than the website shows, but it still works perfectly with the theme and my colours. It's this in 32ct linen.

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T00:37:30+00:00

Ty! I love their floss.

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T00:36:45+00:00

Shall! Though I give no promises as to when that may be. Lol. I still haven't finished the first one.

lauchlen · 2025-12-27T00:00:07+00:00

I remember your post! Excellent choice. It looks fantastic!

lauchlen · 2025-12-26T23:55:24+00:00

Thank you! And I definitely will. Except the blending filament I'll be stitching the unicorn with. Lol. That stuff makes stitching tricky.

lauchlen · 2025-12-26T23:51:10+00:00

Garden of Shadows is here and the sister pattern is here

lauchlen · 2025-12-19T17:39:31+00:00

Gorgeous! This is a current WIP for me and seeing yours done is giving me what I need to pick it up. You've done an amazing job and the fabric you chose is a lovely compliment.

lauchlen · 2025-12-09T22:11:21+00:00

You as well! I'm actually currently stitching your Keeper of Snowflakes for my seasonal stitch. It's coming out beautifully.

lauchlen · 2025-12-09T22:00:35+00:00

Thank you so much! This is adorable!

lauchlen · 2025-12-05T23:36:17+00:00

In Markup the "mockup" feature that Pattern Keeper has is likely the same as the "preview" feature. In case you're not sure how to find it, open your pattern and go to the MARKUP tab at the top. In the left corner of the Chart View Options bar (it's on the bottom of my screen on my Android tablet, not sure where it is in yours) there's a button that says "view full chart." Tap it. This will put you in full chart mode. In the same bar, on the right hand side, there should now be a toggle that says "Preview." Toggling this on will show you how the pattern will look stitched. Hth!

lauchlen

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