How to Set Up Your Own Cross Stitch Photo-to-Chart Business

Although there are several reputable photo-to-chart cross stitch software on the market, most stitchers don't want to invest the money to buy one. Or, even if they had the money, they don't want to spend the time learning how to use it. Even though they have the cross-stitch software, they still have to doctor up all the colors the computer software imports into your design.

If you love designing cross-stitch patterns and already have photo-to-chart software then you can set up your own design business, making charts for other stitchers. For several years I made some extra income making cross stitch patterns from my customers' photographs. Or if you don't have the software, it's well worth the investment, whether you use it to make money, or just to make your own charts. In the end you'll save money doing your own patterns, as well as be able to create a pattern from any photograph.

What do you need to get started? What will you need?

*Computer cross-stitch software----If you don't already have computer software, there are several reputable companies which will allow you first download a trial version before making a purchase. A few of them include Pattern Maker, and PC Stitch Pattern. Most of them are about the same, offering import features, which allow you to convert a photograph into a chart, as well as other great features. For the professional versions, you pay more, but they offer more bells and whistles. For example, Hobby Makers' Pattern Maker's professional version also features export functions where you can export a pattern to your website.

*A good scanner or digital camera---Not all your customers will be able to send you a digital photograph, so you'll have to use a scanner to scan from their designs. If you don't have a scanner, a good digital camera will also work fine.