Cross Stitch Patterns

Hand created cross stitch patterns vs computer generated

Be careful about buying computer generated patterns as they have frequently not been stitched or tested in anyway and the actual finished cross stitch can look vastly different if not created stitch by stitch. It's much safer (esp if you are a new cross stitcher) to purchase a hand designed cross stitch pattern that has been tried and tested by a professional cross stitcher. Be sure you can see a good picture in the listing of how the finished cross stitch will look - this will be your guide to what you are getting. Hand designed pictures are often simpler in design than computer generated ones (ie pictures that are imported into a cross stitch software program without editing) - however, hand designed patterns will come out clearer, will be easier to follow and will use a lot less floss which saves you time and money.

DMC or Anchor Floss (cotton)

Called Floss in the US and Canada (called Cotton in UK/Europe and Australia/NZ) you'll need to purchase this seperately if you purchase a pattern (cross stitch kits come with floss inside them already, patterns do not). You pattern should contain a list of floss you will need to purchase to complete the cross stitch. Some patterns list Anchor, some DMC and some both. Be sure you check which brand of floss is available to you at your local craft store before buying a pattern. If you purchase a pattern which only lists Anchor floss but your local craft store only carries DMC you're going to be stuck with a pattern you can't use.

Read sellers feedback

Before purchasing you should always take a look at a sellers feedback and see if there are any comments (good or bad) about previous patterns sold. This will give you an indication of the quality of the pattern.

Lastly...make sure you don't buy a copy!

This is hard to do but is very important. You must look at the picture in the listing and make a judgement as to if this is a copy or not. Some sellers photocopy original work and sell it but you must be careful not to purchase a copy. Firstly, you'll probably get a hard to read pattern as photocopies rarely turn out clearly and secondly it's illegal to sell or buy copyrighted work without the designers permission. If in doubt about a listing ask somebody on the Hobby and Craft forum on ebay - they'll be sure to give you the right advice.