Purchasing computer generated cross stitching charts is much different than purchasing a regular cross stitch chart, leaflet, or book. 

There are several different programs for creating cross stitch patterns, as well as the option of using a CAD or similar program to create the charts.  All of these methods create varying results, and the experience level of the creator is also an important variable.  So, we'll explore this part of the purchase first.  You want to look for a "virtual stitch" version of the picture.  If the seller only displays the "original artwork" version of the chart, you may not want to purchase the chart because you have no idea what the finished product will be like.  If they show both the "original artwork" view and the "virtual stitches" view then this a good thing, they are trying to show how close to original quality their products are going to be.  If they don't show a virtual in their listing, you can always use the contact form and ask them to add one to the listing or email you one if you are truly interested in that specific pattern. 

Another very important thing you want to look for when purchasing a computer generated chart is the copyright information.  Does the seller have permission to use the artwork they are using?  Do they state this permission in their auction or store listings?  This is a really serious part of the process of buying this type of chart.  If they do not have permission to use the original image, and it's not a public domain image, they are committing copyright fraud and you will want to report them to ebay for violation of ebay terms.  Also, there are several companies out there that are licensed to create cross stitch charts for specific artists.  For example, in the fantasy art world Heaven and Earth Designs is highly well known for their outstanding charting ability (and notably Michelle has great customer service too.)  Make sure the seller has not photo copied the charts of someone else.  If you are unsure if something is an original, ask the seller.  If it's a photo copy this is also a copyright violation and you would want to report this to ebay as well.  Another version of the copyright violation is when the seller is selling many charts on a CD or other type of disk where they have scanned the original images from the professional charts and saved them as jpgs or pdfs, these should also be reported to ebay as violations. 

Another thing you want to remember when purchasing these charts is that they are not always model stitched or test stitched by the creator.  Many of the designers of these types of charts depend on their purchasers to send them stitched pictures (either finished pieces or pictures of the work in progress) to share with their shoppers.  This gives them more time to design new creations.  Some also hire model stitchers to stitch the models, but because the charts are large the models take quite some time to be stitched, and the designer will generally sell the charts before the model is finished. 

Look to see what is included in your purchase.  Is there a picture of what your piece will look like finished? (Again you are looking for the "virtual stitches view" or a finished model or some test stitching.)  What type of  floss key are you receiveing?  How many colors of thread are being used?  Some people suggest not to buy anything that is more than 50 colors, I personally do not believe this because many professional designers use more than 50 colors in a design frequently and sometimes it is necessary to do so for shading and shadowing purposes, particularly when the piece has people in the main part of the picture.  Now, if the piece has 200 colors in it then they simply used "max colors" in their design software, and didn't adjust any of the colors, which is a very necessary step in the desgining of these type of charts. 

Of course you also want to look at the sellers feedback just as you would with any ebay purchase.  Are the previous sellers happy?  What type of comments did they leave in regards to chart quality? 

• Type of program used to create the chart
• Seller recognizable?  good feedback?
• Copyright --- is this a legal chart?
• Number of colors used?  Has the chart been adjusted to look realistic or will faces be neon green?
• Is this a real chart or a photo copy of a chart?
• Are there any pictures or test stitching to look at?
• Is there at least a "virtual stitch" view of the piece if there is no test stitching or model to look at.

I hope you enjoy purchasing and stitching your computer generated charts.  They can be quite fun and fulfilling to stitch, and of course if professionally done the results are a fantastic piece of art to be proud of and hang on the wall!

Remember, if you're not sure....ask questions!