How to Get Your Pattern
The Technique
The stitching method used by our patterns is called counted cross-stitch. If you are not familiar with this method of stitching, you can learn about cross-stitching from one of many sites on the web, including:
Counted cross-stitch patterns are not directly printed on the fabric, instead the stitches are placed on the fabric following the master chart, a grid which contains specific symbols that match specific colors of DMC floss. If you prefer Anchor floss, please let us know that when you place your order.
For most photographs, the resulting chart contains 75-125 different colors of floss! Sometimes a color will be used for only a few stitches. You can also choose a sepia palette or a black and white palette, which range from 8-11 shades of brown or black.
You may use an evenweave fabric with any stitch count. A light colored fabric is good for a portrait as the background color will not bleed through the lighter facial tones. You can also use one of the lovely "hand-painted" Aida or evenweave fabrics that are available and let the fabric be the background. When you place your order, specify the stitch count you wish to use-11 count, 14 count, 16 count, and 18 count are the most commonly used stitch counts. If you plan to stitch on an evenweave fabric, for instance a 32 count linen, then you would select 16 count when ordering your pattern. If you prefer to stitch over one, then you would select 32 count when ordering your pattern.
Sending your Photo
Your original photo should be a .jpg file or a print, no larger than 8" x 10". All print photos are returned with the finished pattern. If you are sending rare or valuable photographs, please insure your shipment and provide insurance for the return shipping. Send your photo to Heirloom Stitching, 221 N. Central Avenue #402, Medford, OR 97501
The key to a successful photo cross-stitch is directly related to the quality and contrast of the original photo. Choose a photo that has clearly defined objects without confusing background details. If you would like us to crop an image, we can do so at no extra charge. Simply send a black and white paper copy along with the photo with the cropping clearly marked.
Photos of copyrighted material, such as printed photographs from magazines or brand name products, are not permitted under U.S. copyright restrictions.
Sending your Digital File
If you have an image that you have already scanned or a .jpg file, you can send it as an e-mail attachment with the order form.
Pricing and Turnaround Time
Patterns are $24.95 each and shipping in the US is always the current Priority Mail rate, which until May 2009 is $4.80. International shipping is a flat $8.00 for first class. Orders are shipped after payment has cleared.
Background Removal
For an additional $10.00, we will remove the background image of your photo. This is particularly useful for images containing busy or confusing backgrounds.
Additional Photo Editing
For an additional $15.00 we can provide expanded photo editing to composite photographs or remove figures.
