Do you have a favourite pet and wish that you could find a cross stitch pattern that looked just like your pet? Do you have a picture of your grandchildren and wish you could cross stitch it? Well, the search is over. There are now companies that offer a service to convert your favourite photo into a cross stitch pattern.

There are three different types of photo to cross stitch conversion services.

1) The first type is where you buy your own software and create the pattern yourself.

The most important thing to consider when looking at this option is how comfortable you are with using computer programs. Most likely, you will have to learn how to use the program with little or no training from someone else.

Advantage:

Depending on the software you buy and how many photos you convert to cross stitch patterns, this method could be cheaper then paying someone to convert your photo(s) for you. Also, you have total control on how the pattern will turn out.

Disadvantage:

This method can be time consuming for two reasons. First, you will need to learn how to use the software, which may be complicated to use depending on the program you purchase. Second, when the picture is first scanned into the software, the pattern produced has dozens of colours and certain features, like eyes or lettering, may be unclear. This means you will need to take some time to edit the cross stitch pattern in order to produce a beautiful pattern.

2) The second type is to go to a website, where you upload and edit the pattern yourself.

This method usually costs about $5.00. Also, before using this service, check to see if you are able to save your work and come back later. If you need to do any editing, such as removing an object in the background, it will take time.

Advantage:

This method is the cheapest option of all three. Plus, you control the results.

Disadvantage: The website might not allow you to do any editing. If it does, then you will have to learn how to use the software yourself. Both learning the software and editing the pattern will be time consuming.

3) The third type is to go to a business where they will convert the picture to a cross stitch pattern for you.

The price of the service will range, but in general, you get what you pay for. The business should describe their process and the editing they do in creating the pattern. Be sure to check the website to see if they have examples of their work and to read all the conditions of service before you pay for the service.

Advantage:

This method is the easiest because someone else does all the work for you. It can also produce the best results, as the person doing the work has experience creating cross stitch patterns, knows what colours work well together and how to make the little details come alive on a pattern.

Disadvantage:

Until you use the service, or know someone who has, you can't be sure of the results. To get the best results, you will want to know if the person does any editing to the pattern to make it as beautiful as possible. If not, then the person is simply scanning your image into a software program and printing it out, which will never produce the same results as a person with a good eye for colours.