Cross Stitch Portrait

There’s a new option to converting photographs is the cross stitch portrait. It is converting a favorite photograph into an elegant and artistic needlecraft. However high-tech the snapshot is, it will be captured exactly, even the tiniest detail, in a cross-stitch portrait.

A picture is scanned and then converted into a cross stitch pattern. A pattern looks like a chart of tiny squares on a paper. Each square symbolizes a stitch. And stitches are the details of the pictures. It is amazing to see a picture being converted into a pattern for cross-stitch. A snapshot, especially a colored one is the faithful replica of a person, a pet or of a significant event. In it, the image, especially the skin of a person appears to be plain flesh-colored (dark, fair, brown, yellow, etc.). But in a cross-stitch pattern, the skin alone could have three or more shades of whatever skin tone the person in the image has. Even an all-black hair could have shades of gray, dark gray and light gray for more emphasis.

This is due to the light reflections upon taking the picture. It could be from the flash or the shadow of the sun when the picture was shot outdoors. However, in a snapshot, it does not really matter because the focus would be just on the image. But in a cross-stitch portrait, every tone of the skin, every shade of the hair (whether plain colored or highlighted) is considered. And in the end, the portrait is not only a faithful replica but is almost exactly the original image of the person, pet or the significant memory.

When a portrait is saved in a cross-stitch it is like stitching the memories and the feelings back to life along with the image. Every detail considered is every minute of the memory treasured and labored with. And it is 100% guaranteed that the outcome of the portrait is the exact image of the memorabilia because of the accurate conversion of the photo to the cross-stitch pattern.

Type of Needlepoint Stitch

At stitchopedia.com needlepoint stitches are separated by type and each stitch is explained and demonstrated. The following is a breakdown of the types of stitches available:

Cross Stitch

Cross Stitches are probably the most popular type of stitch used today. Crossed Stitches are a principal stitch used in needlepoint tapestry. They are exactly what the name implies - stitches that are created by crossing the threads over each other. The size of the crossed stitch can vary, depending on the thickness of the thread and the gauge of the canvas. It is important, however, to make sure that each crossed stitch covers the canvas. A few examples of crossed stitches are the cross stitch (obviously), fishbone stitch, herringbone stitch and waffle stitch. There are, however, many, many more...

Straight Stitches

Straight Stitches, again, are exactly what the name implies - straight stitches! These stitches are worked either vertically or horizontally on canvas. They look best when worked on single canvas. They are a great stitch for working large pieces of canvas. However, do not create a stitch that is too long. Some of the more popular straight stitches are the long stitch (aka straight stitch), florentine stitch (aka bargello), and the back stitch.

Diagonal Stitches

Diagonal Stitches are stitches that are worked, yes you guessed it, diagonally (at a slant). It is especially important to maintain an even tension when working diagonal stitches. This will help prevent your canvas from warping. Some of the more popular diagonal stitches include: the diagonal stitch (you probably saw that one coming), the basketweave stitch(aka tent stitch) and the continental stitch. Again there are many, many more diagonal stitches available.

Composite Stitches

Composite Stitches are stitches that use more than one type of stitch. Composite stitches are generally large. Because of this, the yarn may not always cover the canvas completely. To help remedy this, try not to pull the yarn too tight when making the stitches. Some composite stitches include the star stitch (aka the algerian eye stitch), the leaf stitch, and the triangle stitch, plus many more.

Looped Stitches

Looped Stitches are also called "Pile Stitches". All of these stitches create a texture with a 3-D look. The pile surface is created by the loops contained in the stitches. Some stitches remain with the loops intact, some require the loops be cut. Although looped stitches are generally used in rug making, they may also be used in any needlepoint project that requires a 3-D or "pile" look. Some of the more interesting looped stitches include the loop stitch, the shell stitch (a very exciting stitch) and the velvet stitch. Again, there are many more available.

These are the main types of needlepoint stitches available today. The final decision of which stitches to incorporate into your piece will depend on the gauge of the canvas/material you are working on and the type of yarn/thread you are working with.