Cross stitch

Canvas dimensions and number of cross-stitches

For a given number of cross-stitches, the dimensions in cm are determined by the fabric available.
Fabric for cross-stitch embroidery has holes for the needle (aïda fabric).

• On a 7 stitches per cm canvas, for 105 cross-stitches, you'll have a dimension of 105/7 = 15 cm;
• on a 5 stitches per cm canvas, for 105 cross-stitches, you'll have a dimension of 105/5 = 21 cm.

If you're using counted-stitch fabric, you can choose how many threads to use for cross-stitching. It may be useful to make a sample.

Image file .JPG or .PNG

It's advisable (but not compulsory) to choose a subject that stands out against a white background. One of the following methods can be used to cut along the edge of the shape:

• by hand: cut along the edge of the shape with scissors, then scan it onto a white background;
• by computer: cut along the edge of the shape with an image editor, such as GIMP.

Click on the button to select the file to be transmitted. The file must be in .JPG or .PNG format.

Number of cross-stitches

The number of cross-stitches is the result of a compromise: it must be sufficient to ensure that details are well represented, but must not be too large to limit the size of the embroidery work.
Only one dimension needs to be given: the other is automatically calculated to preserve the shape (or ratio).
On the longest side, there can be as many as 200 cross-stitches (including empty spaces), or even more.
If the dimensions are too large, an error message is displayed.

Maximum number of RGB colors

In a digital image, 16,777,216 RGB colors are available. To create the pattern, the number of RGB colors is capped by a preset maximum. Possible values are integers between 8 and 255.
The maximum number of RGB colors is the result of a compromise. It must be sufficient to ensure that colors are realistic and that gradations are well represented. But it must not be too large, to limit the number of thread colors to be embroidered.
The number of colors actually used is generally slightly less than the maximum number specified.
The "Result preview" lets you visualize the effect of your settings. To obtain the desired number of DMC colors, you need to experiment.

Number of light colors ignored

Some light colors can be ignored, to avoid having to embroider the image background in white (or other light colors). Possible values range from 0 to 127. Most often, 1 or 2 will do. For an image with a dark background or a photo with a background to be embroidered, 0 can be set.

DMC [and Anchor] threads colors or RGB threads colors

The DMC threads colors of «Mouliné Spécial Art. 117» embroidery threads includes 454 solid colors. Correspondence with Anchor embroidery threads is given, but is only approximate. DMC Mouliné Spécial embroidery threads will give a better color rendering.

If the RGB range of colors is selected, colors are characterized by their components (Red, Green, Blue).

As the correspondence between DMC and RGB colors is not defined, the calculator uses a table that respects the gradations.

Increase color brightness DMC

If you judge the colors of the "Result Preview" on a computer screen, they will appear brighter than those of the embroidery threads. To counter this effect, it's advisable to print the preview.

The "Increase DMC color brightness" setting provides a correction so that the program offers DMC threads in lighter or darker colors.

Possible values range from -99 to 99. The initial value is 20. To lighten, increase the value. To darken, decrease the value.