Pattern Maker Cross Stitch Software 4.0, Professional Version

Yes, it really works! It is a rare moment it would seem when you purchase a computer program that is supposed to do something and it actually does - amazing but true in this case. I needed a program that would assist me with the creation of both cross-stitch diagrams and needlepoint diagrams so I took a leap of faith and ordered up. The install was quick and easy, and YES it works just fine on Windows 8. The learning curve is a short one, and once installed you will be up and running very quickly as the commands are very intuitive and easy. There is an instruction booklet with the program but you must print it out from a PDF format. I do wish the instruction book came with the install disc, but it was easy to print. It is 180 some odd pages and well worth the time to read it so that you get the full use of this wonderful program. I purchased the 'professional' version and it does have some differences from the base program that makes your work a bit easier and faster. Creating patterns for your sewing machine is an add-on that DOES NOT come with the Professional version. The main difference between the base version and the professional appears to be mainly editing functions and a few other bells and whistles. I would consider them to be well worth the extra money if you really intend to use this program to its fullest capabilities. This program also allows you to import (very easy to do) a photo and translate that to a stitch pattern, even assigning DMC color numbers to the colors in the photo - very impressive and pretty darned accurate. You can assign color numbers from a substantial list of standard fiber makers such as DMC, Anchor, needlepoint wools, silk threads, they are all there for easy use. You can also import a prepared chart and then trace over it to create a new pattern off that chart - again very easy to do and quite accurate once done. You can cut and paste from the included library of designs, or you can create your own library and cut and paste from there. The number of things you can do seems almost unbelievable, and the more I work with the program the more impressed I am with its abilities. Overall, this was well worth the money and one of the best purchases I have made for the computer in a long time. If you are thinking about purchasing this program I would say treat yourself, you won't regret it!

I wanted to be able to make a birth announcement cross stitch for my first grandchild, and I was hoping to find one with a lamb/peace type of theme. After searching in the local craft stores, and on line for several days, I couldn't find any premade kits with a lamb, unless it was as part of a farm theme. So I bought this program to make my own. I took a photograph of a real lamb from the internet, and a photograph of my grandson's father (my son) when he was 2 years old, and using Photoshop, I juxtaposed them together to make a picture of a little boy with a lamb. I imported this into Pattern Maker for Cross Stitch Professional, and added the lettering. It came with many built in stitch fonts, as well as many of the Publisher fonts. The interface for importing photographs or other things is very user friendly. Pattern Maker let me view it with color, so I could adjust the not-so-crisp edges of the Photoshop import (I got tired of messing there). Then I printed it with the stitching symbols, and bought the embroidery colors I didn't already have. It automatically generated a chart with the symbols for each color and stitch type (The program contains several types of stitches besides full cross stitch, though I did not use any of them besides back-stitch, as I am doing the project in 28 count Aida cloth, which means I don't have to do half, quarter, petite, etc stitches.) As an aside, this is a FAR more intuitive and user friendly program than Photoshop. I have not completed the stitching yet, but if it turns out at all like the color view looks, it will be an excellent replication of the photograph of my son (It is 65 colors for gradation and shading. eek. But I wanted it to be true to the photograph). I bought the professional level to be able to use it with an embroidery machine in the future. I highly recommend this for any cross stitcher who wants to make their own design.

This was difficult for me to use. It was expensive and no tangible instructions. The CD sat for months until I could get one of my children to help me figure it out and get the photo pattern completed. The completed photo pattern had 5 colors that were listed to use but the color codes' design did not show up on the finished directions. This means for the 5 colors I have to figure out where they fit in the blank spots on the directions. I am however, grateful there is a way to transfer a personal photo into a cross stitch picture. I have not finished the project so I can' t say anything about that, but I am hoping the cross stitch of my mother turns out beautiful!

I am a craft designer and bought this so I could design and start selling cross stitch patterns in my etsy shop. My first design came out perfect and good enough to sell! I didn't design it from a photo. I did it freehand in this program. They also offer an add on that lets you convert your design so it can be stitched out via embroidery machines. Since I have a Viking machine, I think I will spring for it. That way I can sell actual stitched designs for crafters to make into pillows, etc. I love this software! It is easy to figure out for the most part. The best feature is the one which lets me custom highlight an area so I can move it somewhere else in the design. My Viking software for designing cross stitch for the sewing machine only lets you highlight a rectangular area, which is very frustrating. This software lets you highlight irregular shaped areas. I suggest that you spend the extra money and get this pro version if you are serious about designing.