needlepoint software

[maineyankee]

I have a copy of a print (3x5 copy of larger silk screen artwork) that I would like to do in either needlepoint or cross-stitch.

Does anyone know of a software package for converting the print to a stitch pattern ?

I'm looking for shareware or freeware.

Also, do any of the thread companies have a color chart available ?

(I'm new to needlepoint, so please use small words and try to avoid "sew-speak")

[CarolAnn]

MaineYankee,
If you are very new to needlepoint, you might like this link:
http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Needlepoint
as there are some good basic directions there.

As for software - do you want to reproduce a picture or photo in needlepoint? If so, you might try getting some of the iorn-on printing materials (also called heat transfer) made for inkjet printers. You will want to use some basic photo software (lots of free stuff will flip an image) - because you need to have a mirror image to iron on so it's going the right direction on the fabric or canvas.

Make sure the heat transfer materials you get are a dye type and not a plastic film type, as you just want to color the canvas, not make a plastic coat on it! Dye type transfers are sometimes called sublimation transfers. (Don't ask me why - I just know the dye kind of turns to gas and latches onto the fabric from the transfer paper when you iron over the back of it!)

Getting accurate color is tricky - what you see on your screen is rarely what you see on a print, unless you've been very lucky or spent a lot of time tuning your screen to match a print - then you'll have the next steps of watching the colors change again as heat is applied & they take to the fabric.

I hope I understood what you're looking for because I embroidery & applique, but I haven't done any needlepoint. (yet!)

[Sarah]

A blast from the past was Stitchgrapher, shareware, but is no longer available. *Will do a gif to pattern, and pattern to gif, using DMC and Anchor floss colors. *Also I can scan any cross stitch magazine pattern, and convert into. *I love it as I can do cut/paste from one pattern to another. *Also, it has a true DMC/Anchor floss (32bit) color chart was a charm when you needed to match, especially when you find that cat mauled skein, and have no number left. *If you can find a copy, GRAB IT. *I understand it was released into public domain.

I do have time anymore for it, kids, husband, work, etc. *

Sarah