Frequently Asked Questions

Select an individual question to read our answer, or scroll through all the questions and answers.

  1. Ordering seems complicated, what can I do?
  2. What makes PhotoStitch® so realistic?
  3. Can you use a file from my digital camera?
  4. What type of photograph can I send?
  5. What should I look for when selecting a photograph?
  6. Can I use just part of the photograph?
  7. Can you remove the background?
  8. How big should the pattern be?
  9. How big will the finished stitching be?
  10. What type of needlework can I use?
  11. What brand of floss can I use?
  12. How will I know the floss color of each stitch?
  13. How many colors will be in my pattern?
  14. Is the pattern easy to read with so many colors?
  15. How can I work from a pattern with so many stitches?
  16. How long will delivery take?
  17. Will my photograph be returned and not damaged?
  18. Can I sell copies of a pattern you made for me?
  19. Will you sell copies of a pattern you made for me?
  20. What is your Privacy Policy?
Pattern Sizes | Information Desk | Visitor Center | photostitch@att.net

  1. Ordering seems complicated, what can I do?
    • A lot of hours go into stitching detailed projects and the end result must be pleasing.
    • We want every customer to be completely satisfied so we are pleased to advise on suitability of photographs, pattern size, and to quote the cost of any special work.
    • Send your photograph and the order form with your name, postal and e-mail address and we will contact you with the details.
    • We will even send you picture files showing how your finished work will look when stitched from various size patterns.
    • There is no obligation to purchase. You may send us payment to process the order or we will return your photograph at no cost to you.
    2. List of FAQs
  2. What makes PhotoStitch® so realistic?
    • Your photo is scanned individually and the image carefully adjusted and optimized to ensure the best possible result.
    • The software used to make PhotoStitch® patterns is unique. We do not market it for anyone else to buy or use to provide a similar service.
    • The exact process is a trade secret but spots of color in the photograph are converted into stitches and matched to the closest available floss color, not limited to a select range of colors.
    3. List of FAQs
  3. Can you use a file from my digital camera?
    • Yes but we charge a small fee to have it printed by Kodak.
    • Before you order, attach your file to an e-mail and we will send you pictures simulating the stitched work from various size patterns free.
    • The best results need a high quality print. If you print your own and it shows any spots, streaks or poor colors that is what will be in the finished stitching after long hours of your work.
    4. List of FAQs
  4. What type of photograph can I send?
    • We can use color, sepia or black and white prints.
    • We can remove minor blemishes if necessary.
    • We may be able to improve the quality of the picture if you accept some colors will change.
    • The size of the original is not as important as the quality. 4 by 6 is ideal but we can also use wallet size. We do not normally need an enlargement.
    • If you have only a file from a digital camera, please have a professional quality print made on glossy paper. Kodak provide an excellent service.
    • We cannot use transparencies or negatives.
    5. List of FAQs
  5. What should I look for when selecting a photograph?
    • High quality because that is what you want to see in your stitching.
    • Brightly colored, properly exposed photos work best.
    • Avoid photos with a lot of dark shadows.
    • Natural daylight is preferred because flash often causes brighter than normal highlights that will show up in the finished work.
    • If the photograph is faded the finished work will look faded.
    • Avoid unwanted reflections, in cars for example, as they will be clearly seen in the finished work.
    • We can remove small objects against a general background, for example power lines against the sky or a socket outlet on a wall.
    • A face in shadow will look darker than the person in real life.
    • A white house photographed in shade will look gray.
    • Avoid letters and words, as they need many full stitches to be read.
    6. List of FAQs
  6. Can I use just part of the photograph?
    • Yes, we will crop the picture in the computer to your instructions. See how this is done. Do not cut or mark your photo, it is best to make a photocopy and cut it to size or draw lines on it.
    • A large pattern can be made from just a small part of a photo, if the photo is clear.
    • For special effect we can produce an oval or round pattern rather than the standard rectangular shape.
    7. List of FAQs
  7. Can you remove the background?
    • Yes, but we do not usually recommend it. We use only full size stitches so the edge will look ragged and some detail will be lost.
    • We must be able to clearly see the subject outline against the background to accurately remove it.
    • If the shape is intricate there will be an extra charge.
    8. List of FAQs
  8. How big should the pattern be?
    • The more stitches in the pattern, the better the detail will be.
    • Faces need 40 to 50 stitches across, for recognition and about 100 for a close-up portrait.
    • If you are more interested in the people than their clothes, you could have a pattern of just head and shoulders.
    • If the photo was taken from a distance you may want to zoom in.
    • Read
    9. List of FAQs
  9. How big will the finished stitching be?
    • Any PhotoStitch® pattern may be stitched on any count fabric.
    • To calculate the size, divide the number of stitches in the pattern by the fabric count. If you stitch over more than 1 thread, then you must first divide the fabric count by the number of threads you cross over.
    • For example, using 14 Count Aida, 140 stitches across the pattern, the finished size would be 140 divided by 14. That equals 10 inches across.
    • Another example, using 32 Count Linen over 2 threads, this is equivalent to 16 count, 32 divided by 2. Again with 140 stitches across the pattern, the finished size would be 140 divided by 16. That equals 8.75 inches across.
    • Repeat the calculation using the number of stitches in the height of the pattern to find the height of the stitched work.
    • If you gave the fabric information on the order form, the stitched measurements will be printed on your pattern.
    • You must add extra fabric all around the stitching to allow for framing and a mat if you intend to use one.
    10. List of FAQs
  10. What type of needlework can I use?
    • Counted cross-stitch is standard.
    • Needlepoint stitches can be used because all stitches are the same size, but the position will still have to be counted.
    • Duplicate stitch can be ordered to match any fabric count.
    11. List of FAQs
  11. What brand of floss can I use?
    Specify on your order, DMC or Anchor brand. Our computer will better match the colors than a conversion table.
    12. List of FAQs
  12. How will I know the floss color of each stitch?
    • Each stitch is represented on a graph by a symbol.
    • A table shows all the symbols with their floss color number and how many stitches use this color, so you have an idea of the amount you will need.
    13. List of FAQs
  13. How many colors will be in my pattern?
    It varies with each photograph but an average is 80 to 100 colors. Often there are some colors used in just a few stitches but they add to the realistic appearance.
    14. List of FAQs
  14. Is the pattern easy to read with so many colors?
    Yes, the pattern is clearly printed black on white paper with floss symbols an eighth of an inch (3 mm) square.
    15. List of FAQs
  15. How can I work from a pattern with so many stitches?
    • The graph is printed on easy to handle letter size sheets.
    • The layout of the graph sheets is clearly shown with the floss color symbol table.
    • Try using a 12" x 18" metal board with magnetic strips holding the graph sheet you are working on, alongside the floss color symbol table. My board is a LoRan Line Minder #5507.
    • I use the magnetic strips to mark a block of about 30 x 10 stitches on the graph. Within this block I complete a single color and also look for that color in adjacent blocks and stitch it there. Then I repeat the procedure for the next color in the original block. When all colors in that block are done, I move on to a new block of 30 by 10.
    • I also mark the pattern so that when it is put away, or dropped, I can put the strips back in the right place!
    • To simplify counting stitches, use a running stitch to put a temporary grid on the fabric, marking squares of 10 stitches. R & S Designs sell a special Easy-Count Guideline if you are interested in this approach.
    16. List of FAQs
  16. How long will delivery take?
    We ship by first class mail, air mail for overseas, usually within 3 to 6 weeks after we receive your order.
    Tell us if your order is more urgent and we will give it priority.
    17. List of FAQs
  17. Will my photograph be returned and not damaged?
    • Yes, we do not harm the photograph in any way, and return it with your pattern.
    • Our scanner is just like a photocopier but the image goes into the computer instead of being printed.
    • When you send your order, do not use paper clips or staples as these may damage the photograph.
    • Protect your photograph between two sheets of cardboard in a strong envelope or use a Photo Mailer. Do not use bubble-wrap envelopes as they are not very strong and offer no protection against folding.
    18. List of FAQs
  18. Can I sell copies of a pattern you made for me?
    No, the photographer owns the copyright of the photograph but H & P Design Studio own the copyright of the PhotoStitch® pattern.
    Anyone who wants to use the pattern for any commercial purpose must negotiate an agreement with us.
    19. List of FAQs
  19. Will you sell copies of a pattern you made for me?
    No, a custom made PhotoStitch® pattern will never be sold to anyone else. You are assured that your finished work will be unique.
    We keep your pattern file in case you lose or damage a sheet but we will delete the file on request.
    20. List of FAQs
  20. What is your Privacy Policy?
    We respect your privacy. Please read our Policy
    21. List of FAQs
Pattern Sizes | Information Desk | Visitor Center | photostitch@att.net
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