Cross Stitch Shenanigans

When I was a kid, my mom taught me how to cross stitch. I always enjoyed the hobby, but as I grew older I abandoned it. All of the patterns I could find were just not my style.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie) poster

I actually started this while watching the TV series for the first time in February 2023 (way late but before the reboot was announced). I used an online source that converts photos into a cross stitch pattern. It created 72 pages of pattern, used 49 colors, and over 300,000 stitches to make this 17"x24" highly detailed cross stitch. And because more pixels means better end results, I used cross stitch fabric that was a quarter of the standard size (28-count vs 14-count).

Flip through the slideshow to see the project progress.

Tools

Essential Upgrades

I learned quickly I needed to upgrade my essentials because of the density of the small stitches. Instead of a simple cross stitch hoop, I upgraded to a Q-Snap frame. My classic DMC tapestry needles bent and broke left and right, so I upgraded to Piecemakers' tapestry needles.

Managing a Detailed Pattern

There were so many colors, it was difficult to keep track of them on the pattern. I began to use different color highlighters to map out each color. And I used grey markers to color over the stitches I had completed.

I did get used to it after a while, but at first I needed to use what I call a magnification helmet. Basically a device that sits on your head that has a magnifying glass (and a light). Once I could work without that, I use a simple rechargeable neck light.

The Smead Poly Project Organizer with Zip Pouch has been a real help to keep the 72-page pattern in good shape over a long period. I put the many pages of pattern in the expandable back pocket and highlighters in the zip pocket.