How to Set Up Your Own Cross Stitch Photo-to-Chart Business

Although there are several reputable photo-to-chart cross stitch software on the market, most stitchers don't want to invest the money to buy one. Or, even if they had the money, they don't want to spend the time learning how to use it. Even though they have the cross-stitch software, they still have to doctor up all the colors the computer software imports into your design.

If you love designing cross-stitch patterns and already have photo-to-chart software then you can set up your own design business, making charts for other stitchers. For several years I made some extra income making cross stitch patterns from my customers' photographs. Or if you don't have the software, it's well worth the investment, whether you use it to make money, or just to make your own charts. In the end you'll save money doing your own patterns, as well as be able to create a pattern from any photograph.

What do you need to get started? What will you need?

*Computer cross-stitch software----If you don't already have computer software, there are several reputable companies which will allow you first download a trial version before making a purchase. A few of them include Pattern Maker, and PC Stitch Pattern. Most of them are about the same, offering import features, which allow you to convert a photograph into a chart, as well as other great features. For the professional versions, you pay more, but they offer more bells and whistles. For example, Hobby Makers' Pattern Maker's professional version also features export functions where you can export a pattern to your website.

*A good scanner or digital camera---Not all your customers will be able to send you a digital photograph, so you'll have to use a scanner to scan from their designs. If you don't have a scanner, a good digital camera will also work fine.

*Printer---You'll need a quality printer for those customers who prefer hard copies. When I was doing my cross-stitch business, I gave customers the option to have either e-patterns or hard copies. Both Pattern Maker and PC Stitch Pattern offer free Viewers so your customers can download their patterns and print them out online. Personally I preferred to do e-patterns as it saved me money in both postage and supplies. And, of course, I charged less for e-patterns than I did for hard copies.

*Web page---It's almost imperative to set up your own web page. Here you'll want to offer examples of your work. It's helpful to include information about yourself, as well as offer tidbits of information regarding cross stitch. Also, by including free charts, you can lure potential customers to allow them to design a chart for you. You'll also want a section of your web site to explain pricing, as well as information about yourself.

*Open up a Paypal account. This allows you to receive credit payments from customers who don't want to send cash or checks.

How do you find customers?

One way is to join various cross-stitch communities. Do a search for cross stitch message boards and find out what members are looking for in the way of designs. By all means, do not spam message boards or advertise on them, but send private emails to stitchers who are seaching for particular patterns. Another way is to visit local shops and post business cards on bulletin boards. Once you get your business off the ground, doing charts, your reputation will spread. Before long, you'll have customers emailing you as they've heard about your work from friends and family. This happened to me several times. Just as in any business, word-of-mouth is the best way to grow your clientele.

Most of all, having your own cross-stitch design business is fun. Besides makes some money, you meet some of the nicest stitchers from all over the world.