I'm stitching the model for my chart, and I find myself tempted to make notes as to the best way a stitcher should stitch it. However, I'm arguing with myself.
On the one hand, the way the graph reads, a more experienced stitcher can probably figure out how to do it the best way. On the other hand, nobody's going to die if they don't do it that way.
I personally rarely read the chart instructions (yes, I have the attention span of a gnat). Do you? Do you follow them? Do you even understand them most of the time? Do you like graphics with them to illustrate your point?
It depends on the complexity of the chart. I read instructions if it is a difficult chart or contains stitches I haven't done before or haven't done recently. I also read finishing instructions for some things. I don't always follow the instructions.
Graphics are a must for uncomm> I'm stitching the model for my chart, and I find myself tempted to make
I sometimes get confused on what the instructions say and end up doing my own thing. I follow the graphic that accompanies the chart to see what the end result should look like.
If the instructions would be more or less intuitive: mostly whole sts, or well-marked quarter stitches, I don't worry about the instructions on the my own designs, or most charts.
However, if there is something obviously different--1/2 sts, specialty sts, beads not done in the "normal" way, that sort of thing--I appreciate being able to consult instructions to see what the designer intended.
I can't recall which design it was now, but the lady in it was wearing a pearl necklace that was just a bunch of pearls strung on a strand of floss and attached at either side of her neck. Having the designer explain that was helpful! lol
I'll admit that I frequently don't read the instructions, unless something confuses me.
I regard instructions somewhat like a dictionary. I would not recommend that anyone actually "read" a dictionary from cover to cover, but it is extremely useful when you come across a word you dont know the meaning of. So I feel complete instructions are an essential part of any pattern. Or maybe these days, it is only necessary to have complete instructions on a web page, and a reference on the pattern to this web page. What I object to in patterns, is there not being complete instructions. The classic example is quarter/three-quarter stitches. I have seen many patterns which use these, and I know several ways of doing them, but I have *never* seen a pattern which explains which way the designer feels is best for that particular pattern. Another example is back-stitching. I find instructions for this to be usually inadequate. Again an example. Where there is the possibility of using one of two colors, the general best way is to use the color closest to the foreground. I have never seen this mentioned in a pattern. While on the subject, and thinking of web pages, I would have thought that it is by no means impossible for designers to get questions from their customers, which are "omissions", and where the designer would then like to tell all their other customers who have already bought the pattern, or are buying patterns which cannot be updated. It seems to me that a web page for each pattern would be an excellent way of telling customers about updates to instructions. (Dare I add numbered axes to specify single stitch positions?) (VBG) HTH.
-- Jim Cripwell. From Canada. Land of the Key Bird. This creature of doom flies over the frozen tundra in winter, shrieking its dreaded call; "Key, Key, Key, Key rist but it's cold!!"
I will always scan the instructions of anything before I begin. But since I am a fast reader and retain most of what I read the first time, impatience to insert threaded needle to fabric is not an issue.
I do like clear notes especially if something is off beat - 2x1 thread stitches, odd details on backstitched areas (outline center in 666, petals in 350).
Sometimes I wish a designer would add references to stitch guides; most of us own at least one. Sometimes another take on how to do a particular stitch can be heaven sent!
Thank you all so much for your answers. I've studied your answers so I can make my charting habits good from the start.
You see, I've been stitching since I was 14, but it never EVER occurred to me that if I didn't understand the chart, it might be the chart's fault. I always just took it upon myself that I was deficient. Reading what you all like and don't like has really opened my eyes.
Jim, I liked your idea about a designer having a web page dedicated to each design. I will do that.
This really hits home for me. I have lots of one color that are separated by backstitching. I intend that the areas where backstitching goes through be stitched in quarter stitches because the backstitching is necessary to delineate things.
I also intend that all partial stitches be quarter stitches--not 1/2 or
3/4 (where there is a full cross at some point that the backstitching would have to traverse).
Unfortunately, I'm not sure I could write clear instructions.
You also said someth> I do like clear notes especially if something is off beat -
So this brings me to my next question: Do you all find that separate backstitching/detailing charts are helpful? For instance, all the cross stitching on one chart, and all the funky details on another?
I will be hav> Sometimes I wish a designer would add references to
This leads me to my second next question: What would be the most universal reference to refer to? I only have one which is "The Complete Encyclopedia of Stitchery" by Ryan.
My third next question is this: Where do the publishers come up with all those pretty stitch graphics and how do I find some for my own use?
My last next question is this: Do you all like the designs to be on a big sheet of paper, a la L&L or Mirabilia or do you like them on the 8.5 x 11 paper you can print yourself and make copies? I actually prefer them on big sheets of paper (looks more professional to me and less like a home-made jobber). Do you have a preference? If so, why?
Thanks again. I can't tell you how helpful your opinions have been.
Pardon me adding my 2 cents' worth here. When I am copying a graph into Patternmaker, I tend to use all the cross-stitches on one chart, and copy it next to it, then put in the backstitches on the second chart. If your intention is to use quarter stitches anywhere a backstitch goes over a full stitch, this could be indicated on the stitch chart, with an explanation in the instruction area stating something to the effect of "Quarter stitches are used where the backstitching crosses a full stitch, to add more definition to the design." (I would think that attempting to SHOW 4 quarter stitches and a backstitch in one chart block would make the chart hard to read, but that might just be my aging eyes.) Then it would be up to the stitcher to follow those suggestions, or do it their own way; they couldn't say you didn't supply an alternative and reason, and it might be one that some people would not have thought of (I can say that I had not, but it does seem to make sense). Using your 4-quarter stitch method, it could also address Jim's 3/4-stitch issue, showing which color in that particular square should be used as the dominant or foreground color. A webpage containing design specifics is a great idea.
Hope you'll keep the list up-dated on your progress.
I'm more of a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of girl. I only read the instructions if I can't figure out the pattern, or if I'm starting something totally new - like hardanger :) Kim
Symbols always wear off on the points of the folds, they tear, they are awkward, and in the case of L&L and Mirabilia, they use really crappy, cheap paper that doesn't hold up well.
I don't think that looks professional at all....going on the cheapest possible paper.
Dracolair prints their charts on 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock, which looks very nice. I put good cardstock covers on my charts which are printed on 24 lb paper rather than the normal 20 lb you usually use for photo copies or at home bubblejet printing.
Chartpacks which don't use any cardstock at all do look unprofessional, because they droop in the racks. However, decent covers and paper in a size that is easy to work with tends to get my money.
There are plenty of designers who make mistakes. I like to think it's simply because they didn't foresee every contingency! I'm working a chart right now where it's pretty obvious the designer didn't intend someone to stitch a three-letter name, so even though I'm exactly right according to the chart, part of my name is supposed to end up *on top* of another symbol! And frogging is *not* an option!
Count me in for the design on regular-sized paper, since I also make a working copy. I like doing large designs, but making a working copy of something 280x175 stitch count, for example, is very difficult when it's on a large sheet.
I don't like hand-drawn symbols as opposed to machine-generated symbols because inevitably it's hard to read the hand-drawn version (for me, at least). But I understand and appreciate the fact that for small designer, hand-drawn is the best way to go, and I'd rather have the chart than not.
And you haven't mentioned this, but could you *please* clearly mark the center of your design? Arrows on the side of the graph pointing to the x and y axes are a great help, or a bold dot or star on the graph itself! I designers who mark their centers clearly!
ROFL! I see I'm in the minority on this issue. I never thought of using cardstock, either, so will do that. (I have to admit I never saw an L&L or Mirabilia pattern as being cheap, though I agree they are hard to copy for working copies--yes, I copy and mark, too.)
Also, I never thought of it, either, but I like the designs with clearly-marked centers, myself. Will do.
As to the 1/2 and 3/4 stitches: I gave those up long ago if they were done to facilitate backstitching. I hate backstitching, but I'll do it. If I have to do it over a whole cross where the backstitching gets lost in the shuffle or it looks bulky or non-tidy, I'm really going to hate doing it. So, I *always* stitch quarter stitches, even if a pattern calls for a whole cross.
Remember, folks, I'm a blank slate. I LOVE that you're telling me what you want. And certainly--this is a brand new adventure for me, so I appreciate y'all holding my hand.
Tegan, I agree! We must get together. And I think I have that same chart from Old Mill that you do. (Was there yesterday, as a matter of fact--did you know they have a huge bead store downstairs in the basement?)
Maybe you can join us the next time we make a Pilgramage to Junction City, to visit the Picture This Plus shop. Although, now that I think about it, THAT one should most definitely wait until I'm flush again.. Tegan
"Carey N." had some very interesting things to say about Re: Thank you on Chart Preferences, and More Questions:
Frankly, in a partial-stitches-with-backstitching-over-them scenario, I fail to see why bother to include partials the backstitching is going to cover anyway.
Aynthem had some very interesting things to say about Re: Thank you on Chart Preferences, and More Questions:
I completely agree. Also, if you're going to put bold lines every X squares to aid counting, PLEASE either use the standard 10 squares or VERY clearly state on the chart how many small squares to a big square.
I was thinking the quarter stitches on the diagonal the back-stitch would cover would be left out of the chart, leaving only 2 quarter-stitches in that particular block, as you suggest. Guess I didn't phrase it too well.
"Carey N." had some very interesting things to say about Re: Thank you on Chart Preferences, and More Questions:
That or I wasn't reading terribly well (LONG week at work, and the in-laws are visiting this weekend (MIL's presence does provoke a fair amount of stress)). :-)
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