http://openhouseminiatures.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/geometric-rose/

1. Geometric Rose Rug

2. I was asked how I
create a needlework
pattern.
I usually use graph
paper and coloured
pencils.
In order to produce a
chart that I can print and
distribute, I do the
following…

3. I would like to work this design on 22 point canvas.
So I start with an on-screen “blank canvas” that is
a multiple of 22 pixels. (1 pixel = 1 stitch)
This gives me a good idea of how the design will
look when it is made up.

4. With a geometric design, I first chart one part of
the pattern repeat.
I can then copy and paste this part as many times
as I need to.
This is when I often realise that I have made a
mistake.

5. When I am satisfied that everything is in the
right place, I start to play around with ideas.

6. A small change can make a surprising difference.

7. I try to use elements from the main design, to make
a decorative border.

8. This is a “nice” design.
Things do not always go this smoothly !
As the sides of a rug are usually
different lengths, I almost always
have to “tweak” the pattern.

9. So far, so good !

10. I think the design will work well in a variety of
colour-ways.

11. As I am planning to share this design, I need to
turn it into a chart.
The Royal School of Needlework software will do
this for me, all I need to do is 1. Save the design as a bitmap file
2. Import it into The RSN programme
3. Select the size of chart size I would like
4. Press a button to convert it

12. That is the easy bit.
Sometimes colours vanish,
or change dramatically,
when the chart is created.

13. Sometimes, however, I am pleasantly surprised.

14. When I am happy with the chart, I turn it into a
pdf.
I do this because a pdf should print at exactly
the size I want it to.
In this case, on one piece of A4 paper.

15. If you spot any mistakes, please let me know !