Creating a blackwork fill pattern with Easy Cross software

Easy Cross software is not just for cross stitch. There is an additional module available that allows you to create blackwork, hardanger and needlepoint designs. After being asked a number of times I thought I would show you how to invent a new blackwork fill pattern using the program. On this page you will find written instructions, screenshots and a video. I find people learn in different ways and hope that one of these will help you to understand how easy it is.

When designing blackwork fill patterns it is important to think about the area you wish to fill. A small area needs a small pattern whereas a larger area can show a large, complex pattern to its advantage.

Also keep in mind what the area is supposed to represent. If it is the top of a tree a leaf pattern could be appropriate, but fish scales would look rather odd!

The stitching module pack for Easy Cross is bought separately from the program itself at a cost of £25. This price is reduced to £15 if you are using the Enterprise version.

You may like to watch the video first then read through how it is done.

Click here to watch the video

How to create a blackwork fill pattern

1. Start by creating a new blackwork design.

2. In the video I drew a box ready for filling once I had designed my blackwork fill.

3. Under the draw menu chose "Edit Fill Style".

4. Clicking on the dropdown arrow, shown by the red arrow on the screenshot, allows you to select (or create) a collection of blackwork fill patterns.

5. Click on the "New" button circled in red on the screenshot above.

6. Decide which collection you wish to save your new pattern and give it a name as shown by the red arrow in the screenshot below.

7. The next box will ask you the size of the repeated area for your pattern, in the video I picked 3 x 3, then hit OK.

8. Choose a colour to draw with from the palette on the left and then draw your pattern in the selected area in the centre of the grid as shown below. As you draw your lines the pattern will automatically repeat around the centre section.

9. When you are happy with your pattern click OK. If the repeated pattern is not quite what you expected, or you would like to experiment with spacing you can change the numbers in the spacing boxes next to the words Across and Down (see the first screenshot at the top of the page). I reduced the vertical drop by minus 1 in my pattern in the video to bring the rows closer together. When you are satisfied click save then OK.

To use your new blackwork fill pattern

First double check that you have the right blackwork fill selected. Under the Draw menu you will find "Select Fill Style". Your new pattern will be listed last, make sure the name is highlighted and then click OK.

Your cursor will now change to a cross hair. Position this inside the area you have outlined with back stitches and click with the left mouse button. The program will fit the pattern into the shape.

If the pattern does not look right in that area all is not lost. You don't need to delete each line by hand! Just pick another pattern and the program will ask you "Do you want to replace the existing pattern?". Choose "Yes" and the patterns will be swapped. Magic!

I hope this first lesson in using Easy Cross will show you how versatile and easy to use the software is for blackwork as well as Cross Stitch. Enjoy!

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