how to make sense of multi page charts?

by Pam
(California, USA)

Question: I am starting a needlework, particularly a counted cross stitch, business. I have a computer program, PC Stitch Pro. I have never used a program before nor have I ever stitched a design using multi page charts to stitch from.

I tried doing this on one design, thinking, how hard could this be? Well, I did not calculate very well and am off by at least 2 rows!! Now, I have to rip out a fairly large area and am not happy about it.

How do you put together a chart that has several pages to it and know exactly where you are and where to go next? I have over 40 years of needlework experience but with this, I feel like I am a real novice!! Help!!!

Thanks SO much!!

Pam Bailey

Answer:
Most computer design programs will allow you to set an overlap of a set number of squares when the chart is printed on more than one sheet. These overlapped rows are shaded so that it is obvious that they are duplicated on another page of the chart.

They give you the chance to match up the pattern when you move across from one page to the next and can really help.

Normally you would include a 2 or 3 stitch overlap, which is enough to orientate yourself on the next page. I also use a highlighter pen to mark off the stitches that I have already worked on the previous page, in the overlap area. I find it helps me a lot.

Carol