Hints and Tips on QuickCross Designs
Choose different Thread Ranges and numbers of colors to see the effect of different selections. For instance, neon thread ranges give 'pop art' effects.
When converting a portrait, use Pick Color on the Thread Colors page to select the highlights in the eyes. This will brighten the eyes and enhance the converted picture.
After the design is created, check for isolated crosses. If an isolated cross is not important for detail, replace it with the surrounding color, or a connected color. This will reduce the number of movement stitches in the finished embroidery.
Reduce the number of colors in the design. To do this, choose a color you wish to keep and then flood fill or paint full crosses over similar colors until only the chosen colors remain. Alternatively, use Merge Colors in the Color Select area of the Design panel to change all crosses of one color to another color. It is recommended to do this one color at a time, so you can see the effect of replacing each color. When you reduce the number of colors this way, the effect is different from deleting colors in the Cross Stitch Design Wizard.
Use the Color Select area of the Design panel to change the color order so that the design stitches from the inside out. This helps to reduce the effect of pulling on the fabric.
Add a simple border of backstitch along the edges of the design. Use a contrasting color to make the border stand out.
Add a more elaborate border by increasing the design size by a few squares, then flood fill with crosses or a pattern in the blank squares around the edge. You will need to convert the picture at a size that will allow the design and a border to fit inside the desired hoop.
Note that when you change the design size, the background picture will be removed. Save the design first so you have a copy of the design with the background picture, then use a new name for the design with a border.