Today I’m starting a short series (look for the next installment next Wednesday) to help you use Japanese patterns to create exciting backgrounds for your needlepoint.
The first step is to create a pattern. The second step is what patterns work nicely in needlepoint. The final step (in two weeks) is to convert the pattern to needlepoint and stitch it.
One thing about needlepoint patterns that makes many of the cute designs you see around NOT work, is that the pattern needs to be seamless. In other words you shouldn’t be able to see the individual tiles of the pattern and seams where they connect. Think of a fabric. When it’s just an uncut length, the pattern is seamless. But one you sew it into a garment, the pattern may not match at the seams — that’s what you don’t want.
Creating seamless patterns can be hard for you (it is for me) but it’s easy for the computer. And here’s where this handy tool — Japanizer — comes in. Pick a pattern from the 27 choices. Then pick a size from extra small to extra large. Finally pick a color choice.
Click on Japanize.
The pattern, in the colors you chose shows up as a background. YOu can link to it, download it or tweet it.
The pattern I created is pictured here.
Thanks to my DD who pointed this out to me.
Related posts:
Recent Comments