As many online cross stitch stores offer amazing downloadble/printable products, buyers have a great opportunity and many choices.
However there are some guidelines to help buyers make the right choice and be certain that the cross stitch chart they chose is reaching their expectations.
First browse the seller's website and read carefully what they offer. When purchasing a cross stitch pattern you must receive the following:
* Cross stitch chart in black & white symbols or chart in color
* List of threads required
* The picture/image used to make the pattern
* The finished picture of how your cross stitch project will look like when completed (either in virtual stitches or "real" stitches).
It is very important for the seller to offer all of the above. Another way to be certain of the product's guality is to look for any free cross stitch charts. Search the seller's website for any free cross stitch patterns to download. Try to download a few and check out the quality. Are you happy with the result? Satisfied with the chart? Are the symbols big enough to read them? Is the pattern clear and easy to read? Is there a complete list of threads? If you are satisfied with the free cross stitch chart, then it is most likely that you will be satisfied with the products this website has to offer.
Another good way of choosing a cross stitch pattern is to look for how many colors the pattern is offering. This might seem irrelevant but it is not. In my personal opinion taking into consideration my many years of experience, the more colors the chart offers the better quality and resolution in the picture. More colors in a cross stitch pattern, it means the chart offers you details and shades. Especially if you are looking for fine art cross stitch patterns, then you definitely need more colors in the chart. However, be careful on the amount of colors used in the chart. Too many colors might be difficult to keep up with and only experienced stitchers should go for it. My opinion is that a cross stitch pattern up to 60 colors can capture a detailed image. If you don't feel comfortable stitching a project with 150 colors, then do not buy it.
I hope this simple guide will help buyers choose a downloadable/printable cross stitch pattern with confidence.
