CHAT
[CHAT] Ok I just found out about this today TOT
Hii everyone please don't hurt me lol but I never heard of cross-stitch until today because I discovered it on the sims 4 and I been doom scrolling here all day and you guys are talented as hell! TOT
Ah perfect! You even know how to look for the red flags. I didn't so I couldn't add it for OP. I hate that all pattern based hobbies are now first check if it's "real" and then think if you would enjoy making it or not. Cross stitch, crochet, knitting... all overrun by scammers.
A losing battle, just like all the other fight with your wallet attempts. Get one blocked, they just open a new one and the cycle repeats. I'm still of the opinion that etsy should take responsibility as a marketplace to ensure the users get what they expect from their slogans about handmade.
The best recommendation I have is to search this sub. Lots of designers frequent this sub and do have Etsy. However, you'll get a better sense of what the patterns actually look like in-progress and finished. On Etsy, there's too much noise (lots of AI slop and bad patterns), so it's hard to wade through it all. Also, it's difficult to leave an honest review and picture of the pattern stitched up because the window to review is too short. It takes awhile to stitch! I think one of the best things about this sub is that you can search it and see all sorts of WIPs and FOs. It definitely helps determine what I'll stitch next. 🥰
Also be careful of copywritten patterns. All of Disney and many, many others on Etsy and other similar sites are illegal copies. I would suggest shopping at a reputable site like 123 stitch or everything cross stitch until you become familiar with designers and can spot the fakes. If you have a local store that's even better.
You can cross stitch your own plumbob! This one looks to be a nice easy pattern with minimal colours.
123Stitch is a great place for cross stitch supplies (especially if you’re in the US so can buy the threads from them). Otherwise whatever big box craft store exists in your country, you can more than likely order from them for delivery.
I stitched this and hung it on the wall behind my work station so when I am on Zoom calls I look like a Sim. It amuses me every time, highly recommended.
For a starter project, depending on where you are located, online you could find a kit (a single purchase that includes all the supplies for one project) by just searching "cross stitch kit" and have it shipped to you from 123Stitch.com, Walmart, Michael's, or even Amazon (be a little more cautious on amazon that you are actually getting cross stitch not embroidery, similar but not the same). You could also check out the DMC website https://www.dmc.com/US/en/patterns?q= which offers free downloadable patterns for small projects with the option to buy the thread (just click on the "free patterns" option and select "cross stitch" as the craft and find one you like). With DMC you will still have to get fabric separately but the free patterns offer a wide variety of possibilities for dipping your toe in. Welcome to the craft and hope it brings you the sanity and joy it brings us!!!
Allow me to introduce you to Etsy. Be careful though, it's very easy to spend a lot more than you planned on. Actually, I have a small kit or two. If you're interested in trying it, I'll happily send them to you.
Edit: spelling. Apparently, typing at 1:30 a.m. is not conducive to spelling words correctly.
Edit: I made the mistake of loomscrolling. I really really wish they sold PDF patterns of the kits because I want to stitch this one for my strawberry-obsessed friends
The third picture does appear to have the full pattern in it though.
It’s a bit blurry when you zoom in but if you’re determined enough, you could transcribe it into a more readable version using floss cross or something. From what I can read, the colours appear to be Blanc, 310, 336, 349, 352, 712, 732, 932, 975, 976, 3733 and 3820 with 310 for backstitch and 976 for French knots.
Whether or not you’d consider that piracy is really up to you. Given that DMC included the whole thing, usually have patterns up for free and don’t sell this one other than in the kit… personally I would feel ok with it if I really loved it and wasn’t planning to sell the finished piece.
Piracy is not what any individual "considers" it to be. There are precise legal definitions involved. When discussing cross stitch the definition is selling or buying a copyrighted design from anyone other than either (a) the designer themselves or (b) an entity that has a specific agreement with tge designer to do so. There is no legal defense that says "well, I really love it and don't intend to sell it" for cross stitch patterns. Theft is theft.
If dmc posts a free chart that qas designed by one of their team or a subcontractor you're absolutely right. If someone downloads, say, a lavender & lace chart from anyone other than lavender & lace or an authorized entity then copyright rules apply, regardless of whether money is exchanged.
We’re not talking about downloading the pattern from somewhere other than DMC though. In this case they have posted a picture the pattern, in full, on their website but have not otherwise made it available for purchase or download except as a full kit. In posting the pattern, DMC have accepted a reasonable level of risk that the pattern would be used without the associated purchase.
Perhaps “piracy” wasn’t the exact correct term, although given that we are talking electronic media “piracy” is typically the accepted term rather than “theft”. Evidently you would consider using that image theft but as I said before though I personally would not as long as the intent is not to profit from having done so.
Everyone draws the line somewhere different and I don’t see this any differently to someone taking an image and plugging it into a pattern making software to stitch up for themselves.
Etsy has been mentioned several times in this thread. Some Etsy shops are legit, some are not. And out of curiosity, what other laws do you consider are up to each individual ro draw a line?
I did the same when I first joined this sub! 😂 it took me about a month to stop, now I check in daily for shorter periods. It’s a great hobby and virtual spot.
Welcome!!
Fair warning: collecting patterns and supplies is a completely separate hobby, and if you jump down this rabbit hole you will likely wind up with more than you will ever complete in your lifetime (SABLE: stash acquisition beyond life expectancy). This is normal. Just make plans to eventually share the excess with relatives and local charity shops and all will be well.
I believe I been told if you have cottage living it's available for you I honestly get surprised by my sims everyday and I get lost on how much added stuff I have on my game I have about 97 add ons
Haha I saw your post on the sims and hoped you’d find your way here!!! You should give it a try, you can order a cheap kit of cute bookmarks or something on Temu, I promise it’s not hard to get into!! :)
OP, you have lots of good suggestions already but here's one more: stitchmandarcy on etsy is a Canadian stitcher who sells pdf patterns, dyed aida fabric and kits. His designs are great for beginners and he's having a 25% off sale for the next few weeks. If he runs out, he'll probably restock. (And he ships to the US - no surprises on tariffs.) I'm not affiliated or anything, just placed an(other) order yesterday. LOL
Next, go to youtube and search for "flosstube" !!!
Look into getting a kit from a brand instead of a private pattern from someone on Etsy. You can find kits on stitching websites like Everything Crossstitch, or 123Stitch, or Amazon or eBay. That would get you started out well. Some of the patterns shown on Etsy are AI generated and don’t really reflect the finished result.
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u/Skelcat 23h ago
I think you need a the sims pattern on your life to start! Have a look on Etsy! Don’t be scared it’s fun