Turbo Cross Home PageShould you have an existing chart you wish to stitch using your machine, you can enter them in square-by-square following the chart. But with the help of the program it is possible to scan the chart into the background and so have the reference of the chart behind the grid, thus making it easier to enter.
These instructions assume that the chart has been previously scanned into a scanning package and saved as a BMP or JPG file (several other formats are supported). Alternatively the image can be taken directly from the scanner using the Acquire option.
Start by counting the number of squares across and up, for example 30 by 19.
To get the chart into the backdrop, select Convert Image from the Convert menu, the Adjust Image dialog is given. This dialog can be used to adjust the brightness or contrast of the image should it be too dark. Use the Trim option to remove unwanted area around the chart. Select the area to be kept and click on the Trim checkbox. Select OK when you are happy with the appearance of the image.
The Convert Image dialog should be given, if you are using the Convert Wizard then selecting the Use Convert Image Dialog button will give the correct dialog.
· Set the Convert to drop down list to Backdrop.
· Set the Design Size to the values counted i.e. 30 by 19 (the stitch size isn't relevant at this point, but if you know the size you wish to stitch then set it now).
· Select OK.
A dialog will be given asking if the backdrop should be used in the current design – select No and a new design of the correct size will be given with the image displayed behind the grid.
NOTE: When a file is converted as a backdrop, it may not line up exactly with the design grid.
Should the backdrop be out of alignment with the grid, then select Position Backdrop from the Convert menu.
If the image is offset, then you will need to make 1 adjustment either Top Left or Bottom Right. In this case lets select Top Left, the dialog disappears and a cross-hair is given. Use a point of reference like one square across and one square down, move to this point in the top left. Press and hold the LEFT mouse button and drag the cursor to the corresponding point on the program’s grid (i.e. one square across and one square down).
When the image is twisted, then you will need to make 2 adjustments Top Left and Bottom Right to line the backdrop image. To clear any adjustments select the Reset Adjustments option.
Now the backdrop is aligned correctly to the gridlines, you can pick colours from the palette and place them in the squares using the backdrop as a reference.
If you are having trouble making out the gridlines or the backdrop, there are a couple of options that can help you. Use Fabric Colours in the View menu to alter the appearance of the grid. Use Backdrop Brightness in the Convert menu to alter the intensity of the backdrop to your own preference.
Once the cross stitch has been entered, the stitches cover the backdrop so it can be difficult to see where to add the backstitch or small detail. The design can be moved to the right leaving the backdrop to one side for reference and so the backstitch can be placed as required.
It is possible to alter the colours and stitch types displayed. This can be done with the aid of the Show/Hide Colours option in the View menu (this depends on which version you are using). All Colours Full Stitches and Part Stitches can be set to Invisible so only the backdrop is given. Once the backstitch has been added, turn the Full Stitches and Part Stitches back to Normal using the Show/Hide Colours option.
Convert Backdrop in the Convert menu allows stitches to be sprayed onto the grid matching the backdrop colour to the nearest one from either the Palette or Chart depending which option is used.
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Software Solutions. All rights reserved.
Revised: 27-Aug-2006
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