Generate Cross Stitch pattern and DMC thread information Script for GIMP

[tim]

UPDATE: you might interested in Javascript program (runs independently from GIMP) that turns any image into cross-stitch pattern: https://cs-pattern.com/picture-to-cross ... attern.php

With the below script, you can generate your own cross-stitch patterns for free (in GIMP).

I was watching people cross stitching on twitch.com and decided to do a plug-in/script for people to use to cross-stitch.
Use this as an alternative of programs like Winstitch (if you can't afford it). Hope you guys like it. If you find it useful, I'd love to hear from you about it. Also there's a Beads pattern script which is an a variation from this script intended for perlers.

Download

cross_stitch_tt.zip #

zipped .py file (unzip, put in your GIMP's /plug-ins/ folder) (GIMP 2.8)

(10.2 KiB) Downloaded 1028 times

Download

cross_stitch_tt (2).zip #

version 2 (GIMP 2.8) (saves each thread selection to channels, so that we are able to run "Cross Stitch DMC replace colors" script after adding DMC code to end of layer names) So that the process is still automatic but can manually change one or more colors afterwards.

(10.34 KiB) Downloaded 764 times

(for version 2, if you wish to manually change one or more DMC colors after the automatic process, you can use "Cross Stitch DMC replace color" script found here --> http://gimplearn.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=520)

cross_stitch_tt(2.5).zip #

version 2.5 - Added Delta-E color matching method (GIMP 2.8) Delta-E is based on Human Vision Perception so it's superior to other methods of matching colors

(10.8 KiB) Downloaded 413 times

cross_stitch_tt(2.6).zip #

version 2.6 - for GIMP 2.8 Added stitch count to thread info (requested by yellowzip)

(11.01 KiB) Downloaded 362 times

cross_stitch_tt(3).zip #

version 3 - Scripted and Tested for GIMP 2.10 (Tested on Linux [Ubuntu] GIMP flatpak installation)

(10.61 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

cross_stitch_tt(4).zip #

version 4 - Added Delta-E color matching method (GIMP 2.10) Delta-E is based on Human Vision Perception so it's superior to other methods of matching colors

(11.17 KiB) Downloaded 648 times

cross_stitch_tt(5).zip #

version 5 - for GIMP 2.10.X Added stitch count to thread info (requested by yellowzip)

(11.3 KiB) Downloaded 528 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 6 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Converted from UTF-8-BOM to UTF-8 encoding so that it would run on Windows.

(35.67 KiB) Downloaded 447 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 7 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Use symbols instead of Hex Digits. Looks nicer and easier to identify symbols.

(37.22 KiB) Downloaded 275 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 8 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Outputs dimension of pattern at bottom Thread Info image (for reference later).

(37.74 KiB) Downloaded 289 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 9 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Fix total stitch count.

(37.89 KiB) Downloaded 290 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 10 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Print out sizes in inches and centimeters on for aida 14,16 and 18 count (at bottom of thread info image)

(39.6 KiB) Downloaded 295 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 11 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Added interpolation option for scaling (as sometimes "None" looks better than "Cubic" depending on image/taste).

(39.87 KiB) Downloaded 299 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 13 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Some enhancement and fix of blank 15th symbol.

(43.05 KiB) Downloaded 300 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 14 - for GIMP 2.10.X. Fixed centimeter size estimation bug.

(43.08 KiB) Downloaded 343 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 15 - for GIMP 2.10.X Replace blank symbols with visible symbols bug fix.

(43.13 KiB) Downloaded 635 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 16 - for GIMP 2.10.X Added Option to YES/NO to blending. Blending uses average colors of combination of 2 thread colors. Slower but could in theory by law of averages produce better matching colors.

(44.08 KiB) Downloaded 166 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 17 - gor GIMP 2.10.X Limit blending colors to close colors producing superior/convincing blending colors. And this version also shows for Thread Info image, DMC thread color for blended colors as 2 actual DMC colors instead of the fictional average color.

(45.55 KiB) Downloaded 199 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 18 - for GIMP 2.10.X added option to select "Third Blend" which uses combinations of 3 strands (1 strand of one color combined with 2 strands of another color).

(48.21 KiB) Downloaded 160 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 19 - For GIMP 2.10.X added 35 new DMC colors (DMC 1-35)

(49.58 KiB) Downloaded 178 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 20 - For GIMP 2.10.X Added "4th Blend" (4 strands of 2-color-combinations).

(52.93 KiB) Downloaded 179 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 21 - For GIMP 2.10.X Added "5th Blend" and "6th Blend" for 5-strand and 6 strand blends.

(59.4 KiB) Downloaded 321 times

cross_stitch_tt.py #

version 22: Output to console unique list of DMCs (even of blends). DMCs list is used to add pattern to cs-pattern.com's database.

(59.64 KiB) Downloaded 604 times

Script Menu location: Python-Fu/Cross Stitch...

If you do cross-stitching, consider joining us on our new forum on cs-pattern.com

Script Options

gimp_cross_stitch_options.jpg # (111.77 KiB) Viewed 30047 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Instructions:
1. Open up any image, with an active/selected layer.
2. Run Script (Python-Fu/Cross Stitch..). Adjust options.
3. Wait for script to run (it'll show progress bar).
4. After script is done you should see 2 new images (1 is the cross-stitch pattern, the other is DMC thread information [also used to name the layers in the cross-stitch pattern image).
5. Enjoy cross-stitching! If it works for you, I'd love to see your final real life cross-stitches (share on this thread if you'd like).

Sample original:

gimp.png # (133.4 KiB) Viewed 30047 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Sample cross stitched pattern

gimp_cross_stitch_pattern.jpg # (3 MiB) Viewed 30047 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Sample thread info image

gimp_cross_stitch_thread_info.jpg # (91.21 KiB) Viewed 30047 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Screen shot of viewing cross-stitch pattern while in GIMP.

gimp_cross_stitch_pattern_screenshot.jpg # (857.5 KiB) Viewed 30047 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Note: there was a white layer of 30 opacity added over top of stitch pattern to allow stitch symbols to be visible (even when over black). If you wish you could toggle this layer's visibility off.
Sample pattern with white layer turned off.

gimp_cross_stitch_pattern_with_white_layer_turned_off.jpg # (3.06 MiB) Viewed 30046 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

Video clip of me using the script in GIMP


GIMP 2.10 screenshot (version 3 of script)

2_10_screenshot_of_cross_stitch_tt_run.jpg # (96.41 KiB) Viewed 27897 times (Thumbnail | Recognize | Sq Tile | LNFI)

While on cross-stitching related topic, you might be interested in http://gimplearn.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=518&p=3347
Or if you want to be able to manually choose your DMC for each color instead of this automatic method: http://gimplearn.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=520

#SpecialThanks to netizens who have shared this Plug-in/Topic:

• shared on pclinuxos.com by TN_Tux
• Referenced multiple times as cross-stitches self-drafted in "A Year in Cross-Stitch" on imgur.com by ripInPepperinos

[Pat625]

That looks like a really neat script, Tin! I did not get into cross stitching as never really had time for it. However, If I ever do, I'll remember your script for certain.

[tim]

LadyAshleen on twitch said that right off the bat, she would suggest that she wants the ability to change individual pixels.
As GIMP is already a great image editor, this script is meant to be run on an already finished image so any edits should be done before using script.

I suggested that what she should do is before generating the cross stitch pattern:

• Edit/Work on her image as pixel art. Like for example if she wants a stitch pattern that is 100 stiches wide, she should edit scale the image down/up to 100 pixel wide

• Then Image->Mode->Indexed (enter number of colors she wants).

• Continue to work in indexed mode as pixel art (zoomed in)

• Then once she's happy, she can convert it back to RGB mode by going Image->Mode->RGB

• Now that the image is ready, run script to generate cross stitch pattern (on this ready result)

.

[Issabella]

Tin, you have created a very useful great filter. I love it.

[tim]

some people i watch who cross-stitch on twitch.tv
https://www.twitch.tv/classic_queen
https://www.twitch.tv/motoruxin
https://www.twitch.tv/xminibergerx
https://www.twitch.tv/ladyashlene

[berserker]

Hi
I just downloaded your script and placed in the plug-ins directory for GIMP(2.8), but it is not showing up in the menus( after restarting GIMP).
Before I go off poking around in the code, are you aware of any problems/solutions?

I'm using OSX 10.12.4 and GIMP 2.8 and have the script at ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/2.8/plug-ins/

Cheers

[tim]

I think if you're on linux you have to make the .py executable.

[berserker]

The file was defaulted to executable
-rwxr-xr-x@ 1 xxxxx staff 33250 9 May 14:08 cross_stitch_tt.py

I might have to go get my shovel!
Thanks for getting back to me.

[tim]

have you used .py scripts before this one?
You should try putting in your user's GIMP's plug-ins folder.

[tim]

A new member (wyh) tried this script and mentioned that it did not work with GIMP 2.10.
So I have just updated 1st post with version 3 of script which works on 2.10.
Thanks wyh! And Welcome to GIMP LEARN forum!