Tip for patterns with a lot of symbols

jillyann

I found that finding symbols on the color chart when dealing with a lot of different symbols/colors is very time consuming.  First thing I do before starting to stitch these patterns is to print out the color/symbol chart on an 8 1/2 by 11 shipping label.  Then I cut out every symbol/color individually and try and group them together.  For example....all square shapes together, all types of circles together, arrows, letters, numbers etc.  I then take these cut out strips and  paste them on another piece of paper with the symbols grouped together.  I also go one step further and laminate the sheet.  After all that work I want to protect it.

This works great for me and cuts down on time spent searching for the symbols on the color chart.

Does any one else have any tips for dealing with these large patterns?  I would love to hear your ideas!.

Thanks

Jillyann

gmwl13

I repaint it and highlight each symbol one by one while stitching

bs.frog

Very clever idea :) I absolutely hate when a chart uses too many very similar symbols right next to each other in a chart. With all the symbol choices must they put an S right next to a 3, makes it so hard to glace at your chart and just keep stitching.. or 3 next to the backwards 3. Thank you for the great idea!

jillyann

Hi gmwl13. I am actually talking about the page that shows the list of floss colors corresponding to each symbol not the actual chart for the pattern. But i use a highlighter on the chart as well.

jillyann

Thanks bs.frog.

Braenn

I use a piece of cardboard with symbols on it and put my needles and pieces of floss under right symbol. Works for me. But your way is a great one too :)

jillyann

Thats a great idea too!   Thank you.

Irka.

Хорошая идея! Спасибо!

Good idea! Thank you!

jillyann

Your welcome Irka!

gmwl13

jillyann, I know you talk about reorganize the chart symbols. But if you repaint it, you do not need to do that. you select a symbol in the software, and all that symbol throughout the whole chart pop out with the thread number noted at the foot, so all you need to do is to select that color and stitch them all. you do not need to look for it among the symbol list at all.