Frequently Asked Questions

Right now I sell digital cross stitch patterns in PDF format and in the coming months I’ll be adding eBooks and sewing patterns.

Browsing the store you’ll find a growing range of beautiful projects to stitch. At this time it’s mainly fine art replicas and vintage charts in the Art Nouveau style.

I’m passionate about charting famous artworks and illustrations from classic storybooks. I love the idea of cross stitchers at home using my patterns to create their own art galleries of their favourite paintings by Van Gogh, Botticelli, Leonardo, as well as Masters from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

At the time of publishing it is March 2025 and I’m currently studying graphic design and fashion at Torrens Unviversity (Sydney) and as my skills develop, I’m looking forward to publishing more of my own designs from my drawings, photographs and fashion illustrations. I particularly love stitching geometric designs and repeating patterns.

You can read more about my backstory into cross stitch on the Cross Stitch Patterns Online page.

No, at this time I only sell digital PDF cross stitch patterns and Ebooks.

You need to purchase the cloth, thread, and needles separately.

No. All products are digital download only. Nothing is shipped.

Yes. Your purchase includes an extra chart specially formatted for Pattern Keeper App. This includes customised charts.

For simplicity, my cross stitch patterns are priced according to the size of finished piece (when stitched on 14-count Aida).



My base currency is AUD Australian dollars, but you can use the currency converter in the menu bar to see prices in your own currency.

Yes. Send me a photo, drawing, or painting and I’ll create a counted cross stitch pattern that works beautifully with the Pattern Keeper App.

I can also include professional photo editing and retouching if required.

Check the store to learn more about my customised cross stitch patterns.

Every cross stitch pattern purchase includes a complete set of files to suit your stitching style:
– Full-colour PDF chart condensed onto a single page (great for quick reference)
– Full-colour PDF chart enlarged over multiple pages, with a chart map
– Black-and-white version of the enlarged chart, also with a chart map
– Pattern Keeper–friendly black-and-white chart for easy digital use
– Preview image of the finished design
– Printable floss labels (sized for A4 adhesive paper and perfect for bobbins or organisers)
– Detailed thread key with fabric dimensions, floss requirements, and project stats. Take it shopping.

The ‘Melinda J. Irvine’ brand has grown out of a simple idea — to make it beautiful. For me, that means approaching design with care, curiosity, and respect for the materials and stories behind it. Whether I’m creating a cross stitch chart, an illustration, or a textile pattern, I’m always looking for ways to bring greater meaning into something quite ordinary.

Since studying graphic design and fashion, my process has become much more intentional. I’m fascinated by the geometry that appears everywhere in nature and the world around (and within) us — the spirals in shells, the symmetry of flowers, the repeating patterns in sound waves and crystal forms. Those structures are finding their way into my newer work.

I still design cross stitch charts based on fine art, but these days I spend more time drawing, painting, and developing original textile art before turning it into a cross stitch chart.

From August 2021 until May 2024 I operated an online store called cross-stitch-patterns.online. The patterns listed under that brand are my original releases, published with the old logos and copyright information.

In those early years I was mainly focused on charting fine art — translating beautiful paintings into cross stitch. Since beginning my university studies in graphic design and fashion however, my work has evolved. I’m now spending more time developing my own original designs and illustrations. The older cover sheets and spec pages don’t really reflect my current skills or visual style — they look a little dated next to my newer work.

The charts themselves still work perfectly (and I fully support them), but I now offer all legacy products at discounted prices. You can read more about my early work on the Cross Stitch Patterns Online page.

Each chart has a difficulty rating as follows:

Quick Stitch — small, simple designs you can complete in a day or two.
Easy — simple design with just a few colours. Great for beginners.
Intermediate — Small to medium designs for stitchers with some experience.
Advanced — full coverage and more complex projects for experienced stitchers.
Challenging — very large full coverage projects with confetti. Are you up for the challenge?
ChallengingPLUS — these designs are massive and have heaps of confetti. Think carefully before buying.

You’ll find the rating information in the product description>additional details tab. I also unpack some of the stitching challenges and complexity under the heading The Project in the product description.

Most of my cross stitch patterns are designed for 14-count Aida cloth, and the sizing information listed on the website is based on that fabric count.

The pattern itself includes a fabric conversion chart in the thread key, so you can easily estimate the finished size if you prefer to stitch on 10-count, 16-count, 18-count, 22-count, or even linen.

The project dimensions provided are accurate estimates calculated by professional cross stitch design software. I’ve stitched many of my own patterns, and in every case, the final stitched piece was within a few millimetres of the size listed.

If you’re using a different count or stitching over two threads (for example, on evenweave or linen), the thread key will help you adapt the size easily. Keep in mind:

(1) The stitched area size is based on the total number of stitches in the design
(2) You’ll need to add extra space around the edges for framing or finishing — I recommend adding 10-15 cm on each side

If you’re unsure how to calculate fabric size or want help choosing a fabric count, you’re always welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to help you plan your project with confidence.

Some of the patterns contain backstitch, French knots, and fractional sttiches. But not a lot. You’ll find the full specs for the chart, including the number of stitches, under the Additional Information tab in the product description.

I provide detailed specifications in the product listing of every pattern. You’ll find this in the Additional Information tab, located beneath the product image gallery.
The actual pattern has a detailed Thread Key indicating:

(1) Overall specs when stitched on 14 count Aida.
(2) Fabric conversion chart.
(3) Symbols.
(4) DMC colour number
(5) DMC colour description
(6) Strands (usually 2)
(7) Number of skeins for each colour.
(8) Total number of stitches for each colour.

The colour estimates are accurate and based on the number of strands (6) which is usually two.

I am an ethical online trader. Every cross stitch pattern sold on this website is ethically produced with due diligence. I create patterns from:

– My own drawings, paintings, and photographs.
– Public domain images and artworks (carefully researched)
– Licensed images with extended commercial rights.
– Artwork I’ve adapted under an appropriate licence (with credit when required).
– Designs created in collaboration with artists who’ve given me permission or been paid for use.

I perform due diligence on every piece I release and never copy, trace, or adapt designs that belong to other cross stitch designers or artists without permission.

If I ever use a third-party image, I ensure the licensing allows for commercial use and provide credit where needed.

I know how much work goes into creating something original — and I take that responsibility seriously.

No. I do not use AI image generators to create artwork or designs for my patterns.

Every pattern is based on original designs or appropriately licensed human-made artwork.

No. Each pattern is licensed for personal use by a single customer only.

You may not share, copy, scan, upload to AI, or distribute it in any form — even for free.

Please don’t give the freebies away either.

If you want to share my free patterns with friends or people in your FB group, just post a link to the store so they can download the free chart for themselves.

No. The patterns themselves (including free downloads and sample patterns) cannot be repackaged, sold, or distributed — whether in printed or digital form.

I don’t mind if you sell your finished pieces at a market, online, or in your small business.

However, please credit the pattern to me on the sales label or online product listing. Just add a link to the original product description with the words PATTERN DESIGNER.

Cross stitch charts, Ebooks, and other digital products that you purchase from this website are available for download immediately after payment. A download link will appear onscreen and is also included in your confirmation email.

Yes. Downloads links for premium products expire after 1 year. Download links for free samples expire after 30 days or 3 download attempts (whichever happens first).

If you create an account, you’ll have a full year of access to your purchases and can re-download them anytime.

If you checked out as a guest, please make sure to save your files promptly. While I do my best to support all purchases, I can’t guarantee long-term access without an account.

Don’t worry — I can usually help you recover them. Just send me a quick message through the contact page with your order details (name and email used at checkout), and I’ll resend your files or reactivate your download link.

If you created an account, you can also log in anytime during the 12-month access period to re-download your purchases instantly.

For guest checkouts, please save your files promptly, as download links aren’t guaranteed long-term — but I’ll always do my best to restore your order if something goes missing.

REMEMBER: it’s always best to save a copy of your purchases and keep a backup in the cloud or on a portable harddrive.

Yes. The Multi-page (Zoom) Black and White Chart is formatted for A4 and the best one for printing. You’ll find this in your download pack, either as a standalone file or embedded in the main pattern.

I suggest only printing out the pages you need including the Thread Key and Chart Map. If you’re saving money on ink, don’t forget to set the printer for ‘grayscale/black and white’ printing.

Yes. I include an extra chart, especially formatted for Pattern Keeper App in your download pack. Look for the words PATTERN KEEPER in the file name.

Remember that Pattern Keeper does not currently recognise backstitch, beads, and specialty stitches (ie, half stiches, French knots). So, even though I include Pattern Keeper charts for projects with embellishments, you’ll still have to use to the standard chart to finalise your project.

Yes. I fully support the cross stitch patterns, Ebooks, and digital products I sell on this website. If you’re having a problem I encourage you to check the articles at my online support desk before emailing. Sometimes it’s quicker.

Above all, please remember that each (and every) pattern on this site was designed and charted by a real human being (me) — and sometimes I make mistakes.

Everything can be resolved with a polite email.

You can reach me by using the contact form or replying to the confirmation email when you made your purchase.

I’m usually in touch within a few hours — remembering that I am located in the Asia-Pacific region (Perth, Singapore, Manila) and may be asleep when you message me.

If you need help immediately I have a growing list of articles at my online support desk. It may be quicker to check those first.