In the next article we are going to take a look at KXStitch. This is a program that will allow us create and edit cross stitch patterns or charts. We will be able to create the patterns from scratch in a user-defined grid size, we will be able to expand or reduce it in size as the pattern progresses. We will also be able to import images of many graphic file formats. This will allow us to reduce the number of colors and restrict the conversion to full or fractional stitches. Another option available is to use images as backgrounds. These imported images can be modified using the supplied tools to produce our final design.
Application includes a number of tools that will allow us to help design our pattern, including open or filled rectangles and ellipses, filled polygons, lines and backstitches. We can also cut, copy and paste to duplicate selected areas. Selected areas can also be rotated 90, 180, and 270 degrees counterclockwise, or mirror horizontally or vertically.
All the pattern libraries They can be used to store small and not so small portions of our patterns that we can later reuse in others. The patterns in these libraries are stored in a hierarchical list. This will facilitate their classification and navigation to find the ones we are looking for.
When the pattern is ready, a page layout to print our design. There are options for printing cover sheets, instructions, and a thread key, including the amount of thread used and the number of stitches. The cross stitch chart can cover as many sheets as necessary. We will be able to zoom in on detailed sections and make smaller-scale views for colored areas.
KXStitch is already in version 2.1.0. Is about free and open source software. This latest version was released silently. No ad and no changelog. If you want to know what has changed compared to previous versions, check the project commits on the GitHub page.
KXStitch General Features
KXStitch is a cross stitch pattern editor for KDE. The most important features of this software are:
- We will have the option to import images. Supports the import of various image formats.
- We can use multiple yarn paddles: dental floss, DMC, Anchor, Madeira, etc.
- The program will give us the option to use multiple types of stitches. Among them, it will offer us by default the possibility of using standard stitches.
- We will have at our disposal the pattern libraries. We can also print patterns and thread keys.
- We will have flexible options for printing.
- Obviously in this program, we will be able to carry out the edit existing patterns. It will also give us the possibility to create new patterns. KXStitch will be able to read PC Stitch files.
- We can create custom palettes and colors.
- We will be able to make free use of the stitched.
- We will have a online user manual to make it easier for us to work with this program.
- These are just some of the features of this program. For a more detailed and comprehensive view of the list of features, you can refer to the features page of this program.
Install KXStitch 2.1.0 on Ubuntu
This program offers us on your website different download ways. But for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.10 and Ubuntu 18.04 users, it can be easily installed via the Unofficial PPA that the people of ubuntuhandbook.
If we want to use the PPA, open the terminal (Crl + Alt + T) and execute the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/kxstitch
Once the repository is added, we can proceed to the installation. We will have to write in the same terminal, the following sequence of commands:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install kxstitch
If we are not friends to add repositories to our team, we can always choose to download the .deb file of the program. We will only have to access the repository and once on the web select the appropriate package for our operating system.
uninstall
To remove the KXStitch cross stitch software, we can use Synaptic or run the following command in terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T):
sudo apt-get remove --autoremove kxstitch
The unofficial PPA can be removed through the tool 'Software and updates'in the tab'Other software'. We will also be able to eliminate it by typing in the terminal:
sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/kxstitch