Pick a pattern
Choose a design everyone can enjoy and finish: a medium-size sampler, a seasonal motif or a set of small pieces. Our pattern library is free and every pattern can be remade in another craft, so a cross stitcher and a bead artist can join the same SAL. Check the stitch count on the pattern page before you commit; the schedule depends on it more than on anything else.
Share it
| Pattern | How to share it |
|---|---|
| From our library | Send the pattern page link; each person downloads the PDF in their paper size |
| Made from a photo or in the editor | Send the .cpat file or the PDF; both open in the tracker and editor with the full pattern |
| Made with a text tool | Share gives a link that recreates the exact pattern |
For patterns made from a photo, Share in the generator saves a picture of the pattern rather than a link, because the photo never leaves your device. Send the PDF instead; it carries the editable pattern inside.
Plan a schedule that fits
The most common reason a SAL stalls is a schedule that asks too much. Start from the stitch count and a realistic pace: most stitchers manage 100 to 200 full stitches an hour. Here are real patterns from our library worked out at 150 an hour:
| Pattern | Stitches | PDF pages | Total time | 2 hours a week | 5 hours a week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reindeer face | 192 | 1 | 1.3 h | 1 week | 1 week |
| Hedgehog | 244 | 1 | 1.6 h | 1 week | 1 week |
| Sunset mandala | 893 | 1 | 6.0 h | 3 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Garden mandala | 957 | 1 | 6.4 h | 4 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Tabby cat in a window | 989 | 1 | 6.6 h | 4 weeks | 2 weeks |
| A 200 × 200 photo pattern, fully stitched | 40,000 | 12 | 267 h | 134 weeks | 54 weeks |
Times assume 150 stitches an hour, the middle of the usual 100–200 range, and count full stitches only. PDF pages are US Letter at standard print size.
Then split the chart into sections and give each a date:
- By PDF page: one page a week works well for big charts, and everyone’s pages match if they print the same paper size.
- By colour: each week covers one or two colours from the key; good for designs with large areas of flat colour.
- By rows: simple for small designs; agree the row numbers for each week.
A section a week keeps momentum; a section a month suits busy people and large charts. Post the schedule where everyone can see it, and build in a catch-up week every month or two.
Track progress
Everyone opens the pattern in the stitch tracker and marks stitches as they go. The percentage next to the pattern title makes it easy to see who is where. Progress picture saves an image of the chart with the finished parts shown, ready to post in your group chat. The tracker guide explains each button.
Working on one piece together
Some groups stitch one large piece in turns, passing it on each month. The tracker’s files keep the record with the fabric: Export with progress saves a file with every marked stitch, and the next stitcher uses Merge progress file to add those stitches to their own copy, so nothing is lost. Merging only adds stitches; it never removes any.
Choosing a group size
Small groups of three to ten people are easy to keep in touch through a chat app, and everyone can see each other’s progress. Larger groups work best with a fixed checkpoint date and a single place to post pictures, such as a shared album. Whatever the size, name one organiser to post the schedule, answer pattern questions and cheer people on.
Mixing crafts in one SAL
Because every pattern can be remade in another craft, a SAL does not have to be all cross stitch. One person might stitch the design, another make it in fuse beads, and a third knit it as a colourwork panel. Each opens the same pattern in the editor, switches to their craft and downloads their own chart. Sizes differ by craft, so compare the finished size on each person’s chart before choosing.
Keeping it fun
- Share photos at each checkpoint, finished or not.
- Let people catch up without pressure; a SAL is not a race.
- Celebrate finishes with a group photo of all the pieces together.
- Print the PDF for anyone who prefers paper.