A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PRE-PRINTED CROSS-STITCH FABRIC FOR STITCHING

Abstract

ABSTRACT A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PRE-PRINTED CROSS-STITCH FABRIC FOR STITCHING The present invention relates to a system (100) and method (200) for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching. The system includes a fabric feeding mechanism (104) configured to move the fabric while maintaining alignment and tension. A printing mechanism (106) prints a cross-stitch design onto the fabric, where the design includes coloured crosses representing stitches and guiding dots at the ends of each cross to indicate precise needle insertion and withdrawal points. A fabric cutting mechanism (108) is used to cut the printed fabric to a predetermined size. A processing module (102) is operably connected to the fabric feeding mechanism (104) and the printing mechanism (106) to control the movement of the fabric and ensure accurate application of the cross-stitch design. The system (100) allows for accurate placement of crosses and guiding dots, assisting users in manual needlework without needing to count stitches or refer to separate patterns. [Figure 2]

Specification

Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]
A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PRE-PRINTED CROSS-STITCH FABRIC
FOR STITCHING
We, Needle Industries India Private Limited, an Indian Company having its registered
office at 7/57, The Nilgirish, Needles Industries, Yellanalli, Ketti Post, Ooty Coonoor Main
Road, Tamil Nadu, India- 643243
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.
2
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to the field of embroidery and textile arts, more
particularly to a method and system for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching
that simplifies the embroidery process while retaining the traditional cross-stitch appearance
5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional cross-stitching methods, such as counted cross-stitch and pre-printed kits,
have been widely used for centuries. Fig. 1A illustrates the setup for counted cross-stitch,
where stitching is performed on a blank fabric with a pre-existing grid of holes and the user
must refer to a separate printed design sheet (as shown in Fig. 1B) to recreate the pattern on
10 the fabric. In this method, the stitcher must carefully count the holes in the fabric and match
them with the corresponding points on the design sheet to accurately reproduce the design.
While this technique allows for highly detailed and customizable designs, it is often timeconsuming, error-prone, and challenging for beginners.
Pre-printed kits, on the other hand, feature designs that are printed directly onto the
15 fabric, eliminating the need for constant counting and reference to a separate pattern. These
kits, often used by beginners, simplify the stitching process by removing the need to refer
back and forth between the fabric and a separate design sheet. However, these kits have
limitations, such as potential misalignment between the printed design and the fabric's grid
of holes (illustrated in Fig. 1A), and the possibility that portions of the printed design remain
20 visible after stitching, negatively affecting the final appearance of the embroidery.
Both methods present challenges in terms of complexity, accuracy, and aesthetic
outcome. The need to constantly count stitches in the counted cross-stitch method can lead
to mistakes, particularly when trying to keep track of progress on a complex design.
Meanwhile, pre-printed kits, though easier, often suffer from imprecise stitching due to design
25 misalignment and result in visible printed patterns even after the stitching is complete,
diminishing the visual quality of the final product.
Therefore, there is a need for a method and system for producing pre-printed crossstitch fabric for stitching that eliminates the need for counting holes, improves stitch accuracy,
and ensures that the printed design does not affect the visual quality of the final embroidery.
30 By addressing these challenges, the invention aims to provide a simpler and more accurate
3
cross-stitching experience, combining the benefits of counted cross-stitch with the
convenience of pre-printed designs, while ensuring a high-quality final result free from visible
printed marks.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
5 An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for producing preprinted cross-stitch fabric for stitching, thereby eliminating the need for counting stitches,
holes and reducing errors.
Another object of the invention is to simplify the cross-stitching process by providing
printed coloured dots at the ends of each cross, guiding the needle insertion point and
10 ensuring even stitch lengths without relying on a pre-existing grid of holes.
A further object of the present invention is to use plain woven fabric with a tighter weave,
which avoids misalignment issues that are common with pre-printed kits that rely on a grid of
holes.
Yet another object of the invention is to ensure that no visible printed design remains
15 around the edges after the stitching is complete, resulting in a clean and professional finish
that resembles traditional counted cross-stitch.
Yet another object of the present invention is to maintain the traditional cross-stitch
appearance of the final product, even though the design is printed on the fabric for ease of
stitching.
20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing
pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching. The method comprises receiving a digital crossstitch design that includes colored stitches corresponding to thread colors for a final stitched
product. The method also generates a grid of guide points over the digital cross-stitch design,
25 where the guide points correspond to needle insertion and withdrawal locations for each
stitch. The method adjusts the grid to align with the stitches in the digital design, ensuring
that the grid spacing matches the length and position of the stitches. It matches the colors in
the digital design to the corresponding thread colors by using a digital color-matching process
and converts the design into a suitable format for fabric printing. The method selects a fabric
4
with a tighter weave and without pre-existing holes, enabling precise printing and stitching.
The selected fabric is fed into a precision printing system by an automated fabric feeding
mechanism that maintains tension and alignment during the printing process. A printing
mechanism prints the digital cross-stitch design onto the fabric, with the printed design
5 including colored crosses representing stitches and guiding dots at the ends of each cross to
indicate needle insertion and withdrawal points. The fabric is moved through the printing
mechanism using the automated fabric feeding mechanism to ensure accurate placement of
the printed crosses and guiding dots, ensuring that no visible marks or guides remain on the
fabric after stitching is complete. The printed fabric is then cut to a predetermined size using
10 an automated cutting mechanism, where the printed crosses and guiding dots remain
accurately positioned on the fabric for subsequent manual stitching.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes packaging the printed fabric together with a set of corresponding thread colors, a
needle, and instructions for manual cross-stitching. Additionally, the thread colors are
15 selected to match the printed crosses on the fabric.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an automated quality
control process is conducted after the printing step. The quality control process includes using
one or more sensors or cameras to verify that the printed crosses and guiding dots are
correctly aligned with the grid and free from defects.
20 In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric selected is
chosen from, but not limited to, cotton, polyester blends, linen, Aida cloth, muslin, or canvas.
Additionally, the fabric is characterized by a tight weave without pre-existing holes.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the color-matching
process for the digital cross-stitch design involves converting the design colors into a CMYK
25 format for fabric printing to ensure accurate reproduction of the thread colors on the fabric.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric feeding
mechanism includes one or more rollers, conveyors, or clamps, controlled by a processing
module to move the fabric through the printing system while maintaining alignment and
tension. In addition, the precision printing system is controlled by the processor to activate
30 the printing mechanism and ensure accurate placement of the printed crosses and guiding
dots on the fabric.
5
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for producing
pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching. The system comprises a fabric feeding mechanism
configured to move a fabric through the system while maintaining alignment and tension. The
system further includes a printing mechanism configured to print a cross-stitch design onto
5 the fabric, where the cross-stitch design comprises colored crosses representing stitches and
guiding dots located at the ends of each cross to indicate precise needle insertion and
withdrawal points for manual stitching. Additionally, the system includes a fabric cutting
mechanism configured to cut the printed fabric to a predetermined size after the design is
applied. A processing module is operably connected to the fabric feeding mechanism and the
10 printing mechanism. The processing module is configured to control the movement of the
fabric and the application of the cross-stitch design, ensuring accurate placement of the
printed crosses and guiding dots to assist a user in manual needlework without the need for
counting stitches or referring to separate patterns.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system further
15 includes a packaging mechanism configured to package the printed fabric together with a set
of corresponding thread colors, a needle, and instructions for manual cross-stitching.
Additionally, the thread colors are selected to match the printed crosses on the fabric.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric feeding
mechanism further includes one or more rollers, conveyors, or clamps. Additionally, the
20 system includes a fabric alignment control mechanism that ensures the fabric maintains
proper tension and alignment during the printing process.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system further
includes a quality control mechanism. The quality control mechanism includes one or more
sensors or cameras configured to monitor the alignment and accuracy of the printed crosses
25 and guiding dots on the fabric. Additionally, it ensures correct placement during the printing
process and detects any printing defects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be
understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
30 may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended
drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
6
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for
the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers
5 referring to like structures across the views, wherein:
Figure 1A-1B illustrate a fabric with pre-existing grid of holes and a printed design sheet
used in traditional cross-stitching methods, in accordance with prior art;
Figure 2 illustrates a system for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
10 Figure 3 illustrates a method for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary pre-printed cross-stitch fabric produced by the present
invention for stitching, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 5 illustrates a sample of stitching done on the produced pre-printed fabric, in
15 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments
and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited
to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and is not intended to represent the
20 scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the
invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions
do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings
and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form
disclosed. Still, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
25 alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense
(i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e., meaning must).
Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or
more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used
7
herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in
scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and
variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed after that,
equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other
5 additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered
synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any
discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like is included in the
specification solely to provide a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or
represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common
10 general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is
preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate
the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting
of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the
15 recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference
to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying
drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
20 embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for
various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated
as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
25 The present invention introduces a cross-stitching method that may be integrated into
a hardware system to simplify the embroidery process. Its innovative aspect lies in the ability
to print a digital cross-stitch pattern directly onto fabric while performing actions such as
stitching, colour selection, and thread management. The method may be operated manually
or in an automated hardware setup, offering flexibility to users. It may ensure precise
30 execution of stitching patterns, resulting in a finished embroidered product that is easy to
achieve.
8
Referring to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail.
Figure 1 illustrates a system (100) for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for
stitching, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system (100) is
configured to automate and streamline the process of producing cross-stitch fabric,
5 incorporating mechanisms for fabric feeding, printing, and cutting, all coordinated by a
processing module (102). The system (100) ensures precise application of cross-stitch
designs onto fabric and allows for high efficiency in fabric preparation for stitching.
At the core of the system (100) is a processing module (102), which acts as the control
unit responsible for managing the various components of the system. The processing module
10 (102) includes a memory unit (1022) and a processor (1024). The memory unit (1022) is
configured to store digital cross-stitch designs, machine-readable instructions, and
operational data for controlling the fabric feeding, printing, and cutting mechanisms. The
processor (1024) executes the instructions stored in the memory unit (1022) and manages
the timing and coordination of all components within the system.
15 The system also includes a fabric feeding mechanism (104) operably connected to the
processing module (102), which is responsible for moving the fabric through the system (100)
in a controlled manner. The fabric feeding mechanism (104) may include one or more rollers,
conveyors, or clamps that ensure the fabric is aligned and maintained under proper tension.
The processing module (102) controls the fabric feeding mechanism (104), ensuring that the
20 fabric is fed at the correct speed and remains taut and aligned during the printing process.
This alignment is critical to ensure that the design is applied accurately on the fabric without
distortion or misalignment.
Further connected in the system is a printing mechanism (106) configured to apply a
cross-stitch design onto the fabric. The cross-stitch design includes colored crosses
25 representing the stitches and guiding dots positioned at the ends of each cross to indicate
needle insertion and withdrawal points. In a general sense, the digital cross-stitch design may
be obtained from various sources. In some embodiments, the design may be created by a
professional designer and provided as a pre-existing digital file. This file can be uploaded into
the system via a user interface, where the design includes colored stitches corresponding to
30 thread colors for the final product. Alternatively, the system may allow designers to create
custom cross-stitch designs using design software integrated into the system or connected
9
through external design applications. The system may further support the input of designs in
common digital formats, such as vector graphics, bitmap images, or other file types that can
be converted into a cross-stitch pattern.
The digital design is processed by the system to generate a grid of guide points that
5 corresponds to needle insertion and withdrawal locations, ensuring that the design is
accurately applied to the fabric during the printing process. The color-matching process also
ensures that the colors in the design, whether pre-existing or user-generated, are precisely
converted into a CMYK format for fabric printing, ensuring fidelity to the original design's color
scheme.
10 The printing mechanism (106) may employ various printing technologies such as inkjet
or thermal printing, allowing for high precision and accurate color reproduction of the crossstitch design. The processing module (102) controls the printing mechanism (106), ensuring
that the design is applied in alignment with the fabric's movement through the system. In
some embodiments, the system (100) may include optical sensors or position monitoring
15 sensors to further ensure that the printing process is carried out with high accuracy,
preventing any misalignment or smudging.
Once the cross-stitch design is printed on the fabric, the fabric continues to move
through the system (100) towards a fabric cutting mechanism (108). The fabric cutting
mechanism (108) is responsible for cutting the fabric to the appropriate size after the design
20 has been printed. The cutting mechanism (104) may include rotary blades, guillotines, or
other cutting tools capable of providing clean and accurate cuts. The processing module
(102) controls the cutting mechanism (104), ensuring that the fabric is cut to predetermined
dimensions. The cutting mechanism (104) operates with high precision to maintain the
integrity of the printed crosses and guiding dots, allowing the fabric to be ready for stitching
25 without further adjustments.
In some embodiments, the system (100) may include sensors for monitoring the position
and alignment of the fabric, as well as the accuracy of the printed design. These sensors can
include proximity sensors, optical sensors, cameras, or rotary encoders. These sensors
communicate with the processing module (102) to provide real-time feedback on the system's
30 operations. If any misalignment or error is detected, the processing module (102) can make
real-time adjustments to correct the issue, thereby ensuring consistent quality throughout the
10
production process.
The processing module (102) may also be configured to interface with external systems
or devices, enabling remote monitoring or control of the system. This could include
connectivity to a user interface or external design systems, allowing operators to upload new
5 cross-stitch designs, monitor production status, or adjust machine parameters. The
processing module (102) may include communication capabilities via wired or wireless
connections, supporting protocols such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, depending on the
implementation.
The system (100) may further incorporate actuators for driving various components
10 such as the fabric feeding, printing, and cutting mechanisms. These actuators may include
stepper motors, servo motors, or other types of motors, which are controlled by the
processing module (102) to perform precise movements necessary for fabric handling,
printing, and cutting. The processing module (102) coordinates the actions of the actuators
to ensure smooth and synchronized operation of all system components.
15 In addition to these primary components, the system (100) may be designed to support
a wide variety of fabrics. The fabric used can be selected from materials such as cotton,
polyester blends, linen, Aida cloth, muslin, or canvas. These fabrics are typically chosen for
their tight weave, which allows for precise printing of the cross-stitch design without the need
for pre-existing holes. The system (100) is adaptable to handle various fabric types, ensuring
20 versatility in its application.
In this manner, Figure 1 illustrates a highly integrated system (100) that automates the
production of pre-printed cross-stitch fabric. By incorporating a processing module (102),
fabric feeding mechanism (104), printing mechanism (106), and fabric cutting mechanism
(108), the system (100) provides a streamlined solution for producing accurate, high-quality
25 cross-stitch fabric. The system (100) is designed to minimize errors, maintain alignment and
tension throughout the process, and produce fabric that is ready for stitching, significantly
improving upon traditional manual methods.
Figure 2 illustrates a method flow diagram for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric
for stitching, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method (200)
30 consists of several steps designed to automate and improve the efficiency of fabric
preparation, printing, and cutting. Each step in the method (200) is managed by the system
11
(100), which includes components such as a processing module (102), fabric feeding
mechanism (104), printing mechanism (106), and fabric cutting mechanism (108).
The method (200) may include the following steps:
Step 202: Receiving one or more instructions related to a digital cross-stitch pattern
5 The system (100) is configured to receive one or more instructions via the processing
module (102), which may include a user interface for uploading or creating a digital crossstitch design. The design typically consists of colored stitches corresponding to thread colors
for a final stitched product. The processing module (102) stores these instructions in the
memory unit (1022), where the design parameters, such as thread colors, stitch size, and
10 fabric type, are processed. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire crossstitching process, ensuring that the final product meets the desired specifications.
Step 204: Generating a grid of guide points over the digital cross-stitch design.
The system (100) generates a grid of guide points that align with the digital cross-stitch
design. This grid serves as a blueprint for the placement of stitches, with each guide point
15 corresponding to a needle insertion or withdrawal location. The grid is adjusted to ensure that
the spacing between the points matches the length and position of the stitches in the design.
The processing module (102) manages this adjustment to guarantee precise alignment.
Step 206: Adjusting the grid to align with the stitches in the digital design.
Once the grid is generated, the system (100) adjusts the alignment of the grid with the actual
20 stitches in the digital design. This ensures that the spacing of the guide points accurately
reflects the dimensions of the final stitched product. The system uses internal algorithms,
coordinated by the processor (1024), to align the grid with the cross-stitch pattern.
Step 208: Matching the colors in the digital design to corresponding thread colors using
a digital color-matching process.
25 The system (100) matches the colors used in the digital design to the corresponding
thread colors via a digital color-matching process. The processing module (102) converts the
design into a suitable format for fabric printing, typically a CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow,
and Key/Black) format, to ensure accurate color reproduction on the fabric. The memory unit
(1022) stores the converted color data for use during the printing process.
12
Step 210: Selecting a fabric with a tighter weave and without pre-existing holes to
enable precise printing and stitching.
The fabric used in the system (100) is selected based on its weave properties, ensuring
it has a tighter weave and no pre-existing holes. This allows for precise printing of the cross5 stitch design, with minimal distortion during the stitching process. The processing module
(102) controls the feeding of this fabric through the system, ensuring that it is correctly
positioned for printing.
Step 212: Feeding the selected fabric into a precision printing system using an
automated fabric feeding mechanism.
10 The system (100) uses an automated fabric feeding mechanism (104) to move the fabric
into position for printing. This mechanism consists of one or more rollers, conveyors, or
clamps, which ensure that the fabric remains aligned and taut during the printing process.
The processing module (102) controls the movement of the fabric through the feeding
mechanism, ensuring consistent tension and positioning.
15 Step 214: Activating a printing mechanism to print the digital cross-stitch design onto
the fabric.
Once the fabric is correctly positioned, the system (100) activates a printing mechanism
(106) to print the cross-stitch design onto the fabric. The printed design includes colored
crosses representing the stitches and guiding dots indicating needle insertion and withdrawal
20 points. The printing mechanism (106) may use inkjet or thermal printing technology to apply
the design with high precision, ensuring that the colors and stitch locations are accurately
reproduced.
Step 216: Moving the fabric through the printing mechanism using the automated fabric
feeding mechanism to ensure accurate placement of the printed crosses and guiding dots.
25 The fabric is continuously moved through the printing mechanism (106) by the fabric
feeding mechanism (104). The processing module (102) ensures that the fabric remains
aligned with the printed design, preventing any distortion or misplacement of the cross-stitch
pattern. Sensors may be used to monitor the fabric's position and adjust the feeding
mechanism as needed.
30 Step 218: Cutting the printed fabric to a predetermined size using an automated cutting
13
mechanism.
After the design is printed onto the fabric, the system (100) activates a fabric cutting
mechanism (108) to cut the fabric to the desired size. This mechanism uses rotary blades or
guillotines to ensure that the fabric is cut cleanly and accurately. The processing module
5 (102) controls the cutting mechanism, ensuring that the fabric is cut according to the
specifications of the design.
After the fabric is cut to size, the method (200) may further include a step of packaging
the printed fabric along with the necessary materials for stitching. This packaging may include
corresponding thread colors, needles, and instructions. The processing module (102)
10 coordinates the packaging process, ensuring that the correct thread colors match the printed
crosses on the fabric and that all required stitching components are included for the end user.
This step facilitates a seamless transition from fabric preparation to the final product,
providing a complete cross-stitch kit.
To ensure the integrity and quality of the printed fabric, the method (200) may also
15 incorporate a quality control process. This process could involve the use of optical sensors,
cameras, or other feedback devices to verify that the printed crosses and guiding dots are
accurately aligned with the intended design. Real-time data is communicated to the
processing module (102), allowing the detection of any misalignment, color inaccuracies, or
printing defects. If any discrepancies are found, the method (200) may include real-time
20 adjustments to correct the issue, whether by reprinting sections of the design or adjusting the
alignment to maintain high-quality standards. This automated quality control helps prevent
errors that would otherwise diminish the stitching experience for the end user.
The method (200) is versatile and capable of working with various fabric types, including
cotton, polyester, linen, and Aida cloth. The processing module (102) adjusts the settings
25 based on the selected fabric to ensure optimal printing and cutting performance. Adjustments
may be made to factors such as fabric tension, feed rate, and printing characteristics,
ensuring that the method (200) is adaptable to a wide range of cross-stitch projects. This
flexibility makes the method (200) suitable for both traditional cross-stitch designs on Aida
cloth and more creative patterns on alternative fabrics.
30 Additionally, the method (200) may allow for dynamic color matching and real-time
design adjustments during the printing process. If the designer decides to change thread
14
colors, modify stitch spacing, or adjust other design elements, these changes can be
implemented in real-time without needing to restart the process.
Once all these steps are completed, the method (200) can finalize the cross-stitch
production process by providing a high-quality pre-printed fabric that is ready for stitching.
5 The method (200) continuously monitors and adjusts the various stages-from the digital
design input, fabric feeding, printing, and cutting to quality control-ensuring that the end
product is accurate, well-aligned, and visually appealing.
Example: Figure 4 provides a detailed view of the final printed product, demonstrating
how the cross-stitches, colors, and guiding dots appear on the fabric. As illustrated in Figure
10 4, the fabric displays colored crosses, each representing the location where the needle
should be inserted and withdrawn. The design is printed with high precision, ensuring that
the colored crosses are sharp, distinct, and accurately placed according to the grid pattern
generated by the method. The guiding dots, placed at the ends of each cross, serve as clear
indicators for needlework, eliminating the need for the user to manually count stitches or refer
15 to separate patterns.
In this embodiment, the colors are vibrant and correspond exactly to the thread colors
to be used in stitching, as selected by the method's digital color-matching process. The
printed crosses and dots align perfectly with the fabric grid, ensuring that the stitching process
is smooth and error-free. The user can directly follow the printed design, making cross20 stitching more efficient and less prone to mistakes. The final product, as shown in Figure 4,
highlights the method's ability to produce a visually consistent and clean guide that greatly
simplifies the stitching process, while maintaining the traditional appearance of hand-stitched
cross-stitch designs.
Exemplary Application:
25 Continuing from the description of Figure 4, Figure 5 illustrates a partially stitched
sample on the pre-printed fabric produced by the method, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. This figure demonstrates how the user follows the printed crosses
and guiding dots to create the final stitched product. The image shows the real-world
application of the pre-printed fabric, where the printed design acts as a guide for the user,
30 ensuring precise placement of each stitch.
15
In Figure 5, the colored crosses and guiding dots printed on the fabric are partially
covered by the corresponding stitches, which have been manually applied by the user. The
vibrant thread colors used in the stitching match the printed cross-stitch design exactly, as
intended by the method's digital color-matching process. The stitches appear neatly aligned
5 and evenly spaced, following the printed crosses and dots, which eliminates the need for the
user to count fabric threads or refer back to a separate design sheet.
This embodiment exemplifies the method's ability to produce a high-quality stitched
product with minimal effort from the user. The printed design provides a clear, easy-to-follow
guide for needle insertion and withdrawal, allowing the user to focus on the creative aspect
10 of stitching rather than on technical details such as counting stitches or checking alignment.
As the stitches are applied over the printed design, they seamlessly cover the printed crosses,
resulting in a traditional cross-stitched appearance, with no visible printed marks remaining
after completion.
Furthermore, Figure 5 highlights the accuracy of the method in producing a clean and
15 consistent final product. The guiding dots are fully covered by the stitches, ensuring that the
stitching process remains efficient and visually pleasing. The colors of the threads align
perfectly with the printed pattern, showing the success of the system's digital color-matching
process in selecting appropriate thread colors for each section of the design.
In that sense, Figure 5 demonstrates how the method provides an efficient and accurate
20 way to produce cross-stitched fabric, reducing the complexity and errors commonly
associated with traditional cross-stitching methods. The user-friendly nature of the printed
design enables even beginners to achieve professional-quality results, while experienced
stitchers benefit from the enhanced accuracy and time-saving features of the method.
The present invention offers a number of advantages, some of which are listed below:
25  Eliminates Counting and Alignment Errors: The pre-printed fabric with colored crosses
and guiding dots eliminates the need for manual counting of stitches and constant
reference to a separate pattern. This reduces human error, ensuring more precise and
accurate stitching.
 Simplifies the Cross-Stitching Process: By providing a visual guide directly on the
30 fabric, the invention simplifies the cross-stitching process, making it more accessible to
beginners while still being useful for experienced stitchers.
16
 Reduces Stitching Time: The pre-printed design allows the user to focus on stitching
rather than spending time on counting fabric threads or cross-referencing with a pattern.
This speeds up the entire process and reduces frustration.
 High Design Precision: The method ensures that the printed crosses and guiding dots
5 are accurately aligned with the fabric grid, maintaining design precision throughout the
stitching process. This leads to a cleaner and more consistent final product.
 Improves Final Product Aesthetics: The guiding dots are positioned in such a way that
they are fully covered by the stitches, leaving no visible marks on the fabric after stitching
is complete. This ensures that the final product has a clean and professional appearance.
10  Versatile Fabric Selection: The invention can be used with a wide variety of fabric types,
including cotton, polyester, linen, and Aida cloth. The method adjusts to each fabric type
to ensure optimal printing and cutting performance, increasing its adaptability to different
projects.
 Enhanced Quality Control: Integrated sensors and real-time monitoring ensure that the
15 printed design remains aligned and free from defects. Any issues detected can be
automatically corrected during the production process, resulting in consistently high-quality
output.
 Complete Cross-Stitch Kit: The invention can package the pre-printed fabric along with
the necessary threads, needles, and instructions, providing users with a comprehensive
20 and convenient cross-stitch kit that is ready to use.
 Reduces Material Waste: By optimizing the stitching process with accurate placement
and reducing the need for multiple attempts or corrections, the invention helps minimize
material waste, including thread and fabric.
These advantages demonstrate how the invention not only simplifies the cross-stitching
25 process but also enhances the overall quality and user experience, making it an innovative
improvement over the traditional methods.
In general, the word "module," as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or
firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such
as, for example, Java, C, or Assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules may
30 be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM or microcontroller program memory. It will be
appreciated that modules may comprise connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops,
and may comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processing
17
modules (104). The modules described herein may be implemented as either software and/or
hardware modules and may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other
computer storage device.
Further, while one or more operations have been described as being performed by or
5 otherwise related to certain modules, devices, or entities, the operations may be performed
by or otherwise related to any module, device, or entity. As such, any function or operation
that has been described as being performed by a module could alternatively be performed
by a different server, by cloud computing platform, or a combination thereof. It is implied that
the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of
10 technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be implemented by a series
of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium.
Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g.,
ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves, and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may
take the form of electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals conveying digital data streams
15 along a local network.
Further, the operations need not be performed in the disclosed order, although in some
examples, an order may be preferred. Also, not all functions need to be performed to achieve
the desired advantages of the disclosed system and method, and therefore not all functions
are required.
20 The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are
not meant as limitations. Examples and limitations disclosed herein are intended to be not
limiting in any manner, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of
the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to
25 be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated.
Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from
the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various
embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the
description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the
30 accompanying drawings but is to provide broadest scope which is consistent with the
principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly,
18
the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and
variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A method (200) for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching, the method
(200) comprising:
receiving (202) a digital cross-stitch design comprising colored stitches
5 corresponding to thread colors for a final stitched product;
generating (204) a grid of guide points over the digital cross-stitch design,
wherein the guide points correspond to needle insertion and withdrawal locations for
each stitch;
adjusting (206) the grid to align with the stitches in the digital design, such that
10 the grid spacing matches the length and position of the stitches in the design;
matching (208) the colors in the digital design to the corresponding thread colors
using a digital color-matching process and converting the design into a suitable format
for fabric printing;
selecting (210) a fabric with a tighter weave and without pre-existing holes to
15 enable precise printing and stitching;
feeding (212) the selected fabric into a precision printing method (100) using an
automated fabric feeding mechanism (104) that maintains tension and alignment
during the printing process;
activating (214) a printing mechanism (106) to print the digital cross-stitch design
20 onto the fabric, wherein the printed design includes colored crosses representing
stitches and guiding dots at the ends of each cross to indicate needle insertion and
withdrawal points;
moving (216) the fabric through the printing mechanism (106) using the
automated fabric feeding mechanism (104) to ensure accurate placement of the
25 printed crosses and guiding dots, such that the printed design ensures no visible
marks or guides remain on the fabric after stitching is complete;
cutting (218) the printed fabric to a predetermined size using an automated
cutting mechanism, wherein the printed crosses and guiding dots are retained in
accurate positions on the fabric for subsequent manual stitching.
30 2. The method (200) of claim 1, comprising a step of packaging the printed fabric together
with a set of corresponding thread colors, a needle, and instructions for manual crossstitching, wherein the thread colors are selected to match the printed crosses on the
fabric.
20
3. The method (200) of claim 1, comprising conducting an automated quality control
process after the printing step, wherein the quality control process includes using one
or more sensors or cameras to verify that the printed crosses and guiding dots are
correctly aligned with the grid and free from defects.
5 4. The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the fabric selected is chosen from one or more
of the following materials: cotton, polyester blends, linen, Aida cloth, muslin, or canvas,
and is characterized by a tight weave without pre-existing holes.
5. The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the color-matching process for the digital crossstitch design involves converting the design colors into a CMYK format for fabric
10 printing to ensure accurate reproduction of the thread colors on the fabric.
6. The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the fabric feeding mechanism (104) comprises
one or more rollers, conveyors, or clamps, controlled by a processing module (102),
to move the fabric through the printing method (100) while maintaining alignment and
tension, and wherein the precision printing method (100) is controlled by the processor
15 to activate the printing mechanism (106) and ensure accurate placement of the printed
crosses and guiding dots on the fabric.
7. A system (100) for producing pre-printed cross-stitch fabric for stitching, the system
(100) comprising:
a fabric feeding mechanism (104) configured to move a fabric through the system
20 (100) while maintaining alignment and tension;
a printing mechanism (106) configured to print a cross-stitch design onto the
fabric, wherein the cross-stitch design comprises colored crosses representing
stitches and guiding dots located at the ends of each cross to indicate precise needle
insertion and withdrawal points for manual stitching;
25 a fabric cutting mechanism (108) configured to cut the printed fabric to a
predetermined size after the design is applied;
a processing module (102) operably connected to the fabric feeding mechanism
(104) and the printing mechanism (106), the processing module (102) configured to
control the movement of the fabric and the application of the cross-stitch design,
30 ensuring accurate placement of the printed crosses and guiding dots to assist a user
in manual needlework without the need for counting stitches or referring to separate
patterns.
21
8. The system (100) of claim 7, further comprising a packaging mechanism configured
to package the printed fabric together with a set of corresponding thread colors, a
needle, and instructions for manual cross-stitching, wherein the thread colors are
selected to match the printed crosses on the fabric.
5 9. The system (100) of claim 7, wherein the fabric feeding mechanism (104) is further
configured to include one or more rollers, conveyors, or clamps, and the system (100)
includes a fabric alignment control mechanism that ensures the fabric maintains
proper tension and alignment during the printing process.
10.The system (100) of claim 7, further comprising a quality control mechanism including
10 one or more sensors or cameras configured to monitor the alignment and accuracy of
the printed crosses and guiding dots on the fabric, ensuring correct placement during
the printing process and detecting any printing defects.

Documents