QR-Code Cross Stitch Patch

My partner and I recently got some fancy new phones and one of the applications on there was to use a barcode scanner to read QR-codes.  He showed me how by just filling in a little web form you can create this code and you can embed any kind of information in it in pretty much any language on earth.  I jokingly said, "man that would be perfect for cross stitch."  At which point the gauntlet was thrown and I had to do it.  So what follows are the instructions on how to cross stitch your own business card patch for your coat.

Step 1: Supplies

What you'll need to do this are:

* An internet accessible computer
* An image manipulation program (GIMP is what I use here)
* Paper
* Scissors
* 6 inches of Cross Stitch Canvas
* an embroidery hoop
* 1 skein of black embroidery thread
* an embroidery needle
* Heavy duty fusible interfacing
* Pencil
* An iron
* An ironing board
* White cotton thread
* (optional but highly recommended) sewing machine
* A red or orange marker (any color will do, but these show up best and allow you to see what you're doing)
* A rugged piece of clothing like a sweat jacket or coat

Comments

[xavec]

I LOVE this! Awesome idea!

[orionova]

It sounds really good, but I have to correct you on one thing: in cross stitch, you never make knots to hold the thread in place. You hold the tail in place with your fingers and go over it with a few stitches to hold it in place.

I can't wait to try this project myself!

[wildparadox]

Great idea! The QR code in the first image worked right away. Love it!

[Badubey]

Türksün Dmi? :)

[Faceless Figure]

Did you fill in the blanks with white thread? Or have you found it better to leave them blank? Mine is not as small and detailed as yours is, is that just due to what I programmed into it? Or did I miss something?

[fritterfae]

I just left the white space white. I haven't noticed any problems with it, plus it saves about five hours of additional stitchery.

[XOIIO]

Cool idea, eric riley

[fritterfae]

Thank you!

[ashleydollmeow]

THAT IS EFFING GENIUS!

[fritterfae]

Thank you!

[PapaHex]

Great work ^_^ I was thinking about going into knitting due to the cost of continuing my chainmail pieces and this would make a great project to strive toward. Oh, I love what comes up on your QR code. Librarians FTW!

[fritterfae]

Thank you so much! This project only took about five hours. It was pretty simple all things considered.

[Doctor What]

 I haven't seen any of those in my country/area.... I wish they did.

[fritterfae]

I believe they're going to be ultra common in America soon with Android phones going through the roof in sales, it's only a matter of time. 

[ashleydollmeow]

Does it only work with Android phones?. I really love this idea!

[cflame]

There's apps you can DL to read them with an iPhone or iPod Touch. I have NeoReader but there are others out there.

[frollard]

You don't notice them because they are usually on packages and are only a few milimeters across...

Check products around you - lots have them already :D

[invitediva]

have you noticed if your phone doesn't recognize the qr code if the garment is a little curved or wavy, in other words, can the qr be recognized if the garments is not completely flat?

[fritterfae]

I have noticed that, which is why I tried to solve it with a heavy/stiff interfacing. It is especially problematic if it's on a very round part of the body, I've got mine over a pocket on my hoodie and it never wants to scan until I take it off and lay it on a table. Placing the patch on the back of the garment would probably be idea, because it would have less curve.

[invitediva]

thanks for the info. i'll keep that in mind when considering placement on the garment.

[Very Interesting]

I admire all the time put into this. Looks great!

[fritterfae]

Thank you so much. I really worked hard at it, and even made multiple pieces to put together the illustrations.