Introduction: QR Code Love Note Needlepoint

True Geek Love Valentine's Gift!!


Step 1: Supplies

1 - Cross stitch material
2 - Crochet thread
3 - Large eye needle
4 - Embroidery hoop
5 - Square frame

All the stitch counts and size of material depends on the size of frame being used.  I found a 10"x10" frame with 7.5"x7.5" opening.

The crochet thread is heavier than embroidery thread so it was faster to fill in the spaces and complete the project.

Step 2: QR Code

1 - install a scan app onto your smartphone that can scan QR codes and also try to sneak the app onto your Valentine's phone.
2 - Google search to find one of many free QR code generators
3 - generate your QR code love note and download it

The downloaded QR code has a white background and I planned on using Excel to help me visually keep track of my stitches.  I suppose you could directly transfer/draw the QR code onto the fabric but I didn't want pencil markings to show.

Below I will show how to use either Photoshop or Powerpoint to quickly edit your QR code before placing it into Excel.  Also, I suppose there may be software out there to quickly create needlepoint patterns but this is an easy work around for those who don't have it.  And I never did needlepoint before this project.  So I winged it!

Step 3: Photoshop Edit QR Code Background

1 - open your QR code in Photoshop
2 - select it and copy into the clipboard
3 - open a new Photoshop canvas with the settings:
        Preset:  Clipboard
        Background Contents:   Transparent
4 - paste in the QR code
5 - use the magic wand to select and delete all the white areas
6 - save your now transparent background QR code as a png format

Step 4: Powerpoint Edit QR Code Background

For people who don't have Photoshop but have access to PowerPoint either at home or at work.

1 - open a new Powerpoint slide
2 - inert QR code
3 - format slide background to change the color to anything but white
4 - select the QR code and go to the Format tab
5 - select Recolor and Set Transparent Color
6 - select the white background to remove it
7 - right-click on your altered QR code and save it as a png format

Step 5: Using Excel to Count the Stitches

1 - Open a blank Excel sheet
2 - insert your QR code with the transparent background
3 - resize the QR code as big as you need it to be for you to see the excel cells as stitch markers
4 - resize the Excel rows and columns to line up to the QR code squares

I made a 4x4 stitch for every square of the QR code.
In the sample QR code shown here it will be 100 x100 stitches when complete.
So I also numbered the Excel Rows and Columns by 4s to see the total number of stitches.

Having this on the computer screen I could make it as large as I needed to see the stitch count and pattern so it was much easier to see than a small print out.

Step 6: Start Stitching

Using the thicker Crochet thread helped to fill in the areas quickly and I didn't need to use a cross stitch either.

I used a simple "half-cross" or diagonal stitch.

Step 7: Fold Edges and Press

Fold the edges to fit within the frame being used and press flat.

Step 8: Frame It!

Frame it and place it somewhere for your Valentine to find.

My Valentine now keeps this on his desk to remind him of his Geek Love!

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