hi machines -

this post is going to break down what i consider and how i determine the difficult level of my patterns, to better help you understand and consider these factors when picking out patterns.

influencing factors

• size: generally smaller patterns are easier to tackle, while large patterns are more challenging, in management of supplies and time to complete. normally when patterns are larger than a 5-8" hoop, i will consider it more challenging for the average hobbyist.
• types of stitches: types of stitches largely influence my determination of how difficult a pattern is. if a pattern only includes full cross stitchs or tent stitches, i will consider it beginner friendly. minor back stitching details means while there are some back stitches, it's not a majority of the work or found all over the pattern. extensive backstitching, including long back stitches where couching may be beneficial, quarter stitches, fractional stitches, or patterns that generally work better on a high count fabric such as linen, i will consider them more challenging for a hobbyist.
• colors: the lower the number of colors called for, generally the simplier the pattern is. the higher the number of colors, the more challenging. this comes with supply management, accessibility to a robust DMC library, and mangaging reading multiple symbols.
• color blocking vs confetti: if a pattern includes a lot of confetti stitching (single stitches of color without surrounding stitches matching that color, like confetti), i consider it more challenging, for the same reasons of a high number of colors. while my patterns generally don't include confetti, if it is present i do consider that in my difficulty determination.
• coverage: a full coverage pattern (no fabric shown) is generally more challenging than partial coverage patterns. some stitchers prefer to grid their full coverage patterns to help them manage their work. sometimes partial coverage patterns can also be challenging but it is generally easiser to catch mistakes in them sooner in the process than in full coverage projects.

difficulty levels for psm

1. beginner: a project that can be tackled with relative ease by someone new to the hobby. these patterns will generally be small to medium in size, generally use 1-15 colors, and would contain at most minor back stitching details, no confetti stitching, and would be best completed on a low count fabric (like 14 count Aida)
2. advanced beginner: a project that may be challenging for someone new to the hobby but not insurmountable, or a good step up to a beginner ready to work on something a bit more challenging. these patterns generally are medium to large, may include using over 15 colors, will most likely include more extensive back-stitching. an advanced beginner project may be small but include extensive backstitching or a high color count.
3. intermediate: a project that is best suited for a seasoned stitcher, generally medium to large, includes generally up to or more than 20 colors, extensive back stitching, a few specialty stitches, and may be better completed on a high count fabric such as evenweave or linen. confetti may be more prevalent. 
4. advanced: a project that should be taken on only by experienced stitchers who can manage multiple colors, specialty stitches, high fabric counts, and a large size project that may take a significant period of time to complete.

please remember these are just some general guidelines! if you are unsure if you think you can take on the complexity of a project and would like some input from myself, don't hesitate to send me a message, i'm always happy to chat!

stay safe out there everyone,

jane