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At The Stamped Stitch Club, one of our core promises is simple: what you see is what you’ll stitch. 

That same promise applies to both our stamped kits and our downloadable PDF charts—but to deliver the best experience in each format, we actually use different sets of symbols.

 This often surprises stitchers at first, so I wanted to share the “why” behind it.

One Chart, Two Experiences

Every design starts with the same underlying chart. The difference lies in how you use it.

A stamped kit is stitched directly on pre-printed fabric.

A PDF chart is read digitally—often through Pattern Keeper or Markup-RXP, where most full coverage stitchers prefer to work. 

Because these two experiences are different, the symbols need to be optimised for the environment they’re used in.

Stamped Kits: Colour Symbols Designed to Be Seen Clearly on Fabric

For our stamped kits, clarity is everything. The symbols need to stand out on fabric, remain readable under different lighting, and stay crisp even as you fold, handle, or rotate the cloth while stitching.

That’s why our stamped kits use:

• Colour-based symbols
• High-contrast shading
• Shapes that stay visible even on busy sections

This ensures you can glance at your fabric and immediately know exactly where each stitch goes—no chart-flipping, no second-guessing, and no eye strain.

PDF Charts: Optimised for Pattern Keeper & Digital Stitching

Most stitchers using our PDFs work in Pattern Keeper or Markup-RXP. To give you the cleanest, easiest digital experience, we use symbols that have been:

• Tested for Pattern Keeper compatibility
• Chosen for high visibility on screens

These symbols are intentionally “digital first”—chosen because they behave themselves when highlighted, marked complete, or zoomed in and out.

So Yes—the Symbols Are Different, Because the Needs Are Different

Even though the chart itself is identical, the presentation is tailored to the type of stitching you’re doing:

PDF Chart → optimised for Pattern Keeper and digital ease

Stamped Kit → optimised for clear, effortless stitching directly on fabric

The result?

No matter which version you choose, you get a chart that’s designed to make your stitching easier and more enjoyable.

As Always, It Comes Back to Quality & Clarity

Our goal is to make every stitcher feel confident, whether you're stitching on printed fabric or following a digital chart. If a symbol ever feels unclear you can always reach out. We’re here to make your stitching time feel effortless and relaxing.