The KXStitch FAQ

If you do not find the answer to your question here, then please email me and I will add your question with an answer.

Compiling and Installing

1.1) KXStitch doesn't compile, complains about missing include files.
1.2) KXStitch runs, but there are missing toolbar icons and right clicking causes a crash

Files

2.1) Can I save my pattern as an image file?
2.2) Why doesn't KXStitch support other programs files?

How do I...

3.1) How do I delete knots and backstitches?
3.2) How do I find libraries of patterns?

Compiling and Installing

1.1) KXStitch doesn't compile, complains about missing include files.

As KXStitch depends on other software to work, KDE, QT, ImageMagick, etc, it is necessary to have the relevant development packages installed for KXStitch to compile.

1.2) KXStitch runs, but there are missing toolbar icons and right clicking causes a crash

This is an indication that KXStitch has been installed incorrectly. Before ./configure you need to make sure the environment variable KDEDIR is set correctly to point to the base installation of KDE. This may be /opt/kde, /usr, or some other location depending on your distribution.

Files

2.1) Can I save my pattern as an image file?

Although you can't directly save the pattern as an image, yet!, you can use the select tool to select an area that you want to save and then use the Edit->Copy menu option. This copied image can then be pasted into any QT based graphic application, such as kolourpaint and then saved as any kind of image format you like.

2.2) Why doesn't KXStitch support other programs files?

Other software producers are obviously protective of their file formats to lock customers into their software. To be able to read these other formats, it is necessary to either get the specifications from the developers, trial and error, or reverse engineering of the software or file format. I have been able to make KXStitch read PCStitch 5 files, through a combination of writing test files with known content and a lot of trial and error.

How do I...

3.1) How do I delete knots and backstitches?

On its own the Erase Tool erases stitches. To erase backstitches hold down the CTRL key and left click in the start or end point of the backstitch, if there is more than one backstitch at the digitised point this method will erase the first one found. To delete a specific backstitch, click and drag from one end to the other. To erase french knots hold down the SHIFT key and left click on the knot to delete it.

3.2) How do I find libraries of patterns?

As far as I know there are not currently any libraries of patterns available. I don't have the skill or the time to create any for you. If you are able to create libraries of your own and wish to share them with other users of KXStitch then please let me know and I can make them available.