From Connie G. Thomas,
Your Guide to Cross-Stitch.
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When you find a free Cross Stitch pattern online, there are a few tips you should heed to ensure that you get a good copy of the pattern.

1. If you find a pattern you want, print or save it immediately. Do not count on the pattern being there if you return. Websites may change daily and even a bookmark will not direct you to a pattern that has been altered or removed.
   
   
2. Many patterns, including those at About Cross Stitch, are in the same format as pictures. Adjust print settings to get a larger, easy-to-read pattern.
   
   
3. Using the same technique listed above, experiment to get the key and the pattern to print on the same page if they are separate. Additionally, using “cut and paste” may be an option.
   
   
4. To quickly print free patterns designed by Your Cross Stitch Guide, use the "Print this page" option or select the pattern and key and choose the "Print Selection" option for the file.
   
   
5. Another option may be to "cut and paste" the pattern and key into another file and print or save that file.
   
   
6. If patterns do not print clearly, make certain that the ink cartridge in your printer is not low. Save patterns until you can get a fresh cartridge.
   
   
7. Since the ink for most computer printers is not colorfast, protect patterns from moisture. Use report covers or sheet protectors.
   
   
8. When you take advantage of free Cross Stitch patterns, remember to respect the copyrights and terms of use for each pattern. Do not make a copy of a pattern unless the site expresses permission to copy patterns. If a friend wants a copy of a pattern, pass the URL along so that he or she can get a legal copy.
   
   For free patterns designed by About Cross Stitch Guide, Connie G. Thomas, see the Free Cross Stitch Patterns from A-Z index.