FreeCross Stitch Pattern Maker
Turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern
A gridded chart with symbols, a colour key, stitch counts and the fabric size.
Drop an image here, or .
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Cross Stitch Pattern Maker: how to use it
- Drop in a photo.
- Set the stitches across and the number of thread colours, and choose a chart style and fabric.
- Download the chart; the size on fabric is shown under it.
Tips
- Crop to the subject first with the Image Cropper so no stitches go on background.
- Choose Symbols only to print the chart in black and white.
Cross Stitch Pattern Maker: what it does and when to use it
Cross Stitch Pattern Maker turns a photo into a counted cross stitch chart: a grid where every square is one stitch, marked with a symbol for its thread colour, with bold lines every ten stitches and numbered edges so you never lose your place. A colour key lists each symbol, its colour as a hex code and how many stitches use it.
Choose how many stitches wide the design should be and how many thread colours it may use. The photo is scaled to that grid and reduced to the best set of colours by k-means clustering; the commonest colours get the simplest symbols. The chart can show symbols on colour, symbols only for printing in black, or colour only. The tool also gives the finished size on 11, 14, 16 or 18-count Aida fabric.
Start with 60 to 100 stitches across and 10 to 20 colours; more colours look smoother but take longer to stitch. Match each hex colour to the nearest shade in your thread brand's colour card. Photos of pets, flowers and simple portraits with a plain background work best. It runs on your device. For a chunkier, game-style picture, try Image to Pixel Art.
Cross Stitch Pattern Maker: frequently asked questions
How do I turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern?
Drop the photo in, set how many stitches wide the design should be and how many thread colours to use, and download the chart. Each square is a stitch, with a symbol for its colour and a key underneath. Related guide: DPI, PPI and print size, explained properly.
How big will my cross stitch be?
Divide the stitches by the fabric count: 80 stitches on 14-count Aida is about 5.7 inches (14.5 cm) wide. The tool works this out for you under the chart, for 11, 14, 16 and 18-count. Related tool: Image to Pixel Art.
Does it give DMC thread numbers?
No. It gives each colour as a hex code; match it to the nearest DMC, Anchor or other floss in that brand's colour card, or with a floss colour converter. Related tool: Paint by Numbers Maker.
How many colours should a cross stitch pattern have?
10 to 20 suits most designs. Fewer colours make a bolder, quicker stitch; 30 and more blend better but mean more thread changes. More help: ImgVX AI help docs.