Turn any picture into a cross stitch pattern
Upload a photo, choose the size and the number of colors, and download a printable PDF chart with DMC thread numbers. It is free and works for diamond painting and Perler beads too.
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Your picture never leaves your device. The pattern is made right here in your browser, so nothing is uploaded or stored.
How it works
Choose a picture
Pick a photo or drawing with one clear subject. A pet, a flower or a house works better than a busy crowd.
Set the size and colors
Width is in stitches. Around 80 stitches makes a 5.7-inch design on 14-count Aida. Fewer colors give a cleaner chart.
Download the PDF
You get a cover page, a color key with DMC numbers and skein estimates, and a chart split into printable pages with grid lines every 10 stitches.
How big will my pattern be?
The finished size depends on the width in stitches and on the fabric count, which is how many stitches fit in one inch. Higher counts give smaller, finer designs. This is the size of an 80 × 60 stitch pattern:
| Fabric | Finished size | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 11-count | 7.3 × 5.5 in | 18.5 × 13.9 cm |
| 14-count | 5.7 × 4.3 in | 14.5 × 10.9 cm |
| 16-count | 5.0 × 3.8 in | 12.7 × 9.5 cm |
| 18-count | 4.4 × 3.3 in | 11.3 × 8.5 cm |
Add about 3 inches of fabric on every side if you plan to frame it or use a hoop.
Free cross stitch patterns
Prefer to start with a ready-made design? These patterns are free to download as PDF, with the color key and finished sizes worked out for you.
Tips for a better photo pattern
- Crop close to the subject. Every stitch spent on background is a stitch less for the face or the flower.
- Start with 15 to 25 colors. Photos can use more, but each extra color is another skein and more thread changes.
- Keep "Remove stray single stitches" on. Single stitches of a color, called confetti, are slow to stitch and barely visible.
- Use "Leave the background empty" for pictures on a plain background. The fabric shows through and you save hours of stitching.
- Turn on dithering only for skies and skin. It smooths gradients, but adds more single stitches.
Questions
Is the pattern maker free?
Yes. You can make and download as many patterns as you like. There is no account and no watermark on the chart.
Do you keep my photos?
No. Your picture is turned into a pattern inside your own browser. It is never uploaded to a server, so we never see it.
Which thread colors does it use?
Cross stitch patterns use the DMC six-strand embroidery floss range, the most common brand in craft stores. Diamond painting uses the same DMC numbers, and bead patterns use Perler or Hama Midi bead colors.
How many skeins do I need?
The color key estimates it for full cross stitches with 2 strands. A DMC skein is 8 meters long and covers roughly 1,800 stitches on 14-count Aida. Buy one extra skein of your main colors.
Can I sell what I stitch from my pattern?
Yes, if the picture is yours. If you use someone else's photo or artwork, you need their permission, because the pattern is a copy of their work.
Can I make a diamond painting or bead pattern?
Yes. Choose Diamond painting, Perler beads or Hama beads in the Craft options. The size, colors and amounts change to match the craft.