Photo to Cross Stitch Pattern
Turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern with DMC colors, a symbol chart and a floss list that says how many skeins of each color to buy. You can also build it only from the floss you already own.
Free, no sign-up. Your photo is processed in this browser and never uploaded.
Pattern settings
Nothing is uploaded. The pattern is made in your browser.
How to turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern
- Choose a photo. A clear, well-lit picture with a simple background works best. Crop it to the part you want before you start.
- Set the size and colors. Width in stitches sets the detail, max colors sets how many DMC threads the pattern may use. The finished size in inches and centimeters updates as you change them.
- Use your stash (optional). Paste the DMC numbers you have and the pattern is built only from those threads.
- Check the chart. Switch views to see the symbols alone or the stitched look. Bold lines mark every 10 stitches and red arrows mark the center.
- Print it. Print / save PDF gives you a cover page with the floss list and preview, then the chart split into pages of 50 × 65 stitches with row and column numbers.
The floss list and skein count
Each color in the legend shows its symbol, DMC number and name, how many stitches use it and how many skeins to buy. The skein count assumes full cross stitches, 8 m skeins of 6 strands, and some thread lost to starting and finishing; it's rounded up per color, so you won't run out halfway. For a stand-alone estimate, use the cross stitch floss calculator.
Making a pattern from the floss you already have
Most converters pick the closest DMC color for every shade in the photo, which usually means buying a dozen new skeins. Type your DMC numbers in the box instead and the converter only chooses from them. It works best with a stash of 20 or more colors that covers light to dark tones; if a shade is missing, the nearest one you own is used.
Tips for a better pattern from a photo
- Raise the contrast and brightness of dark photos before converting them. Stitched pieces always look a little darker than the screen.
- Remove busy backgrounds, or tick Leave background unstitched if the photo has a plain one, to save hours of stitching.
- For portraits, crop tight around the face and use 120 stitches or more across.
- Print one page and stitch a 10 × 10 block first to check that the colors look right on your fabric.
FAQ
Is it really free? Is there a watermark?
Yes. The chart and the PDF have no watermark. There is no account and no limit on how many patterns you make.
What size should I pick?
Width in stitches decides the detail. A face needs at least 100 stitches across to look like the person; a pet or simple logo works from 60. The status line shows the finished size on your fabric, so you can check it fits your hoop or frame.
How many colors should I use?
Fifteen to twenty-five is a good range for photos. Fewer colors means fewer thread changes and a more graphic look; more colors keep skin tones and shading smoother but add confetti.
What does “clean up single stitches” do?
It replaces any stitch that has no neighbour of the same color with the color around it. Those lone stitches (“confetti”) are slow to stitch and barely visible in the finished piece.
Can I use Anchor or other brands?
The colors are matched to DMC stranded cotton. Most shops and floss apps list Anchor and other brand equivalents for each DMC number.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. The photo is processed by your browser and never leaves your device.