Image to Cross Stitch Pattern
Turn a photo into a counted cross stitch chart with DMC thread numbers, symbols and a printable PDF pattern.
100% free. Runs entirely in your browser - your files and data never leave your device and nothing is uploaded to any server.
Drag & drop files here
or browse to upload
PNG, JPG or WebP - nothing is uploaded
Processed in your browser - your file never leaves this device.
About this tool
Generate a counted cross stitch chart from any photo. Colours are matched to real DMC stranded cotton thread numbers, and the printable PDF includes both the symbol chart and a full thread shopping list.
How to use this tool
- Upload a clear photoSelect image with recognizable shapes and good tonal separation.
- Set stitch dimensionsChoose chart width/height based on fabric count and project scope.
- Adjust color simplificationLimit thread palette for practical stitching and cleaner charts.
- Download PDF chartExport symbol grid plus DMC thread list for shopping and stitching.
How to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo
Upload a photo, set the pattern width in stitches and adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, and the generator matches every colour to a real DMC thread number. The printable PDF includes the symbol chart and the list of threads to buy.
Photos with simple shapes and few colours give patterns that are easier to stitch, which suits beginners. To work out the fabric size, divide the stitch count by the fabric count - 140 stitches on 14-count Aida is 10 inches - then add about 3 inches on every side for framing.
Key features
- Converts photos into stitch-ready counted charts.
- Uses real DMC thread codes for easy purchasing.
- Provides printable symbol sheet for practical workflow.
- Saves hours of manual charting for hobbyists.
Common uses
- Creating personalized portrait stitch projects.
- Designing handmade gifts from family or pet photos.
- Preparing classroom or workshop stitch patterns.
- Turning travel photos into textile keepsakes.
Tips for better results
- Reduce color count for easier stitching and cleaner result.
- Add margin allowance around stitched area for framing.
- Test a small swatch first before full-size project commitment.
- Use high-contrast source photos for clearer symbol separation.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing huge stitch counts without time planning.
- Using too many similar thread shades and confusing symbols.
- Skipping fabric-count math before starting project.
- Expecting tiny details to remain clear at low stitch resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Yes - the palette uses genuine DMC stranded cotton codes and names, so you can take the thread list straight to a craft shop or order online. The tool uses a curated range of shades rather than the full catalogue, because a chart with hundreds of colours is not realistically stitchable.
Divide the stitch count by your fabric count. A 70x90 stitch design on 14-count Aida needs about 5 x 6.4 inches of stitched area, plus at least 3 inches on each side for framing.
Each thread colour gets its own symbol so you can follow the chart in black and white, which is how printed patterns work. Turn symbols off if you would rather work from colour alone.
That is the standard convention on counted cross stitch charts - the heavier lines every ten stitches let you count your position quickly without losing your place on a large design.
It depends on the area each colour covers and your fabric count. A common estimate is that one skein of DMC stranded cotton, stitched with two strands on 14-count Aida, covers about 1,500-1,800 full stitches.
Fewer colours and a smaller size make a much easier first project. Reduce the colour count and choose a simple, high-contrast image if you are new to cross stitch.
The number of stitches per inch. 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch and is the usual beginner fabric; higher counts make a smaller, finer finished piece from the same chart.