Turn any photo into a cross stitch pattern
Free cross stitch pattern maker with 454 DMC floss colors, confetti cleanup, skein estimates and printable symbol charts. Your photo is processed on your device and never uploaded.
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Floss list
| Symbol | DMC | Name | Stitches | Skeins | Stitch |
|---|
What is a cross stitch pattern maker?
A cross stitch pattern maker converts a picture into a grid where every square is one stitch. It reduces the photo to a limited set of embroidery floss colors, assigns each color a symbol, and lists how much of each thread you need — the chart you follow on Aida or evenweave fabric.
FlossChart matches colors in the CIE Lab color space, which models human color perception, then snaps them to real DMC six-strand floss numbers. Isolated single stitches ("confetti") are cleaned up automatically, so patterns are pleasant to stitch, not just to look at.
How to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo
- Add your photo. Click Upload photo, drag a file onto the preview, or paste with Ctrl/⌘+V. JPG, PNG, WebP and HEIC (where supported) work.
- Set size and colors. Choose the width in stitches and the maximum number of DMC colors. The finished size updates for the fabric you pick.
- Clean up. Keep Remove confetti on Light or Strong, adjust brightness or contrast, and click colors in the floss list to leave them unstitched.
- Print or save. Click Print / Save PDF for a cover page with floss list plus numbered symbol chart pages, or download a PNG chart.
Pattern makers for every project
- Photo to cross stitchCrop to the subject and remove busy backgrounds first
- Pet portraitUse a photo at eye level with sharp eyes
- Pixel artSet width to the sprite's pixel width
- Logo & textMatch the color count to the artwork
- Diamond paintingOne stitch = one 2.5 mm drill
- NeedlepointMatch fabric count to canvas mesh
- Black & white2 colors for silhouettes, 3–6 for portraits
- Birth announcementName: up to 18 letters, details: up to 28
- Wedding samplerUse & between the names
- Christmas stockingNames up to 5 letters print double size
Free cross stitch tools
- DMC color chartAll 454 DMC floss colors, searchable by number or name
- Hex / RGB to DMCFind the closest DMC floss to any color
- Size calculatorFinished size and fabric to buy for any count
Guides
- How to turn a photo into a cross stitch patternEverything you need to go from a favourite photo to a printed chart and a floss shopping list — and the settings that make the difference between a muddy pattern and one you will love stitching.
- Aida cloth count guide: 11, 14, 16 or 18?Fabric count decides how big your finished piece will be, how much detail shows and how many strands of floss to use. Here is how to choose.
- How much embroidery floss do I need?Running out of a color halfway through is frustrating — and dye lots can differ. Here is how to estimate skeins accurately, and how FlossChart calculates them.
- How to read a cross stitch patternA cross stitch chart looks intimidating at first, but it follows a few simple rules. Once you know them, you can stitch any pattern.
- How to choose the best photo for a cross stitch patternThe converter can only work with what you give it. Ten minutes choosing and preparing the photo will improve your pattern more than any setting.
- What are confetti stitches (and how to avoid them)?Confetti is the most common complaint about photo-based cross stitch patterns. Here is what causes it, how to stitch it if you must, and how to generate cleaner patterns.
- How to transfer a cross stitch pattern onto fabricCounted cross stitch is usually stitched straight from the chart, but marking the fabric first saves hours of counting — and some projects can only be done with a transfer. Here are seven methods, what each is good for and how to avoid permanent marks.
Frequently asked questions
Is FlossChart really free?
Yes. Creating, printing and downloading patterns is completely free, with no sign-up, watermarks or limits. The site is supported by advertising.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Your photo is processed entirely in your browser on your own device. It is never uploaded to a server, so private family and pet photos stay private.
How do I print the pattern or save it as a PDF?
Click "Print / Save PDF". The pattern is split into numbered pages with a cover page showing the preview, finished size and floss list. In the print dialog, choose your printer or "Save as PDF".
How accurate are the DMC colors?
DMC does not publish official RGB values, so all on-screen floss colors are close approximations. Colors are matched in the CIE Lab color space for perceptual accuracy, but always compare real skeins in daylight before buying in bulk.
How big will my finished cross stitch be?
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. On 14-count Aida, 100 stitches is 100 ÷ 14 ≈ 7.1 inches (18 cm). The tool shows the finished size for the fabric you choose, and you should add at least 3 inches on each side for framing.
What are "confetti" stitches?
Confetti are isolated single stitches of one color surrounded by other colors. They are slow to stitch and use a lot of thread. The "Remove confetti" setting merges them into neighbouring colors.
How many colors should I use?
Logos and simple art need 3–8 colors, cartoons 8–16, and photos 20–40. More colors capture subtler shading but mean more thread changes and more skeins to buy.