Black and white cross stitch patterns
Create monochrome and silhouette cross stitch patterns from photos: 2–6 shades of gray or a single color. Elegant, quick to stitch and beginner-friendly.
Adjust image
Floss list
| Symbol | DMC | Name | Stitches | Skeins | Stitch |
|---|
Tips for black & white patterns
Monochrome patterns are fast to stitch, forgiving for beginners and look striking framed on white or natural linen. This page removes color from your photo and reduces it to a few shades of gray matched to DMC's neutral flosses.
Use 2 colors for a bold silhouette (for example a profile, a skyline or a pet's outline), 3–4 for a graphic portrait, and up to 6 for a soft photographic look. Adjust contrast until the important shapes read clearly at a glance.
For a single-color piece in red, navy or any other shade, generate the pattern here and simply swap the floss: the chart symbols stay the same, and you only need one color of thread.
Recommended settings
- 2 colors for silhouettes, 3–6 for portraits
- Push contrast for bold shapes
- Swap gray for any single color
- Lovely on natural linen
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.
FAQ
How do I make a black & white cross stitch pattern?
Monochrome patterns are fast to stitch, forgiving for beginners and look striking framed on white or natural linen. This page removes color from your photo and reduces it to a few shades of gray matched to DMC's neutral flosses.
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.