Turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern
Convert any photo into a printable cross stitch pattern. Pick the size, DMC colors and fabric, then print a symbol chart with a floss list. Free, no upload.
Adjust image
Floss list
| Symbol | DMC | Name | Stitches | Skeins | Stitch |
|---|
Tips for photo to cross stitch patterns
A good photo pattern starts with a good photo: a clear subject, simple background and strong contrast between light and dark areas. Crop tightly before you upload — every stitch you spend on empty background is time you are not spending on the part you care about.
Width is the most important setting. Around 80–120 stitches wide is enough for a recognisable face or pet on 14-count Aida (roughly 6–9 inches). Larger patterns capture more detail but take much longer to stitch: a 150 × 150 design is 22,500 stitches.
Photos have thousands of colors, so the converter groups similar shades and matches each group to the nearest DMC floss in the CIE Lab color space, which models how people actually perceive color differences. Start with 20–30 colors; raise it if skin tones or gradients look blotchy.
Recommended settings
- Crop to the subject and remove busy backgrounds first
- Use 80–120 stitches wide for portraits
- Keep "Remove confetti" on Light to avoid single stitches
- Click the background color in the floss list to leave it unstitched
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 photo to cross stitch cross stitch pattern?
A good photo pattern starts with a good photo: a clear subject, simple background and strong contrast between light and dark areas. Crop tightly before you upload — every stitch you spend on empty background is time you are not spending on the part you care about.
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.