Photo to Cross-Stitch Pattern Converter
Upload a photo of your pet, a flower, a favourite place — anything — and I'll convert it into a counted cross-stitch pattern with DMC thread colors. Choose how many stitches wide, how many colors, and edit the result before downloading your printable PDF chart. Everything runs in your browser. No software, no account needed to try.
Upload a photo — I'll turn it into a cross-stitch pattern.
Supports JPG, PNG, and WebP · No software to install
Built by a cross-stitch designer who has spent more hours than she'd like to admit counting stitches from a paper chart.
Never lose your place
Click any thread color and all its stitches light up on the chart at once.
Work one thread at a time
Hide all other colors so only the thread you're stitching is visible.
Your chart on any device
Keep the chart open on a tablet or phone propped beside your hoop. No printing, no paper to lose.
Cross-Stitch Pattern Editor
Ready when you are
Drag a photo here, or click Upload Your Photo above — I'll do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What photo formats are supported?
- JPEG, PNG, and WebP up to 5 MB. The converter works best with photos that have clear subjects and good contrast.
- How do I choose the stitch count?
- Set width and height in stitches independently. A 50×50 pattern stitched on 14-count Aida measures about 9×9 cm; an 80×80 pattern measures about 14×14 cm. Larger counts preserve more detail.
- Which DMC colors will be used?
- The converter picks the closest DMC floss color from a library of 454 standard shades for each part of your photo. If you set a color limit, the rarest shades are swapped for the nearest remaining one until your chosen number of colors is reached.
- What does the PDF include?
- Three pages: a colored grid showing each stitch in its DMC color, a symbol grid for black-and-white printing, and a color key table listing the symbol, DMC number, color name and stitch count for every thread.
- Can I edit the pattern after converting?
- Yes. The built-in editor lets you repaint individual stitches, change colors, fill whole areas, rotate, flip, and resize the pattern before you download the PDF. You can also re-import the same photo with different settings at any time.
- Can I use the chart on my phone or laptop while stitching — without printing?
- Yes. The pattern editor works on any device. You can hide all colors except the one you are currently stitching, so only those stitches are visible on screen. Click any color in the palette to make all its stitches flash on the chart so you can find your place instantly. Many stitchers keep the chart open on a laptop or tablet propped beside their hoop instead of printing.
- Do I need an account?
- Yes. You need a free account to save your pattern or download the PDF. Your patterns belong to you — once saved, only you can access, edit, or re-download them.
Tips for the best result
- Choose a simple subject. A pet portrait cross-stitch pattern comes out best from a photo with a single animal against a plain background. A single flower, a bird, or a landscape with a clear focal point also converts well. Busy group photos rarely make good patterns.
- Good contrast helps. Photos with a clear difference between the subject and background give cleaner, more stitchable patterns.
- Start with fewer colors. 10–15 thread colors is a lovely, manageable project. Add more if you want a portrait with fine detail.
- Try different sizes. 50×50 stitches on 14-count Aida makes a 9×9 cm piece — a great quick project. 80×80 gives a 14×14 cm result with more detail.
What's in your PDF
- Color chart. The full pattern printed in DMC thread colors — stitch from this when working in good light.
- Symbol chart. The same pattern in black and white, each color shown as a unique symbol. Easier to read under a lamp and cheap to print.
- Thread list. Every DMC color used, with its number, color name, and stitch count — so you know exactly which threads to buy and how much of each you need.
Fabric and finished size guide
The size of your finished piece depends on how many stitches your pattern has and the count of your Aida fabric. Higher count = smaller stitches = finer detail. The most popular choice for beginners is 14-count Aida.
| Pattern size | 14-count Aida | 16-count Aida | 18-count Aida |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 50 stitches | 9 × 9 cm (3.6″) | 8 × 8 cm (3.1″) | 7 × 7 cm (2.8″) |
| 80 × 80 stitches | 14 × 14 cm (5.7″) | 13 × 13 cm (5.0″) | 11 × 11 cm (4.4″) |
| 100 × 100 stitches | 18 × 18 cm (7.1″) | 16 × 16 cm (6.3″) | 14 × 14 cm (5.6″) |
| 120 × 120 stitches | 22 × 22 cm (8.6″) | 19 × 19 cm (7.5″) | 17 × 17 cm (6.7″) |
Always cut your fabric at least 5 cm (2″) larger on each side than the finished design — you will need that border for framing or finishing.
How to start stitching your pattern
- 1Print your PDF. The symbol chart is easiest to follow while stitching — print it in black and white to save ink. Keep the color chart nearby to check thread shades.
- 2Prepare your fabric. Cut your Aida at least 5 cm larger on every side than the finished design size. Overcast or tape the raw edges so they do not fray while you work.
- 3Find the center. Fold the fabric in half both ways and mark the center with a pin or a few running stitches. Find the center of your chart — it is usually indicated on the printed PDF.
- 4Start from the center outward. Beginning in the middle keeps the whole design centered on your fabric. Work in sections — complete one area before moving to the next.
- 5Use 2 strands of DMC floss for 14-count Aida (the most common choice). Thread your size 24 tapestry needle with a length of about 40 cm — longer threads tangle and fray.
- 6Stitch one color at a time. Work through all the stitches of one color before moving to the next — it is faster, uses less thread, and keeps the back tidy. In the editor, click any color to see its stitches flash on the chart, or hide all other colors so only the active one is visible.