Last updated · Written and tested by The PixelArtFromPhoto team, who build and maintain this tool.
This free cross stitch pattern maker converts your photo into a grid of full stitches, picks the closest colours from the 489 DMC six-strand floss shades and counts every stitch. It is the quickest way to convert a photo to a cross stitch pattern for a pet portrait, a wedding gift or a favourite place.
How to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo
- Pick a clear photo. A close crop with good light and a plain background converts best.
- Choose the width in stitches with the pixel size slider. See the size table below.
- Set Max colours. The maker clusters your photo first, then snaps each cluster to its nearest DMC shade, so small features like eyes keep their colour.
- Adjust brightness, contrast and saturation if the preview looks flat. Light dithering (about 30%) smooths skies and skin.
- Download the pattern sheet, or the printable PDF with a colour key, symbols and page-by-page chart.
Pattern size on 14, 16 and 18 count Aida
The finished size is the number of stitches divided by the fabric count (stitches per inch).
| Width in stitches | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3.6 in | 3.1 in | 2.8 in |
| 80 | 5.7 in | 5.0 in | 4.4 in |
| 100 | 7.1 in | 6.3 in | 5.6 in |
| 150 | 10.7 in | 9.4 in | 8.3 in |
| 200 | 14.3 in | 12.5 in | 11.1 in |
Beginners usually prefer 14-count: the holes are easy to see, and 80 to 100 stitches wide is a satisfying first portrait.
What is in the printable PDF
- A cover with a colour preview, the size in stitches and the finished size on 14, 16 and 18 count.
- A colour key with a symbol, DMC number, colour name and stitch count for every thread.
- Chart pages of 50 x 60 stitches with symbols on a pale colour fill, bold lines every 10 stitches and row and column numbers, so you can find your place.
- US Letter or A4 paper, chosen from your browser's language.
Tips for better photo cross stitch patterns
- Crop tightly. Every stitch spent on background is a stitch not spent on the face.
- Fewer colours, bigger areas. Lots of single confetti stitches are slow to work. Lower Max colours or turn dithering off.
- Boost contrast slightly. Thread looks a little flatter than a screen.
- Start in the middle. Find the centre on the chart and on your fabric so the design stays centred.
Prefer fuse beads? The same photo works in the Perler bead pattern maker. For the full set of palettes and retro looks, open the photo to pixel art converter.
Cross stitch pattern FAQ
How do I convert a photo to a cross stitch pattern?
Add the photo to the pattern maker above. It is already set to DMC floss. Choose the width in stitches and the maximum number of thread colours, check the preview, then download the pattern sheet, or the printable PDF with Pro.
How big will my cross stitch be?
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. A 100 stitch wide design is about 7.1 inches on 14-count Aida, 6.3 inches on 16-count and 5.6 inches on 18-count. Add about 3 inches of fabric on every side for framing.
How many colours should a cross stitch pattern have?
Simple designs look great with 8 to 15 colours. Portraits and pets usually need 20 to 30 for natural skin and fur. Each extra colour means another skein to buy and more thread changes, so start low and add colours only if the preview needs them.
Are the DMC colours exact?
They are matched to published DMC colour values, but no screen shows thread exactly. Use the chart's DMC numbers when buying, and if a colour matters (such as skin), check the real skein in daylight.
How much thread do I need?
The colour key lists the exact number of stitches for each DMC colour. How many stitches one skein covers depends on your fabric count, strands and tension, so stitch an 18 inch length, count the stitches it makes, and divide. Buy one spare skein of the main colours.
Does it make half stitches or backstitch?
No. Patterns use full cross stitches only, which suits photos and pixel art. If you want outlines, the Dark edge lines option adds a dark colour around shapes that you can stitch in full stitches or backstitch over by hand.
Is it free?
Making the pattern, the on-screen thread list and the pattern sheet PNG are free. The printable multi-page PDF with a symbol chart and bold 10-stitch grid lines is part of Pro, or a one-time $2.99 Pattern Pass.