Turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern
Match your photo to DMC floss, get a symbol chart, and see the fabric size and skeins you need. Every feature is free.
Drag your PNG or JPG photo hereChoose a PNG or JPG photo
DMC floss colors · 6–20 count Aida, evenweave and linen · skein estimate
- Your files are never uploaded Cut lines and files are made right in your browser
- Every feature is free
Three quick steps
Upload a photo
Upload a PNG or JPG photo and choose the Aida count and stitch count.
Pick your colors
Choose how many colors, swap any for another DMC color, or leave the background unstitched.
Download the pattern
Get a PDF with the symbol chart and skeins for each color, and print it on A4.
Your photo becomes
a DMC cross stitch pattern
The photo is split into Aida squares, each square gets the closest DMC floss color, and you see it worked in X stitches before you start.
- Stitch — one X stitch per Aida square
- Center lines — where to start stitching on the PDF chart
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from stitchers making a pattern for the first time.
How is a cross stitch pattern made from a photo?
The photo is split into as many squares as your stitch count, and each square gets the closest DMC floss color. Similar colors are then grouped to the number you chose, while small distinct colors such as eyes are kept instead of being lost in the background.
Which Aida count should I choose?
The count is the number of squares per inch. If you are new, 11 or 14 count is easiest to count. 16 and 18 count have smaller squares, so the same stitch count comes out smaller and finer. The finished and fabric sizes update as soon as you change the count or size.
How many strands should I use?
DMC stranded cotton has 6 strands that you separate. Usually 3 strands on 11 count, 2 on 14 and 16 count, and 1 or 2 on 18 count. Changing the strands recalculates the skeins.
How many skeins should I buy?
Skeins are estimated from one 8 m skein of DMC stranded cotton covering about 1,600 stitches on 14 count with 2 strands, plus the tails each separate patch needs and 10% waste. Your tension and finishing change this, so buy an extra skein of the colors you use most.
What are the red lines?
They mark the center of the pattern across and down. Fold your fabric in half twice to find its middle and start from the center of the chart, so the spare fabric ends up even on every side.
How is this different from diamond painting?
Diamond painting sticks drills on 2.5 mm squares; cross stitch sews X-shaped stitches with floss on Aida. That is why this tool sizes the pattern by fabric count and estimates skeins. For diamond painting, use the diamond painting pattern maker.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Your photo file is never uploaded or stored on a server. Everything from the pattern to the PDF is made in your browser. Session recordings we use to improve the site may include a reduced-size copy of what’s on screen (not in Europe); see the privacy policy.