Cross-Stitch Pattern Maker
Turn any picture into a printable stitch chart with symbols and a thread key.
| Fabric | Inches | Centimetres |
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How to use the Cross-Stitch Pattern Maker
- Drop a picture, choose one, or paste it.
- Set the width in stitches and the number of thread colours.
- Zoom the chart to check details, and switch between colour, symbol or combined styles.
- Download a PNG for screens or a PDF split across printable pages.
About this tool
A cross-stitch chart is a grid where every square is one stitch and every colour has its own symbol. This maker builds one from any picture: it shrinks the image to the number of stitches you choose, reduces it to a small set of thread colours that look closest to the original to the human eye, and assigns each colour a distinct symbol so the chart still works when printed in black and white.
The chart has a bold line every ten stitches and numbered edges, which makes counting easy. A thread key lists every colour with its hex code and the number of stitches, so you can estimate how much floss to buy, and a table shows the finished size on 11, 14, 16 and 18-count fabric. The PDF spreads large charts over several pages, with page labels showing how they join.
For a clean result, start with a picture that has clear shapes and strong contrast, crop it tightly before you begin, and keep the colour count low. Turn on "Remove lone stitches" to clear up isolated single stitches, which are slow to sew and rarely add anything visible.
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches wide should my pattern be?
Decide on the finished size and fabric first. On 14-count fabric, 140 stitches make a 10 inch (25 cm) piece. The finished size table updates as you change the width, so you can check before you print.
Does it match colours to thread brands?
No. It gives exact colour codes for each thread, which you can take to a shop or compare with a brand's colour card. Thread colour charts belong to their makers, so they are not built in.
Should I use dithering?
Dithering mixes stitches of nearby colours to suggest smoother shading, which suits photos of faces or skies. It also creates many isolated stitches, so leave it off for logos, cartoons and pixel art.
Can I print the chart in black and white?
Yes. Choose "Symbols only" and every colour is drawn as a black symbol on white, which prints clearly on any printer and saves ink.
Is my picture uploaded?
No. The picture is reduced, charted and turned into a PDF on your own device. Family photos and original artwork never leave your computer.