Image to Cross Stitch Pattern
Convert any photo, logo or drawing into a ready-to-stitch chart. Choose the stitch count and number of colors, and the tool matches every color to the closest DMC-numbered stranded cotton, builds a symbol grid with a color key and floss estimate, and exports a printable PDF.
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Hover over the chart to see the stitch position and thread.
Color key Click a color to highlight it in the chart
| Symbol | Color | Thread | Name | Stitches | Skeins |
|---|
How to use the Image to Cross Stitch Pattern
- Add a picture: drop it on the box, paste it or press Choose image. Photos with a clear subject and simple background work best.
- Set the size: choose the width in stitches and your fabric count; the finished size is shown instantly.
- Choose the colors: set the maximum number of colors, keep DMC thread matching on, and optionally turn on dithering, confetti clean-up or an unstitched background.
- Check the chart: switch between Stitched, Chart and Symbols views, zoom in, and click a color in the key to highlight where it is used.
- Download the PDF to print the pattern with its color key, or save the chart as a PNG.
Choosing the right stitch count and fabric
The finished size of a cross-stitch design is simply stitches ÷ fabric count. Fabric count is the number of stitches per inch: Aida is stitched over one block, evenweave and linen are usually stitched "over two" threads, so 28-count evenweave gives 14 stitches per inch.
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | 100 stitches wide = | Usual strands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 count Aida | 11 | 9.1 in (23.1 cm) | 3 |
| 14 count Aida | 14 | 7.1 in (18.1 cm) | 2 |
| 16 count Aida | 16 | 6.25 in (15.9 cm) | 2 |
| 18 count Aida | 18 | 5.6 in (14.1 cm) | 1-2 |
| 28 count evenweave (over 2) | 14 | 7.1 in (18.1 cm) | 2 |
| 32 count linen (over 2) | 16 | 6.25 in (15.9 cm) | 1-2 |
Add about 3 inches (7-8 cm) of extra fabric on every side for framing or hooping.
How the pattern is made
- Resample: the picture is averaged down so each stitch represents one block of pixels.
- Reduce colors: k-means clustering in the CIELAB color space finds the requested number of representative colors.
- Match threads: each cluster color is matched to the nearest DMC-numbered thread using the CIE94 color difference formula, and duplicates are merged.
- Assign stitches: every stitch gets the closest thread color (with optional Floyd-Steinberg dithering), then lone confetti stitches are tidied and the background can be left blank.
- Chart: threads are sorted by usage and given symbols; the chart has bold lines every 10 stitches and red arrows marking the center, the usual starting point.
Tips for a great pattern
- Crop tightly around the subject before loading the photo, and choose an image with good contrast.
- Logos and cartoons: use few colors (4-12), dithering off and confetti clean-up on.
- Photos and portraits: 25-40 colors and a width of 120+ stitches keep shading smooth; try dithering for skies and skin.
- Check thread colors against real floss in daylight; swap any that look wrong in the key before you buy.
- Print the PDF at 100% scale (no "fit to page") so the grid is easy to read, and mark finished areas with a highlighter.
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches wide should my pattern be?
Divide the finished width you want by your fabric's stitches per inch. For a 7-inch-wide design on 14-count Aida, use about 98 stitches. Portraits and detailed photos usually need 120-200 stitches wide; simple shapes and logos look good at 40-80.
How are the thread colors chosen?
The image is first reduced to your chosen number of colors with k-means clustering in the CIELAB color space, which models how people perceive color differences. Each resulting color is then matched to the nearest thread in a 450-color palette numbered like DMC six-strand embroidery floss, and duplicate matches are merged.
Are the DMC colors exact?
No screen color is exact. The palette uses widely published approximate RGB values for DMC stranded cotton numbers, and monitors and printers show colors differently. Use the numbers as a starting point and check real floss against your photo before buying.
How is the number of skeins estimated?
A standard skein is 8 m of six-strand floss. The estimate assumes about (2√2 + 2) ÷ fabric count inches of thread per full cross stitch per strand (two diagonals on the front plus travel on the back), multiplied by the number of strands, plus 50% for tails and waste. It is rounded up, so buy at least that many.
What does dithering do?
Dithering mixes stitches of nearby colors in a scattered pattern to simulate shades that are not in your palette, which helps gradients and skin tones with few colors. It also creates more single stitches (confetti), which take longer to stitch, so leave it off for logos and cartoons.
What is confetti clean-up?
Confetti are isolated single stitches of a color, which are slow to stitch. Clean-up replaces a stitch that has no same-colored neighbors with the most common color around it, giving larger blocks of color with very little change to the look.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The pattern is calculated in your browser and the PDF is built on your device. Nothing is sent to a server.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.