Cross-Stitch Pattern Generator
Turn a photo into a cross-stitch chart with a symbol in every square and DMC floss numbers. Choose the size, colors and fabric, then print the chart with its floss list.
Tip: crop tightly around your subject. Plain backgrounds are removed automatically.
Your cross-stitch chart
Example: an AI-generated cat photo as a 40-stitch chart. Upload your own photo to start.
Original photo → pattern
From photo to finished stitching
Pick a simple photo
One subject, good light and a plain background give the cleanest chart. Pets, flowers and bold graphics work especially well.
Set size, colors and fabric
The width is counted in stitches. Choose your Aida count to see the finished size, and keep colors between 8 and 15 for a first piece.
Print and stitch
Print the chart, buy the DMC colors from the floss list and stitch block by block. Every 10th line is bold to help you count.
Stitch count, fabric and finished size
The finished size depends on the fabric count: how many stitches fit into one inch. A chart that is 70 stitches wide ends up 6.4 inches (16.2 cm) on 11-count Aida, 5 inches (12.7 cm) on 14-count, 4.4 inches (11.1 cm) on 16-count and 3.9 inches (9.9 cm) on 18-count. Leave at least 2 to 3 inches of extra fabric on every side for framing. The generator updates the size as soon as you switch the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn a photo into a cross-stitch pattern?
Upload the photo, choose the chart width in stitches and how many colors to use, then match the colors to DMC floss. The chart shows a symbol in every square and a floss list with stitch counts, ready to print.
What size will my finished cross-stitch be?
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. A chart 70 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is 70 ÷ 14 = 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide. On 18-count Aida the same chart is about 3.9 inches (9.9 cm).
How many colors should a cross-stitch pattern have?
For a first project, 8 to 15 colors keep the chart readable and the floss affordable. Portraits and landscapes look more natural with 20 to 30 colors but take longer to stitch.
Are the DMC numbers exact?
Each color is matched to the closest DMC six-strand floss color using the CIEDE2000 color difference. Screens show colors slightly differently from real thread, so compare with a DMC color card before buying.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The chart is calculated in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.
Making fuse bead art instead? Use the Bead Pattern Generator for Perler, Hama and Artkal colors. ToolWisp is not affiliated with DMC.