How many stitches and colours should I use?

Beginners do well with 50–80 stitches wide and 8–15 colours. For detailed portraits and landscapes use 120+ stitches and 20–30 colours — but expect much more stitching.

Are the colours matched to DMC thread numbers?

The chart gives each colour's value (such as #A0522D). Compare against a thread colour card, or show the values in a shop to pick the closest threads.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Everything runs locally in your browser with no network upload, and is discarded when you close the page.

Do I need to sign up or pay?

No. The site is completely free, needs no account, has no usage limits and adds no watermark.

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🧵Cross-Stitch Pattern Maker - Turn Photos into Cross-Stitch Charts Online

Turn your own photos, pets or favourite designs into cross-stitch. Set the stitches across (one cell per stitch) and how many thread colours to use; the tool scales the image to that grid, picks the most representative colours with clustering and builds a complete chart. Each cell shows its colour and a symbol, with bold lines and row/column numbers every 10 stitches to make counting easy, and a key underneath lists each colour's symbol, colour value and stitch count. Choose 11, 14, 16 or 18-count Aida to see the finished size. A simulated stitched preview is also produced so you can see roughly how it will turn out; transparent areas are left unstitched.

Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browserLast updated: 2026-10-26

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How to use Cross-Stitch Pattern Maker

1Upload a photo or design
2Set stitches across, colours and fabric count, and check the preview and finished size
3Click Make cross-stitch pattern and download the chart and preview

FAQ

How many stitches and colours should I use?: Beginners do well with 50–80 stitches wide and 8–15 colours. For detailed portraits and landscapes use 120+ stitches and 20–30 colours — but expect much more stitching.
Are the colours matched to DMC thread numbers?: The chart gives each colour's value (such as #A0522D). Compare against a thread colour card, or show the values in a shop to pick the closest threads.
Are my files uploaded?: No. Everything runs locally in your browser with no network upload, and is discarded when you close the page.
Do I need to sign up or pay?: No. The site is completely free, needs no account, has no usage limits and adds no watermark.