Free Cross Stitch Pattern Maker
Turn a photo into a printable chart with DMC thread colors. Free, no sign-up — and your photo never leaves your device.
JPG, PNG or WebP up to 20 MB · processed on your device, never uploaded
1 Crop
2 Settings
Large patterns may take a few seconds on phones.
3 Preview
Zoom in to read the symbols
Drag to move · pinch or use + − to zoom
4 Download
Cover with preview, black-and-white symbol chart and a DMC color key with thread estimates.
Rather not print it? Stitch it on your phone with Cross Stitch Master.
Get the app →DMC color list
Rather not print it?Stitch it on your phone with Cross Stitch Master — tap a color, fill the grid, relax.
How to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo
- Choose a photo. Clear pictures with one main subject work best: a pet, a flower, a house, a favorite place. Busy backgrounds turn into lots of scattered stitches, so crop close to what matters.
- Pick a size. The width is the number of stitches across. Around 60–80 stitches gives a piece about 5 in (13 cm) wide on 14 count Aida — big enough for a face or a pet to be recognizable. Small motifs and ornaments work well at 30–50.
- Pick the number of colors. Fewer colors make a simpler, more graphic pattern that is faster to stitch; more colors give smoother shading. 15–25 is a good starting point for photos; try 8–12 for a bold, beginner-friendly look.
- Check the chart view. Zoom in to see the symbols you will stitch from. If you see lots of single stitches of one color, try fewer colors or a slightly larger width.
- Download and print. The PDF has a cover, the symbol chart split into pages, and a color key with DMC numbers and an estimate of how many skeins to buy.
New to charts? Our guide on how to read a cross stitch pattern explains every symbol, line and arrow, and how to cross stitch for beginners covers the supplies and your first stitches. Looking for something ready-made? Browse our free cross stitch patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pattern Maker free?
Yes, completely free. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many patterns you make. The only limits are the largest size and number of colors your device can comfortably handle: up to 300 stitches wide and 80 colors.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Your photo is opened and turned into a pattern right in your browser, on your own device. It is never sent to our servers, and nothing is stored after you close the page.
Can I sell patterns I make here?
The patterns you make from your own photos are yours. Just make sure you have the right to use the photo — your own pictures are always fine; artwork or photos by other people usually are not.
Which thread colors does it use?
Every color is matched to the closest DMC six-strand embroidery floss, the most widely sold brand in the US and Europe, so you can buy exactly the colors on your chart.
What paper size is the PDF?
US Letter by default, or A4. Large patterns are split across several pages that overlap by two rows, with a page map on the cover showing how they fit together.
Stitch on your phone too
Cross Stitch Master turns photos into embroidery you stitch yourself, one tap at a time.
Free to download. Contains ads and optional in-app purchases.