Cross stitch pattern generator
In short: Generate a cross stitch pattern from any image in one step: the generator resizes it to your stitch count, picks the best set of real DMC colours for your limit, removes the background and cleans up stray single stitches. Small projects (40–80 stitches) are ready to stitch straight from the screen or the free PNG. Free: unlimited on-screen patterns, colour key, materials list and PNG chart download. PDFs up to 60×60 are always free, plus your first full-size PDF; after that a larger print-ready PDF is $2.99 per photo, or $7.99 for 30 days of unlimited PDFs.
or drop / paste an image · stays on your device
How it works
- Choose an image or try the sample.
- Pick a small size for a quick project (40–60 stitches) or go up to 250.
- Download the chart and the floss list.
What you get
| Speed | Patterns update live as you change settings (no server queue) |
|---|---|
| Colour picking | k-means on CIELAB, snapped to real DMC, then least-damage merging to your limit |
| Background | Automatic removal of the outer background (left unstitched) |
| Output | Chart, key, stitch counts, skeins, finished size |
Checked November 2026. Free: pattern on screen, colour key, materials list, PNG chart, CSV, PDFs up to 60×60 and your first full-size PDF. Bigger PDFs: $2.99 per photo or $7.99 for 30 days. Pricing · How the colours are matched
How the generator picks colours
First it finds the main colour groups in your image, then snaps each to the nearest real DMC floss. If that is still more colours than you asked for, it removes the colour whose loss changes the picture least, one at a time. That is why a small dark eye survives while two near-identical background greens get merged.
Good first projects
A pet face at 50 stitches with 10 colours on 14-count fits a 4 in hoop and takes a few evenings. Logos and line art work at 6 colours or fewer — turn dithering off for crisp edges.
FAQ
How do I generate a cross stitch pattern from a picture?
Upload the picture, set the width and number of colours, and the pattern is generated instantly in your browser with DMC numbers and a key.
Will the generator remove the background?
Yes, background removal is on by default for cross stitch: the colour connected to the edges is left as bare fabric. Turn it off to stitch the whole picture.
Can I use the patterns I generate commercially?
Patterns made from your own photos are yours. If the photo belongs to someone else, you need their permission to sell the pattern.
Is there a size limit?
Up to 250 stitches wide, which is about 18 in on 14-count. Very large charts are split across PDF pages.