Free cross stitch pattern maker
In short: This cross stitch pattern maker builds a full chart from any image: symbols for every DMC or Anchor colour, bold grid lines every 10 stitches, centre markers, a colour key and a shopping list of skeins. You can change the size, colour count and fabric count and see the result live. No account, no install, and nothing is uploaded. 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
- Add an image — a photo, a drawing or pixel art.
- Set stitches across, colours and Aida count; turn on background removal for an unstitched background.
- Swap colours in the key if you like, then save the PNG chart or the PDF.
What you get
| Chart style | Colour + symbol, symbol only (black & white), or stitched preview |
|---|---|
| Brands | DMC and Anchor stranded cotton |
| Fabric | 11, 14, 16, 18 count Aida and 28-count evenweave (over 2) |
| Cover with preview, colour key, chart pages split at multiples of 10, page numbers | |
| Account | Not needed |
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
Made for stitching, not just pixelating
A generic pixel-art converter picks arbitrary RGB colours. A cross stitch pattern needs colours you can actually buy, a chart you can count, and a page layout that splits cleanly. We match every square to a real thread, keep chart pages at multiples of ten stitches and mark the centre so you can start in the middle of the fabric.
Symbols are plain, high-contrast characters that stay readable when printed in black and white.
Tips for a better chart
If the pattern looks blotchy, lower the colour count before you lower the width. If faces look flat, raise the colours by 4–6 — the colour picker keeps small, distinct colours such as eye highlights first. Dithering gives smoother gradients for skies and skin but adds more single stitches.
FAQ
What is the best free cross stitch pattern maker?
Look for real thread numbers, a colour limit you control, a printable chart with a key, and no forced sign-up. This maker does all four for free; only the multi-page PDF after your first one is paid ($2.99).
Can I print the chart in black and white?
Yes. Choose the symbol-only view or the black & white PDF option; each colour gets a distinct symbol listed in the key.
Does it work with Anchor threads?
Yes — switch the thread brand to Anchor and every colour is re-matched to the nearest Anchor number.
How many colours should a cross stitch pattern have?
Simple designs: 4–10. Pets and portraits: 12–25. Detailed landscapes: 25–40. More colours mean more thread changes and more cost.