Free Cross Stitch Pattern Generator
Photo to Chart · DMC Colors · Symbol Chart · Floss Estimator

A cross stitch pattern generator converts a photo into a printable grid where each cell equals one cross stitch. The tool maps your image to the closest DMC floss colors, assigns symbols to each color, and outputs a chart you can stitch directly. BeadPattern's generator also calculates floss quantities and finished fabric size automatically.

Yes. You can upload a photo and generate a full DMC color symbol chart for free. No account required to get started. Premium features like high-resolution export and AI pattern generation are available on paid plans.

The most common types are full cross stitch (both diagonal stitches forming an ×), three-quarter stitch (one diagonal plus one half), and half stitch (one diagonal only). For beginners, starting with full cross stitch on 14ct Aida cloth using 2 strands of DMC floss gives the clearest results. Patterns generated by this tool use the full cross stitch grid by default.

Time depends on stitch count, fabric count, and your speed. A 50×50 stitch grid on 14ct Aida (about 9×9 cm) typically takes 3–6 hours. A detailed 150×200 stitch portrait can take 40–80+ hours. Most stitchers work 1–2 hours per session and enjoy the meditative pace. The stitch count in the download helps you estimate time before you start.

Yes — that is exactly what this tool does. Upload any JPG or PNG photo, adjust the grid size and color count, and the tool maps your image to the closest DMC colors. Clear photos with good contrast and a reasonably simple background produce the best results. Portraits, pets, and landscapes with bold colors all convert exceptionally well.

DMC is the world's leading embroidery floss brand. Each of their 489 standard colors has a unique numeric code (e.g., DMC 310 = Black, DMC 321 = Red). Using DMC codes means anyone can buy exactly the right thread color anywhere in the world — the codes are universal. This generator maps every pixel in your photo to the nearest DMC code for seamless floss purchasing.

A symbol chart replaces each color in your pattern with a printed symbol (●, ■, ▲, ✕, etc.). Because neighboring DMC colors can look very similar on screen, symbols let you stitch accurately even when printing in black and white. Every downloaded pattern from this generator includes a symbol chart with a full color-to-symbol legend.

The generator calculates floss yardage automatically. It counts stitches per DMC color and applies per-count coefficients (14ct = 1.3 cm/stitch, 16ct = 1.1 cm/stitch, 18ct = 1.0 cm/stitch). Each DMC skein is 8 meters (8.7 yards). The floss list in your download shows round-up skein counts per color — no manual calculation needed.

Fabric count refers to the number of fabric holes per inch. 14ct Aida is the most popular — each stitch is about 1.8 mm wide, making stitches easy to see and place. 16ct gives a slightly finer result; 18ct is good for small detailed pieces. Beginners should start with 14ct. The generator calculates your finished size for all three common counts.

Finished size (in inches) = stitch count ÷ fabric count. For example, a 100×100 stitch grid on 14ct Aida = 100 ÷ 14 ≈ 7.1 × 7.1 inches (18 × 18 cm). Add at least 2–3 inches of extra fabric on all sides for framing. The generator displays your finished size automatically when you adjust grid settings.

Yes. Use the color count slider to merge similar DMC shades into fewer colors — ideal for beginners who want a simpler project or to reduce floss purchasing. You can also manually exclude specific colors using the editor's color panel. Most photos produce 15–40 distinct DMC colors by default.

The best photos have: (1) a clear, well-lit subject against a simple background, (2) high contrast between subject and background, (3) fewer than 30 dominant colors for a manageable floss count, and (4) a resolution of at least 400×400 pixels. Portraits, pets, and landscapes with bold color blocks convert best. Avoid photos with very fine details — they are lost at typical grid sizes.

JPG and PNG are supported. For best results, use a clear high-contrast photo. Transparent PNG backgrounds are treated as white. Image size up to 10 MB is accepted.

That depends on your photo and the granularity setting. The generator automatically merges similar colors and typically produces 15–40 distinct DMC colors. A simple pet portrait might yield 12–20 colors; a complex landscape might have 30–50. Use the color count slider to reduce the number if needed.

Yes. After generating, switch to manual edit mode. Use the pencil or fill tool to repaint individual cells with any DMC color in the palette. You can also bulk-exclude a color (treat it as background) or highlight a single color to check its distribution. All edits support undo/redo.

Yes. Use the granularity setting to control how many stitches wide your pattern is. The default is 60 stitches, which produces roughly a 10–15 cm finished piece on 14ct Aida. Increase for larger, more detailed pieces; decrease for quick beginner projects.

For beginners, start with a 50×50 to 80×80 stitch grid. At 14ct this gives a finished piece of about 9–14 cm — achievable in a day or two. Cut your Aida cloth with at least 5 cm of extra fabric on all sides. Always iron Aida flat before stitching and use a hoop or frame to keep tension even.

After generating, click Download to export a PNG symbol chart. Print at actual size on A4 or Letter paper. If the grid is large, use 'Fit to page' in your printer settings or print across multiple sheets. The symbol legend is included on the chart so you can stitch without a computer nearby.

The exported floss list shows each DMC color code, color name, stitch count, and number of skeins to buy. Search by DMC code on Amazon, AliExpress, your local craft store, or the official DMC website. Standard DMC 6-strand skeins are 8 meters each. The list already rounds up quantities so you will have a small buffer for mistakes.

This generator produces full cross stitch patterns — each grid cell gets both diagonal stitches forming a complete × shape. Full cross coverage gives the sharpest image reproduction. Half cross (tent stitch) uses one diagonal per cell and works better for very fine details, but is not recommended when converting photos because it creates a tilted texture that can look uneven.