Free Cross Stitch Pattern Maker — Photo to Stitch Chart
Turn any photo into a counted cross stitch pattern in seconds. MakeBead matches each pixel to the closest DMC floss color and generates a printable chart with symbols, color codes, and a full thread list. Upload a portrait, landscape, or character image — get a craft-ready pattern with no sign-up required.
Drop image or click to upload
JPEG, PNG, or WebP
50 × 50 stitches · 1×1 fabric
Templates
Click a template to load it into the tool above
How It Works
Upload Your Photo
Drag and drop or click to upload any JPEG, PNG, or WebP image.
Set Stitch Count and Colors
Choose the grid size for your fabric and use the Max Colors slider to control how many DMC thread colors are used.
Preview the Pattern
View the live symbol chart with DMC color codes. Toggle grid lines and symbols to check the design.
Export Your Chart
Download as a printable PDF with symbol grid, color legend, and full thread materials list.
Features
DMC Floss Color Matching
Every pixel is matched to the closest DMC thread color, giving you accurate, shop-ready color codes for your next project.
Adjustable Stitch Count
Choose your fabric count and pattern size. From small samplers to large wall pieces — control the level of detail.
Symbol Grid Chart
Each color gets a unique symbol, making it easy to follow the pattern even in black and white print.
Printable PDF Chart
Download a print-ready PDF with gridded pages, bold lines every 10 stitches, and a color legend page.
Thread Materials List
Get an exact count of each DMC floss color needed, so you know exactly what to buy before you start.
Free, No Sign-Up
Convert unlimited photos to cross stitch patterns. No account, no fees, no watermark on preview.
What Is Cross Stitch?
Cross stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery, where X-shaped stitches are sewn onto even-weave fabric (like Aida cloth) to form a picture. Each stitch corresponds to one pixel in a pattern grid, making it naturally compatible with digital image conversion.
DMC is the most widely used thread brand for cross stitch, offering over 500 numbered floss colors. A cross stitch pattern maker like MakeBead maps your image pixels to real DMC color codes, so you can buy the exact threads you need.
Converting a photo to a cross stitch pattern traditionally requires specialized software or hours of manual gridding. MakeBead automates this process — upload any image and get a counted cross stitch pattern with color-matched DMC thread codes, a symbol chart, and a printable PDF in seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a photo to a cross stitch pattern? ▾
Upload any photo to MakeBead. The tool automatically pixelizes it to your chosen stitch count and matches each pixel to the closest DMC floss color. You get a symbol chart and printable PDF instantly.
What is a counted cross stitch pattern? ▾
A counted cross stitch pattern is a grid chart where each square represents one stitch. You count the squares on the chart to place stitches on even-weave fabric, as opposed to stamped cross stitch where the design is pre-printed on the fabric.
Can I use this for DMC thread colors? ▾
Yes. MakeBead matches every pixel to real DMC floss color codes. The materials list shows the exact DMC number and color name for each thread you need.
Can I make my own counted cross stitch pattern? ▾
Yes — MakeBead lets you make your own counted cross stitch pattern from any image. Upload a photo, set your stitch count, and the tool generates a symbol chart with DMC thread codes. No design experience needed.
How many colors should I use? ▾
For beginners, limit to 10-15 colors for a manageable project. For detailed photo reproductions, use 30-50 colors. Use the Max Colors slider to find the right balance between detail and simplicity.
What fabric count should I choose? ▾
Common Aida fabric counts are 14-count (good for beginners), 16-count, and 18-count (more detail). Higher count means smaller stitches and more detail, but also more work.
Can I make a cross stitch pattern from text? ▾
While MakeBead is primarily image-based, you can create text images in any graphics app, then upload them to generate a cross stitch alphabet or text pattern with DMC colors.
Is the pattern printable? ▾
Yes. Export as PDF to get a print-ready chart with symbol grid, bold lines every 10 stitches for easy counting, and a complete thread legend page.
How do I make a cross stitch pattern from a photo for free? ▾
Upload your photo to MakeBead — it is completely free. Adjust the stitch count and color limit, preview the result, then download as PDF or PNG. No account or payment needed.