Make it
stitch by stitch.

The original pattern library includes complete, free PDF charts with a preview, symbols, stitch dimensions and palette. You can download these public patterns without an account or checkout. Browse free cross stitch patterns ↗

Upload a clear JPG, PNG or WebP in the pattern maker. Choose the crop, stitch width and color count, generate the grid, and compare the result with your photo. The preview is free; a PDF for that saved custom pattern costs $2.99 USD. Try the photo pattern maker ↗

Uploading, adjusting and previewing your photo are free. The custom PDF download is a one-time $2.99 USD purchase. All public library patterns, blank grids, supported text charts and calculators are free. There is no subscription. See exactly what is free ↗

Choose a small full-cross design with a few distinct colors and compact stitched areas. Check the actual stitch count and number of color changes. A small heart or tulip is usually easier to follow than a detailed photo chart. Choose a beginner project ↗

Counted cross stitch uses a chart to place stitches on blank fabric. One full-cross chart square represents one X; the symbol identifies the thread. Empty squares normally stay unstitched, so their spacing still matters. Read the counted cross stitch guide ↗

Yes. Our PDFs offer a symbol chart that remains readable without color. Choose A4 or US Letter, print at actual size, and keep the legend. Large charts are split into numbered sections with global coordinates. Print and read a chart ↗

Use the free alphabet tool to chart uppercase A–Z and spaces in an original block font. Preview the complete word and check spelling and width before stitching. Unsupported accents and scripts are not silently replaced. Create a free text chart ↗

Compare a few palettes at the same stitch size. Start around 12–16 colors, then inspect the subject, outlines and shadows. More colors can preserve tonal detail, but they can also introduce scattered single stitches and extra thread changes. Plan the photo palette ↗

Divide chart stitches by effective fabric count for the finished dimensions, then add your chosen margin twice to each dimension. A 140-stitch width on 14-count Aida is 10 inches; three-inch margins make the cut width 16 inches. Calculate fabric size ↗

The stitch converter uses deterministic image processing, not a generative AI service. It produces generic numbered colors rather than verified DMC codes. Editorial images on this website are AI-generated illustrations; actual chart previews are rendered from their real stitch data. Explore the generic palette ↗