Cross Stitch Tool

What is Cross Stitch Tool?

Cross Stitch Tool is a free browser-based pattern maker for people who stitch. It turns a photo or a name into a printable cross stitch chart with symbols, floss numbers, and a skein list. The site also includes tools for needlepoint charts, pixel art, text, and printable graph paper, so it covers both photo projects and lettering samplers.

There is no sign-up and no watermark. The chart can be downloaded as a multi-page PDF, a PNG, or a floss list.

How to use Cross Stitch Tool?

1. Choose a photo, or switch to Text and type a name or short message. Nothing is uploaded, because your browser reads the picture.
2. Set the width in stitches, or switch to inches or centimetres and let the tool work out the stitch count for your fabric.
3. Pick the number of colors. The tool groups similar shades and matches each group to the nearest stranded cotton thread.
4. Check the preview in color, symbol, or both views. Zoom in, hover over a square to see its floss number, and compare with the original.
5. Download the chart as a PDF or PNG, or copy the floss list.

Key features of Cross Stitch Tool

• Photo and text input, with several lettering fonts and a border option for names
• Pattern sizes for fabric counts from 11-count Aida to 36-count linen, plus hoop and ornament sizes
• Confetti cleanup that removes lone stitches, and a dithering option for smoother shading
• A PDF with a cover page, a bold line every ten squares, and a thread list with stitches and skeins for each color
• A large print option with 9 mm squares and symbols drawn over a pale version of the thread color

Use cases for Cross Stitch Tool

Pet and family portraits

A photo with one clear subject and good light works best. The site's guide suggests at least 100 stitches across for a portrait that looks like the person.

Pricing for Cross Stitch Tool

Cross Stitch Tool is free. Making patterns, downloading the PDF, the PNG, and the floss list all cost nothing. The site notes that a paid, print-ready PDF is not available yet, and the free PDF is complete.

Frequently asked questions about Cross Stitch Tool

How many colors should a pattern use?

For most photos, 15 to 30 colors give a good likeness. Logos, text, and cartoons usually need only 2 to 10 colors. Turn on confetti cleanup if the preview shows many single stitches of one color.

How big will the finished piece be?

Finished size is the stitch count divided by the stitches per inch of your fabric. For example, 140 stitches on 14-count Aida is 10 inches. The tool shows the finished size live as you change settings.