How do I convert a photo to a cross stitch pattern?

Upload your photo to Xstitchify, choose your desired pattern width and number of colours, then click Generate Pattern. The tool automatically converts your image into a stitchable chart with DMC thread colour codes. You can edit the pattern and download it as a PDF or PNG.

What is confetti in cross stitch and how do I reduce it?

Confetti stitches are isolated single stitches of a colour scattered across your pattern - they make stitching slow and frustrating. Xstitchify reduces confetti by intelligently limiting the number of colours and using DMC thread matching to group similar tones together. Using fewer colours (5-10) and the Photo mode gives the cleanest results.

What image formats can I use?

Xstitchify accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, and SVG files. For photos, JPG and PNG work best. Higher resolution images produce more detailed patterns, but the tool will work with any size.

How many colours should I use for a photo pattern?

For most photos, 10-20 colours gives a good balance between detail and stitchability. Fewer colours (5-10) creates a simpler, more stylised look with less confetti. More colours (20-50) captures finer detail but requires more thread management. Start with fewer and increase if you want more detail.

Can I convert a picture to cross stitch on my iPad?

Yes - Xstitchify works entirely in your browser on iPad, iPhone, Android, and desktop. You can upload photos directly from your camera roll, edit the pattern with Apple Pencil or touch, and download Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs to track your stitching progress.

Are the patterns compatible with Pattern Keeper?

Yes. Xstitchify generates Pattern Keeper compatible PDF charts that you can import directly into the Pattern Keeper app to track your stitching progress on your tablet or phone.

Cross Stitch Pattern Maker

Help

Upload Image

Drop image here or click to upload

PNG, JPG, SVG

No photo? Start from a text prompt

Describe what you want and our AI generator turns it into a stitchable chart you can edit here.

Fabric Count

Pattern Size

Max 600 stitches on the longest side. The other side scales to match your image.

Number of Colors

Image Type

Thread Brand

Advanced image adjustments

Colour adjustment

Use only when a photo has a visible tint or overly intense colours after conversion.

Remove Background

Simple is instant for flat backgrounds; smart cutout can help photos but may need checking.

Import from another app PAID

Learn more

Upload an .oxs file, Pattern Maker .xsd file or PCStitch 7/8 .pat file. PCStitch 8 brings across the palette and full stitches; Pattern Maker XSD and PCStitch 7 also bring across backstitch, knots, halves and quarters.

Unlock pattern import with a paid plan

Start with a pattern

Free cross stitch patterns

Open a starter pattern, then edit and save it as your own.

My patterns

No example patterns are available yet.

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Convert Any Photo to a Cross Stitch Pattern

Turn your favourite photos into cross stitch patterns you can actually stitch. Upload any picture - a pet portrait, family photo, landscape, or holiday snap - and Xstitchify converts it into a printable chart with DMC thread colour codes so you know exactly which threads to buy.

Confetti Reduction for Cleaner Patterns

One of the biggest frustrations with photo to cross stitch conversion is confetti - isolated single stitches scattered across your pattern that make stitching painfully slow. Xstitchify tackles this by intelligently grouping similar colours and matching to real DMC thread shades. The result is a cleaner, more stitchable pattern with fewer random single stitches. For the best results, start with 10-15 colours and adjust from there. For patterns that still have confetti after conversion, the confetti cleanup brush lets you target specific areas in the editor.

How to Convert a Picture to Cross Stitch

Upload your photo (JPG, PNG, or any image format)
Set your desired pattern width - wider means more detail
Choose the number of colours (fewer = less confetti, more = finer detail)
Click Generate and preview your pattern instantly
Edit colours and stitches in the built-in editor if needed
Download as a Pattern Keeper compatible PDF or PNG

Tips for Photo Conversion

Pet portraits: Use 15-20 colours for realistic fur detail with manageable confetti
Landscapes: 10-15 colours works well - simplification actually enhances the cross stitch style
People: Higher resolution photos with good lighting give the best results
High contrast images convert better than low-contrast ones - try increasing contrast in your photo editor first

No photo handy? Start a pattern from a text prompt with the AI cross stitch pattern generator - the AI image is auto-converted and opens straight into the editor. Want text instead? Try the cross stitch text generator. Or start from a blank canvas with the pattern designer. For general pattern making from any image type, see our cross stitch pattern maker.