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A cross stitch pattern is just a grid where each square is one stitch and each symbol is one thread
color. You can make one with graph paper and colored pencils, with pattern-maker software, or by converting a
photo. This guide explains what a usable pattern needs, how each method works, and what to check before you buy
thread.
What every usable pattern has
- A grid where one square = one full cross stitch, with a bold line every 10 squares so you
can count without losing your place.
- Symbols (not only colors) in each square, so the chart still reads when printed in black and
white or when two shades look alike.
- A color key mapping each symbol to a specific thread — usually a DMC or Anchor floss number — and
how many strands to use.
- Center marks — arrows on the edges pointing to the middle row and column. Most stitchers start
from the center.
- The stitch count (for example 80 × 60) so you can work out the finished size on your fabric.
Our size calculator does the math.
Method 1: Graph paper (free, full control)
- Use graph paper with small squares, or print a grid. Outline your design area — say 40 × 40 squares for a first piece.
- Sketch the outline lightly in pencil, then decide square by square: a square is either filled or empty. No
half-squares for now.
- Color with pencils, then add a symbol to each colored square (dots, crosses, letters).
- Write the key: symbol → thread color, and pick real floss colors by holding skeins next to your drawing.
- Mark the center and bold every tenth line.
Best for lettering, simple motifs, borders and small gifts. Slow for anything with shading.
Method 2: Pattern-maker software or web tools
Pattern makers do the grid, symbols, key and printing for you, and many can convert a photo as a starting point.
Commonly used options include browser-based designers such as Stitch Fiddle, simple web converters
such as Pic2Pat, and desktop software such as PCStitch,
WinStitch/MacStitch and KG-Chart. They differ in price model (free, freemium or
one-time license) and change over time, so check each tool's current page before paying.
What to look for:
- Floss brand mapping (DMC, Anchor) and a thread list with estimated amounts.
- Hand editing after conversion — you will want to fix stray stitches and eyes by hand.
- Confetti cleanup — an option to remove isolated single stitches that are tedious to stitch.
- Palette limits — setting a maximum number of colors and merging near-identical shades.
- Print or PDF export with symbols, page overlap and center marks.
- Backstitch support if you want outlines.
Method 3: Start from a photo
Converting a photo is the fastest way to a detailed pattern, but the result depends on three choices: the photo,
the stitch count and the number of colors. Our
photo-to-pattern guide covers those step by step. Expect to
clean up the converted chart by hand either way.
Before you buy thread
- Merge colors that are nearly identical — two shades one step apart rarely show the difference at small sizes.
- Check the finished size on your fabric count. A 100-stitch design on 14-count Aida is a bit over 7 inches wide.
- Stitch a small test patch of the busiest area before committing to the whole thing.
Where PixStitch fits (honestly)
PixStitch is our Android app, and it is a digital cross stitch app:
you stitch on the screen by tapping numbered cells. It can turn your photo into a 30, 40 or 50-stitch square pattern
with 12, 16, 20 or 24 colors and show you a preview — a quick way to see whether a photo survives being reduced to
a small grid. It does not export printable charts and does not match colors to DMC or Anchor floss,
so it isn't a pattern maker for fabric. If you're stitching on Aida, use one of the pattern tools above.
Quick picks
| You want… | Use |
|---|
| A simple motif or lettering, no software | Graph paper |
| A printable chart with floss numbers | A pattern maker (web or desktop) |
| To preview how a photo looks at 30–50 stitches | Any converter, or PixStitch on your phone |
| To stitch on screen, no supplies | A stitch-by-number app such as PixStitch |
FAQ
- How do I make my own cross stitch pattern?
- Draw it on graph paper with one square per stitch and a symbol per color, or use pattern-maker software or a web tool that builds the grid, symbols and floss key for you. Mark the center, bold every tenth line, and write a color key with thread numbers.
- What is the best cross stitch pattern maker?
- It depends on what you need. Browser-based designers and simple web converters are the easiest start; desktop software gives the most control. Look for floss brand mapping, hand editing, confetti cleanup, palette limits and print or PDF export, and check each tool's current pricing.
- Can PixStitch make printable cross stitch patterns?
- No. PixStitch is a digital cross stitch app: it turns a photo into a 30, 40 or 50-stitch pattern that you stitch on your phone. It does not export printable charts or match colors to DMC or Anchor floss.
- How many colors should my pattern have?
- For small pieces, 12 to 24 colors keep thread changes manageable. Photo-realistic patterns often use far more. Merging near-identical shades usually costs little detail.
Get PixStitch on Google Play
Free · optional one-time packs · no subscription · Android · stitch on screen (no printable charts)
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