Your photo, embroidered in cross-stitch Beta

Turn your photo into a cross-stitch pattern

This tool turns any photo (your grandchild, your dog, your home, or your garden) into a cross-stitch pattern. Instantly see how it would look embroidered, find out how big it will be and which DMC threads you need, edit it with your finger, and download the PDF pattern. If you like, add the threads and fabric to your cart with a single button.

How it works

1. Photo: choose a photo from your phone or computer (JPG or PNG).
2. Adjust: choose the size in stitches, the number of colors, the style (natural, soft, vivid, or black and white), the Aida fabric count (14, 16, or 18), and, if you like, outlines.
3. Edit: use your finger to correct anything you don't like: brush, fill, clean up stray stitches, simplify the background, combine or remove colors.
4. Threads and order: view the list of DMC threads with the skeins for each color, download the PDF, and add any missing threads and fabric to your cart.

We explain it with screenshots in the Your photo, embroidered guide.

What the PDF pattern includes

• The grid with a symbol for each color, thick lines every 10 squares, and arrows marking the center.
• The key with each DMC Mouliné color, the stitches used, and the skeins you need.
• The size of the embroidery and the fabric cutting size, with a 5 cm margin on each side.
• If the design is large, the pattern is divided into parts, with the columns and rows for each.

Which photo to choose

• Clear and with good daylight.
• A single, large subject and a simple background.
• For portraits and pets, a close-up of the face.
• Contrasting colors: if everything is the same shade, the embroidery will look flat.

Is your photo not perfect? Improve it beforehand with artificial intelligence: we'll tell you how, with ready-to-copy prompts, in how to prepare your photo with AI for embroidery.

How to choose the size, colors, and fabric

Size. The size in centimeters is the number of stitches divided by the fabric count and multiplied by 2.54. For example, 100 stitches measure about 18 cm on Aida 14 and about 14 cm on Aida 18. The tool calculates it for you.

Colors. They go hand in hand with the size: with few stitches, 10 to 20 colors give a graphic and clean result; for a portrait, start with 150 stitches and 30 colors.

Fabric. On Aida 14, the squares are larger and easier to see: it is the easiest to start with. On Aida 16 and Aida 18, the embroidery is finer and takes up less space.

Your photo does not leave your device

The conversion takes place on your own phone or computer. Your photo is not uploaded to any server.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes: you can make patterns of up to 150 × 150 stitches and 30 colors, edit them, and download the PDF without paying anything. For larger patterns (up to 400 × 400 stitches and 100 colors) or a PDF without branding, there is PyA Pro, for €5 per pattern.

How many strands are used for embroidery?

With 3 strands on Aida 14 and with 2 on Aida 16 and 18. Outlines are done in backstitch with 1 strand. Start from the center, which is marked on the pattern.

Which threads are used for embroidery?

The pattern uses DMC Mouliné Spécial 117MC colors. If you prefer to embroider it with Luca-S, copy the numbers from the key into the DMC ⇄ Luca-S converter and we will give you the equivalent for each one.

What fabric do I need and how much?

Aida fabric of 14, 16, or 18 count. The tool tells you what size to cut and, if we have a piece that works, you can add it to your cart along with the threads.

What do I do if a thread is missing?

We will indicate it before you order. You can remove that color in the Edit step or order the rest.

Will you help me?

Yes. Write to us via chat or from the contact page, or call +34 610 094 234, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. If you prefer to start with a design that is already prepared, check out our cross-stitch kits.