Free Image to Cross-Stitch Pattern Converter
Transform any photo into a professional, printable cross-stitch chart. Features official DMC embroidery floss color matching, symbol grids, Aida fabric calculators, realistic stitch simulation, and thread shopping lists.
DMC Thread Floss Shopping List
Estimated skeins calculated for 2-strand embroidery on 8m skeins.
| DMC # | Color Name | Chart Symbol | Total Stitches | Usage % | Skeins Needed |
|---|
Mastering Photo to Cross-Stitch Conversion & DMC Thread Matching
Everything needlecrafters, cross-stitchers, and embroidery artists need to know about fabric counts, Delta-E color matching, and skein estimation.
Fabric Count to Physical Size Formula
Cross-stitch fabric is classified by "count" — the number of squares (or holes) per linear inch. To calculate finished embroidered dimensions:
Physical Width (inches) = Total Stitch Width ÷ Fabric Count
For example, an 80-stitch pattern on 14-count Aida will measure exactly 5.71 inches (14.5 cm) wide. Always add 3 inches (7.5 cm) on all four sides when cutting fabric to allow ample room for framing or hoop tensioning.
Perceptual CIE Delta-E Color Matching
Standard digital RGB color math does not align with how human eyes perceive thread dye lots. PicDriver converts digital pixels into CIE $L^*a^*b^*$ color space and calculates Delta-E ($\Delta E$) perceptual distance against the official DMC stranded cotton database. This ensures skin tones, floral petals, and shadows match the most harmonious DMC thread shades available.
Thread Skein Usage Calculation
A standard DMC embroidery floss skein contains 8 meters (8.7 yards) of 6-strand divisible thread. Cross-stitch on 14ct or 16ct Aida typically uses 2 strands. Under standard tension, one 8m skein yields approximately 1,800 to 2,000 completed cross-stitches. Our legend automatically computes exact skein counts so you never run out mid-project.
Aida Fabric Count Reference Table
| Fabric Count | Stitches Per Inch | Stitches Per cm | Recommended Strands | Recommended Needle Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aida 11-count | 11 | 4.3 | 3 strands | Size 24 Tapestry |
| Aida 14-count | 14 | 5.5 | 2 strands | Size 24 or 26 Tapestry |
| Aida 16-count | 16 | 6.3 | 2 strands | Size 26 Tapestry |
| Aida 18-count | 18 | 7.1 | 1 or 2 strands | Size 26 or 28 Tapestry |
| Evenweave 28ct | 14 (over 2) | 5.5 | 2 strands | Size 26 Tapestry |
Frequently Asked Questions
For standard 14-count and 16-count Aida, 2 strands are standard. Cut a length of floss (about 18 inches / 45 cm), separate two strands from the 6-strand skein, and thread your tapestry needle.
Limiting colors to between 15 and 30 keeps your needlework project enjoyable, reduces the cost of buying dozens of thread skeins, and prevents "confetti" (isolated single stitches of random colors that are frustrating to weave in).
Never. All DMC color quantizations, symbol chart allocations, and PDF/PNG exports run 100% locally inside your device's browser memory. Your personal photos remain completely private.