Help & Advice
Stitch Your Photo
The quality of your cross-stitch pattern will depend on the quality of the photo that you use, for best results we recommend you choose a good quality image that captures details clearly with sufficient colour contrast. We also recommend you choose an image where the background is plain (e.g. a wall, the sky) and ensure the subject is in focus.
Find a good digital photo that you would like to turn into a cross stitch pattern and have it saved on the device you are using to place your order. If it is a digital image, check that it is in the correct format (jpg, tiff, bmp, png). Then click the “upload” button above and follow the steps.
You can convert any type of digital image - photos, illustrations, drawings, scanned objects, etc.
Stitch Your Photo accepts the most commonly used file formats for digital images: jpg, tiff, bmp, and png. File size should not exceed 5mb.
You can create a cross stitch pattern from a print too. Simply scan your image first to create a digital file format. If you don’t have a scanner at home your local print shop should be able to help you.
Avoid using low resolution images, any that are blurry, taken from too far away or are very dark. We would also avoid using images that have busy backgrounds, reflections or letters and phrases.
We have three filters that subtly change the aesthetic of your pattern. It’s a bit like choosing a filter on Instagram. Simply choose your favourite and the software will apply the change to your pattern.
By changing the number of colours you will change the aesthetic of your final stitched piece. With fewer colours, your image may have a more contemporary look. It will be different for each image. Take a few moments to look at the different options and choose whichever you prefer. If you select "Maximum 50", we will optimize the number of colours for the image you have uploaded, generally, this will be between 20 and 35.
Note: If any of the thread colours that your pattern requires are out of stock, you will be alerted at the checkout. Your pattern will still be free of charge. You will not be charged for any threads we are unable to supply and you will be able to order them as soon as they are back in stock.
Note: If any of the thread colours that your pattern requires are out of stock, you will be alerted at the checkout. Your pattern will still be free of charge. You will not be charged for any threads we are unable to supply and you will be able to order them as soon as they are back in stock.
How densely a fabric is woven is important when you are using it for cross stitch because it changes the look of your finished work. The denser the weave the smaller the stitches you will sew. The stitch count of a fabric indicates how many stitches can be sewn in one inch. For example, 14 count Aida, a fabric that is woven specifically for needlework, has a clear even weave that makes it easy to sew 14 equal-sized cross stitches per inch. The higher the stitch count the smaller the stitches will be.
When you are creating your pattern, the stitch count you plan to use is important because it will change the number of stitches needed to sew the different sections of your image. It will also affect the size of the finished piece.
When you are creating your pattern, the stitch count you plan to use is important because it will change the number of stitches needed to sew the different sections of your image. It will also affect the size of the finished piece.
To convert an iPhone image into a .jpeg, so that you can use it to create a pattern, you need to save a copy of the image into a folder. Apple automatically converts the format of images moved from the photos app into any other folder into .jpeg.
Simply follow the steps above to create a bespoke cross stitch pattern from your own photo.
- Upload the photo you want to use.
- Select the filter and stitch count you will be using.
- Choose the finished size of your project and how many colours you would like to use.
- Choose to buy all the embroidery floss you need and receive the pattern for free or choose to buy the pattern only. Your selection will be added to your bag.
- Add any Aida, linen, embroidery hoops or other supplies you need to complete your project. (Please note these are not included and need to be added to your basket separately)
- Add to bag and confirm your order.
- Upload the photo you want to use.
- Select the filter and stitch count you will be using.
- Choose the finished size of your project and how many colours you would like to use.
- Choose to buy all the embroidery floss you need and receive the pattern for free or choose to buy the pattern only. Your selection will be added to your bag.
- Add any Aida, linen, embroidery hoops or other supplies you need to complete your project. (Please note these are not included and need to be added to your basket separately)
- Add to bag and confirm your order.
Once the order has been confirmed and the payment made, you will receive your pattern by e-mail, to the address you used to place the order. If you have created a DMC account, it will also be available to download within your account.
The pattern is sent to you as a PDF file, a widely used digital format.
Most computers have a PDF reader already installed. Otherwise, you can download a free PDF reader at this address: https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/
The chart is in full colour and each square has a symbol to represent the specific colour of thread that you should use to make each stitch.
The charts are arranged so that they can be printed out on A4 paper.
Most computers have a PDF reader already installed. Otherwise, you can download a free PDF reader at this address: https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/
The chart is in full colour and each square has a symbol to represent the specific colour of thread that you should use to make each stitch.
The charts are arranged so that they can be printed out on A4 paper.
You can either print your pattern at home or email it to your local print shop to be printed.
