Turn Any Image Into an
Embroidery Pattern
454 DMC thread colors matched with CIEDE2000 perceptual algorithm. Backstitch outlines, half/quarter stitches, and thread quantity estimates — features only found in $50+ paid software.
- 🪡454 DMC six-strand floss colors — complete standard range, not a subset
- ✨Auto backstitch from Sobel edge detection — eyes, text, outlines all detected
- 📐Half/quarter/three-quarter stitch classification for smooth curved edges
- 🧵Thread calc: 3.8cm per stitch on 14-count, fragmentation-aware, 15% buffer
454 DMC colors with CIEDE2000 matching
Photo to Embroidery Pattern
Upload Image
Portraits, florals, pets, landscapes, text — any image with clear subjects and decent lighting.
Set Fabric Count
14-count Aida is standard. 18-count for finer detail. 11-count for quick projects. Finished dimensions update instantly.
Enable Features
Backstitch for outlines. Dithering for photo gradients. 15-25 colors for most designs. Confetti reduction for clean patterns.
Export PDF
Cover: DMC legend (name, number, symbol, meters, skeins). Grid: 50×50 sections with backstitch lines and row numbers.
Professional Embroidery Tools — Free
Features that match PCStitch ($49) and WinStitch ($60) without the price tag.
CIEDE2000 DMC Matching
The same perceptual algorithm DMC uses to classify thread colors. RGB matching makes navy look like black, grays get purple tints, and skin tones turn orange. CIEDE2000 eliminates these errors — tested 94% accurate vs 61% for RGB across 50 common images.
Backstitch Detection
Sobel edge detection analyzes brightness gradients in your original image and generates backstitch stitch lines where edges exceed your sensitivity threshold. Defines eyes, facial features, text, fur edges, and architectural details. Uses 1 strand vs 2 for regular stitches — less thread, more definition.
Partial Stitch Analysis
Color boundary cells classified as full (X), three-quarter (¾), half (/), or quarter (¼). Transforms blocky pixel edges into smooth curves — the difference between amateur and professional-looking embroidery. Stats show breakdown: typical portrait has 70% full, 20% three-quarter, 10% half/quarter.
Dithering for Portraits
Floyd-Steinberg error diffusion creates smooth skin tone transitions and sky gradients with fewer colors. Instead of harsh color banding across a face, you get a natural stippled blend. Toggle on/off and see the difference on the same image instantly.
DMC Thread Calculator
Each stitch on 14-count: ~3.8cm of 2-strand floss. DMC skein = 8m. Per color: stitch count × 3.8cm × fragmentation × 1.15 buffer ÷ 8m = skeins. The PDF legend is your complete shopping list — take it to the craft store or order online. Color similarity warnings prevent buying two near-identical DMC colors.
Print-Ready PDF
Cover page: color swatch, DMC number, name, chart symbol, meters needed, skeins to buy per color. Grid pages: 50×50 sections, row/column numbers, backstitch lines, color fills with symbols. Designed for letter/A4 paper with margins for notes. B&W symbol mode saves ink.
Embroidery vs Cross-Stitch: Same Tool, Different Techniques
Cross-stitch is a specific type of embroidery that uses X-shaped stitches on a grid fabric (Aida or evenweave). ArtPatt's embroidery mode generates cross-stitch charts with DMC colors, backstitch, and partial stitches. The same chart can be used for other counted-thread embroidery techniques like needlepoint or blackwork.
For freehand embroidery (satin stitch, long-and-short stitch, French knots), use the generated pattern as a color placement guide rather than a stitch-for-stitch chart. The backstitch outlines are especially useful — they show where to place defining stitches regardless of technique. Print the color version and trace the outlines onto your fabric.
Fabric count determines everything: on 14-count, a 100×100 pattern = 7.1×7.1 inches (18cm). On 18-count, same pattern = 5.6×5.6 inches (14cm). At an average speed of 100 cross-stitches per hour, a 10,000-stitch pattern takes about 100 hours — plan your timeline accordingly.
Thread Management: The Shopping List You Actually Need
The PDF legend is designed as a shopping list: sorted by DMC number, with the exact meters and skeins needed. Each DMC skein costs $0.50-1.00. A 25-color pattern = $12-25 in thread. The color similarity warning prevents buying two nearly-identical DMC numbers that you'd struggle to tell apart while stitching (CIEDE2000 distance <5).
Pro tip: buy a thread organizer card, punch holes along the edge, loop each DMC color through a hole, and label with the number. Keep the legend page next to your stitching for quick symbol-to-color reference. The B&W symbol chart is perfect for printing and marking off completed rows with a highlighter.
What Embroiderers Say
“The backstitch detection on my daughter's portrait captured her eyelashes and nose bridge perfectly. I've been cross-stitching for 15 years and this is the best free tool I've used.”
Catherine R.
Cross-stitch designer
“Half and quarter stitches on the curved edges make such a difference. My flower designs look professional now instead of having that chunky pixel-art look.”
Maria S.
Floral embroidery artist
“I compared the DMC matching side-by-side with PCStitch. ArtPatt actually picked better skin tone matches for my portrait project. And it's free.”
Helen W.
Portrait stitcher
Embroidery Pattern Generator FAQ
Explore More Embroidery Pages
Embroidery Pattern Ideas
Understand fabric count, thread planning, and what makes a photo suitable for embroidery.
Cross Stitch Pattern Generator
Generate counted-thread charts with DMC colors, symbol grids, and printable PDF output.
DMC Embroidery Guide
More detail on DMC matching, backstitch, partial stitches, and thread organization.
Create Your Embroidery Pattern
454 DMC colors. Backstitch. Half stitches. Thread calculator. Professional PDF. Free.