Image to Pixel Art Grid
Image to Pixel Art Grid is a free tool that turns a photo or drawing into a printable grid pattern for crochet, cross stitch, knitting or fuse beads. Pick the width in stitches and the number of colors, and you get a chart with symbols, row numbers and a color key with optional DMC thread matches. It runs in your browser, so your image is never uploaded.
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Turn a photo or drawing into a stitch-by-stitch grid pattern for crochet (graphghans and tapestry), cross stitch, knitting charts, or fuse beads. Choose how many stitches wide you want it and how many colors to use, and you'll get a chart with symbols, row and column numbers, and a color key with stitch counts. Everything runs in your browser, so your image is never uploaded.
Drop an image here or click to choose one
JPG, PNG, WebP or GIF. Simple pictures with bold shapes make the cleanest patterns.
Matches use a set of about 200 popular DMC colors. Screen colors are approximate, so check them against a real DMC color card before you buy thread.
Color key
| Symbol | Code | Color | Stitches |
|---|
How to Turn an Image into a Pixel Art Grid
Step by step
- Upload a picture. Logos, cartoons, pet portraits and simple photos all work. Crop out the background first if you only want the subject.
- Set the grid width. This is the number of stitches (or squares) across. 30 to 60 is a good range for a first crochet graphghan or a small cross stitch.
- Pick the number of colors. Fewer colors means fewer yarn changes and a bolder look. Start around 6 to 12 and adjust until it looks right.
- Choose color matching. Keep the colors from the image, or snap them to the closest DMC embroidery floss.
- Download. The PDF includes a color key and the chart split into printable pages with row and column numbers. The PNG is a single image that's handy for your phone or tablet.
Can I use this to make a crochet pattern from an image?
Yes. Each square in the grid is one stitch, which works for tapestry crochet, C2C (corner to corner), and single crochet graphghans. For C2C, each square is one tile. Keep in mind that crochet stitches usually aren't perfectly square. Single crochet is a little wider than it is tall, so your finished piece may come out slightly squatter than the chart.
How do I make a cross stitch pattern from a photo?
Choose "Match to DMC floss," set the grid width to the number of stitches you want across, and pick a fabric count to see the finished size. A 70-stitch-wide design on 14-count Aida, for example, comes out to 5 inches wide. Photos with lots of detail need more stitches and more colors to stay recognizable. Simplifying the photo (cropping tightly, boosting contrast) helps a lot.
Are the DMC thread colors exact?
No, and no screen-based tool can promise that. The DMC numbers here come from a built-in list of about 200 popular colors with approximate on-screen equivalents. Monitors, printers and dye lots all vary, so treat the codes as a starting point and compare them with a physical DMC color card before you buy thread.
What do the symbols and numbers mean?
Every color gets a letter, number, or symbol so you can follow the chart even if it's printed in black and white. Column numbers run across the top and row numbers down the side, with a bold line every 10 squares to help you keep your place. The color key lists how many stitches use each color, which helps you estimate how much yarn or floss to buy.
What grid size should I choose?
- 16 to 32 wide: Fuse beads, small appliqués, coasters, and simple icons.
- 40 to 80 wide: Pillows, baby blankets, and most cross stitch hoops.
- 100 to 128 wide: Large blankets and detailed portraits. Expect lots of color changes.
Is my image uploaded anywhere?
No. The pattern is created entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Your picture never leaves your device, and nothing is stored after you close the page. See our Privacy Policy for details.