Cross-stitch studio · free during the beta
Make your own cross stitch pattern online
Draw your own design stitch by stitch, or start from a photo, a name or a chart you already have, with your DMC, Anchor, Madeira or Sullivans threads. Then export a clear PDF pattern, ready to stitch.
- Free during the beta
- In your browser, nothing to install
- Printable PDF pattern
In four steps
How to make a cross stitch pattern
From blank fabric to printed pattern, without leaving your browser.
Choose your fabric
A blank grid the size of your project, in stitches or inches, on Aida or linen. The finished size updates live.
Draw your design
Stitch by stitch with the pencil, or in one stroke with lines, rectangles, circles and curves. The paint bucket fills an area, the eyedropper picks up a color.
Refine the details
Half and quarter stitches for curves, backstitch for outlines, French knots for eyes. Layers keep the background, subject and text apart.
Export and stitch
A PDF pattern with symbols and the thread key, to print or follow on a tablet. Stitching mode then marks off your stitches as you go.
Four ways to start
From an idea, a photo, a name or an existing chart
An idea
Start from a blank page and draw freely, with symmetry for mandalas and mirrored designs.
A photo
Crop your image, choose the size and 2 to 64 colors: you get a chart, and you fine-tune it before exporting.
A name or a quote
Type a name, a date or a quote with the studio’s alphabet or your own fonts, then add a border.
A chart you already have
A photo, scan or PDF page of a symbol chart: the assistant reads it square by square. .oxs, .wxs, PCStitch and machine embroidery files open too.
The studio
Everything you need to draw your pattern
The tools of real cross stitch software, in simple mode to get started or Pro mode to fine-tune everything.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Pencil and eraser | Stitch by stitch, with bold gridlines every 5 or 10 squares so you never lose count. |
| Shapes and curves | Lines, rectangles, circles, triangles, diamonds and Bézier curves, drawn in one stroke. |
| Paint bucket | Fills an area in one go. A color can also be replaced across the whole chart at once. |
| Text | Names, dates and quotes, with the studio’s alphabet or a TrueType font. |
| 21 stitch types and beads | Full cross, half stitch, quarter and three-quarter stitch, petit point, backstitch, French knots, satin stitch… and beads on the same grid. |
| Selection and lasso | Isolate a part, move it, rotate it, flip it or copy it elsewhere. |
| 32 layers | Background, subject and text each on their own layer, so you can edit one without touching the others. |
| Threads from 8 brands | 3,173 DMC, Anchor, Madeira, Sullivans, Gamma, PNK Kirov, Splendor and Mandarin Floss threads, searchable by number, name or color family, plus 18 brands of fuse beads, diamond painting drills and yarn. |
| Switch brands | The whole chart switches from one brand to another, each thread replaced by its equivalent. |
| Isolated stitches | Stray stitches lost in another color are flagged: you choose which ones to merge. |
| Your choice of symbols | One symbol per thread, from several symbol sets, for a chart that reads well even in black and white. |
| Stash and shopping list | The skeins to buy for your fabric and strand count, minus the ones already in your stash. |
A chart that’s a joy to stitch
A chart that looks great on screen isn’t always pleasant to stitch. Single isolated stitches, known as “confetti”, make you change thread for just one stitch. The studio finds them and lets you choose which to merge into the neighboring color: you compare before and after, protect the shades that matter, and undo everything in one click if you don’t like the result.
The thread list updates with every edit, with the number of skeins for your fabric and strand count. You know what to buy before you head to the craft store.
A printable PDF pattern
The pattern shows the chart with one symbol per thread, gridlines and the key: number, name, symbol and skeins for each thread. A4, Letter or A3, in color or black and white, with page overlaps for large projects. Exported charts are yours: keep them, print them, share them.
And while you stitch
The stitching mode highlights a thread, marks off stitches with a tap and saves your progress across devices. No more highlighter on a paper chart.
Who is it for?
Made for people who design their own charts
For your own projects
A baby announcement, a name, the family home or a motif spotted on a walk: you draw exactly what you want to stitch, at the right size, with the threads you own.
To sell your patterns
Your logo, your copyright and a QR code to your shop on the PDF pattern, plus a complete bundle to upload to your online shop.
If you’re switching software
Your .oxs, .wxs and PCStitch (.pat, .xsd) files open in the studio, and .oxs export lets you move on elsewhere: your files stay yours.
What it costs
The whole studio is free during the beta, no credit card: drawing, photo conversion, PDF pattern and stitching mode included. The site’s free tools stay free, no account needed.
Go further
- Printable blank grid, to sketch your design in pencil before you draw it.
- Cross stitch alphabet and borders, for names and frames.
- DMC color chart and floss converter, to choose your colors.
- Size and fabric to cut and skein calculator, to prepare your project.
- Turn a photo into a pattern and avoid confetti, two step-by-step guides.
- The studio tools guide, tool by tool, and the cross stitch software compared with other free programs.
How do I make my own cross stitch pattern?
Open the studio, pick your fabric size, then draw stitch by stitch or with shapes. Add text or a border if you like, check for isolated stitches, then export the PDF pattern.
Do I need to install software?
No: the studio runs in your browser, on a computer, tablet or phone. There is also a Windows app for those who prefer installed software.
Is it free?
Yes: the whole studio is free during the beta, no credit card. The site’s free tools (photo to pattern, names, alphabets, color charts) stay free with no account.
Can I make a pattern from text?
Yes: type a name, a date or a quote with the studio’s alphabet, your own alphabets or a TrueType font, then add a border. The free cross stitch name generator does it too, no account needed.
Can I start from a photo?
Yes: the photo becomes a chart with 2 to 64 colors, using your DMC, Anchor, Madeira or Sullivans threads. Then you edit it like any hand-drawn chart.
What’s the difference between making a pattern and converting a photo?
A converted photo gives a realistic starting point with lots of shades. A hand-drawn pattern is simpler and cleaner: few colors, crisp outlines, ideal for a motif, a name or an illustration.
What is “confetti” and how do I avoid it?
Confetti are single stitches of one color that make you change thread for just one stitch. The studio finds them and offers to merge them into the neighboring color, while protecting the details you want to keep.
Can I switch thread brands later?
Yes: “Change brand” converts the whole chart between DMC, Anchor, Madeira, Sullivans, Gamma, PNK Kirov, Splendor and Mandarin Floss, each thread replaced by its equivalent, without merging two colors.
Can I use half stitches and backstitch?
Yes: half stitches, quarter and three-quarter stitches, petit point, backstitch, French knots and beads all go on the same grid as full crosses.
Can I sell the patterns I make?
Yes, your designs belong to you. The PDF pattern can carry your name, your logo and your shop’s address.
How do I print my pattern?
Export the PDF pattern in A4, Letter or A3, in color or black and white, with the thread key and the number of skeins.
Draw your first pattern
Create your free account: a blank canvas, threads from 8 brands and the PDF pattern are waiting.
Make my pattern for freeFree during the beta, no credit card.