Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the tools, charts, saving and licences.
Using the pattern maker
Is the cross stitch pattern maker really free?
Yes. Converting photos, making name patterns, editing, exporting PDFs and tracking progress are all free, with no account, watermark or paid tier.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Projects are saved in your browser on your device. That also means they are not synced between devices; use a project backup file to move one.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Images are decoded and converted in your browser. Only the stitch grid is saved, and only on your device. See the privacy policy.
What image formats can I use?
JPG, PNG and WebP up to 25 MB. SVG, HEIC, GIF and other formats are not accepted; convert them to JPG or PNG first.
How large can a pattern be?
Up to 300 × 300 stitches. For most photos, 100–150 stitches wide is plenty; 150 × 150 is comfortable to edit on most phones.
Does it work on phones and tablets?
Yes. The tools adapt to small screens, the chart supports pinch zoom, and the tracker has a focus mode for stitching with a tablet beside you.
Charts, colours and printing
Are the colours matched to DMC or other thread brands?
No. Colours are custom RGB values with descriptive names. We do not ship a thread brand colour table or invent codes, and screens never match thread exactly. Choose floss by eye using the printed key. Why colours differ.
Can I print in black and white?
Yes. Choose “Black & white symbols” when exporting. Every colour has a different symbol shape, so nothing depends on colour.
Why are some squares grey on my PDF pages?
Those are overlap squares repeated from the neighbouring page to help you line pages up. Don’t stitch them twice; the key counts each stitch once.
How do I know the finished size?
Divide the stitches by your fabric count. 140 stitches on 14-count is 10 inches (25.4 cm). The Studio and every PDF calculate it for you. Full explanation.
Does the materials list tell me how many skeins to buy?
It lists stitches per colour. It doesn’t promise skein counts, because thread use depends on fabric, strands, tension and waste.
Projects and tracking
Where are my projects saved?
In your browser’s storage (IndexedDB) on this device. Clearing site data deletes them, so download backup files of projects you care about.
Can I move a project to another device?
Yes. Download the project file (JSON) and import it on My projects on the other device. Progress is included.
What happens to my progress if I edit the pattern?
If an edit changes which squares are stitched, you choose between editing a copy or restarting progress. Old progress is never placed on a changed chart.
Patterns, alphabets and rights
Can I sell items made from your free patterns?
Yes. Library patterns are CC BY 4.0: stitch, gift and sell finished pieces. Credit this site if you share or adapt the chart itself.
Who owns a pattern I make from my photo?
You do. We never receive it. If the photo belongs to someone else, their rights still apply.
Can I use the stitch alphabets commercially?
Yes. The three alphabets and the ornaments are public domain (CC0 1.0).
Do you support needlepoint or perler beads?
Not in this release. The tools are designed for counted cross stitch; other crafts may be added later.
Didn’t find your answer? Read how it works or the guides, or contact us.