THE PATTERNLARK FIELD GUIDE
Photo to cross-stitch, without the guesswork.
A favourite photo can become a full cross-stitch chart. The trick is not to keep every pixel: it is to preserve the shapes that make the picture recognisable.
1. Choose a picture that works small
Start with a clear subject and a simple background. A silhouette or bold object is easier than a busy group photograph. Patternlark accepts JPG, PNG and WebP pictures up to 20 MB, processes them locally and lets you keep the whole picture or use a centred square crop.
2. Balance detail and stitch count
Try the Simple, Balanced or Detailed starting point, then adjust stitches across and maximum colours. More stitches preserve detail but mean more work. A 64 × 64 chart contains 4,096 full stitches; a 96 × 96 chart contains 9,216. Preview the chart before committing to that increase.
3. Simplify your palette
Choose between 2 and 20 maximum colours. Look for isolated one-stitch specks and very similar colours. Select a palette colour to repaint individual squares, or merge it into another colour. Undo lets you compare the result.
The palette shows digital reference colours, not DMC or other manufacturer thread codes. Match real threads by eye in good light. There is no automatic branded-thread conversion.
4. Calculate your finished size
For Aida fabric, divide stitch count by fabric count to get inches. A 70-stitch-wide chart on 14-count Aida is 5 inches wide (12.7 cm). This is the stitched area only: add the fabric margins you need for your hoop, framing and finishing.
5. Print and keep an editable copy
Switch to Chart to inspect symbols and the 10-by-10 grid. Download PDF produces numbered A4 chart tiles and a colour-count legend. Save editable chart creates a local .patternlark file so you can reopen your colours, edits and settings later. It does not contain the original photograph.
What this maker does not do
Patternlark makes full cross-stitch charts, not backstitch, fractional stitches or embroidery-machine files. It does not predict thread length or guarantee a finished result. Inspect the chart and physical colours before buying materials.