How to make a C2C graph from a photo
- Choose a photo with a clear subject and strong contrast: a pet, a portrait, a logo or a simple scene.
- Set the width in tiles and your tile size. The height follows the photo’s shape.
- Pick the number of colours and whether to match any colour or Red Heart Super Saver shades.
- Check the finished-blanket preview, then download the PDF (graph, colour key and written rows) or the written rows as a text file for your phone.
Blanket size: tiles and tile size
Every square on the graph is one C2C tile (block). The finished size is simply tiles × tile size. Tile size depends on your yarn, hook and stitch, so crochet a small test of 4 × 4 tiles, measure it, and divide by 4.
| Width in tiles | With 2 cm tiles | With 2.5 cm tiles | Typical project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 60 cm | 75 cm | Cushion, baby blanket |
| 50 | 100 cm | 125 cm | Lap blanket |
| 70 | 140 cm | 175 cm | Throw |
| 100 | 200 cm | 250 cm | Bed blanket |
How to read the graph and the written rows
C2C is worked diagonally. Row 1 is the single tile in the bottom-right corner; every following row is the next diagonal line of squares. The rows grow until they reach the edges, then shrink again towards the top-left corner, so a graph 50 tiles wide and 60 high has 50 + 60 − 1 = 109 rows.
- Even rows are read from bottom-left to top-right (↗).
- Odd rows are read from top-right to bottom-left (↙).
- The written rows list colour runs in that order, for example Row 12 (12): 4 A, 3 C, 5 A means 4 tiles in colour A, then 3 in C, then 5 in A.
Left-handed? Many left-handed crocheters start in the bottom-left corner instead; flip the photo horizontally before making the graph and the pattern will come out the right way round.
Tips for C2C picture blankets
- Fewer colours, fewer ends: every colour change adds two ends to weave in. Remove stray single tiles (on by default) to cut colour changes.
- Bobbins: wind small bobbins for each colour block instead of carrying yarn across the back.
- Contrast first: a slightly brighter, higher-contrast photo reads much better at blanket size.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read the written rows?
Start in the bottom-right corner: row 1 is that single tile. Each row lists the colours in the order you work them, as counts, for example “3 A, 2 B”. Even rows read from bottom-left to top-right and odd rows from top-right to bottom-left, matching the graph.
How big will my blanket be?
Width in tiles × your tile size. With worsted yarn and a 5 mm hook a double-crochet C2C tile is often about 2–2.5 cm (around 1 inch), so 50 tiles is roughly 1.1–1.3 m. Crochet a few tiles, measure one, and enter that size for an accurate result.
How many colours should a C2C photo graph have?
Graphic designs: 3–6. Pets and portraits: 8–15. Every colour means more yarn bobbins and ends to weave in, so use as few as still look good.
Can I use Red Heart Super Saver colours?
Yes. Choose “Red Heart Super Saver shades” and every colour is matched to a current shade, listed with its code. Screen colours are approximate, so compare with real yarn.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The graph and written rows are made in your browser.
Last updated 2026-10-19.