How to turn a photo into a hand embroidery pattern
- Choose a photo with a clear subject: a pet, a face, a flower, a house. Crop it so the subject fills the frame.
- Choose your hoop size and shape and the number of thread colours. 8–12 colours suit most portraits; fewer for a bold, graphic look.
- Pick the detail level. “Simple” merges small areas so every area is at least about 1 × 1 cm; “Detailed” keeps areas down to about 5 × 5 mm.
- Check the stitched preview, then download the PDF: the thread list with DMC numbers, the full-size outline and, if you like, a mirrored copy for transfer pencils.
Transferring the pattern
| Method | Use | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light box or window + water-soluble pen | Normal full-size pattern | Light, thin fabrics (cotton, linen) |
| Iron-on transfer pencil | Mirrored copy | Most fabrics; lines are permanent, so stitch over them |
| Water-soluble stabiliser | Print or trace the normal pattern onto it | Dark or thick fabrics, sweatshirts |
Stitches for each area
- Outlines: back stitch or split stitch with 1–2 strands, before filling.
- Narrow areas (under about 6 mm): satin stitch straight across.
- Medium areas: satin stitch or long-and-short stitch.
- Large areas and shading: long-and-short stitch (thread painting), or seed stitch for texture.
- The key suggests a stitch for each colour from the width of its widest area.
About the DMC colours
Each colour is matched to the closest DMC stranded cotton (embroidery floss) using the CIEDE2000 colour difference, the standard measure of how different two colours look. Colours that land on the same thread are merged. Screens vary, so hold a DMC colour card or real skeins next to the preview before buying; one skein of each colour is enough for most hoops up to 6 in.
Tips
- Stitch the background areas first and the details (eyes, nose, highlights) last, on top.
- Use 2 strands for most fills and 1 strand for fine details and outlines in small hoops.
- Want counted stitches instead? Use the cross-stitch pattern maker.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn a photo into an embroidery pattern?
Choose the photo, your hoop size and the number of thread colours. The tool simplifies the picture into areas you can stitch, outlines them, labels each area with a DMC thread and gives you a full-size pattern to transfer.
How do I transfer the pattern to fabric?
Tape the full-size print to a window or light box, tape the fabric over it and trace with a water-soluble or heat-erasable pen. For iron-on transfer pencils, trace the mirrored copy and iron it face down onto the fabric.
Which stitches should I use?
Outline in back stitch or split stitch, then fill: satin stitch for narrow areas, long-and-short stitch for larger areas and shading, seed stitch for texture. The key suggests a stitch for each colour from the size of its areas.
Are the DMC colours exact?
Each colour is the closest DMC stranded cotton to the photo colour, measured with CIEDE2000. Screens vary, so check against a real DMC colour card before buying.
What hoop size should I choose?
Portraits and pets look best at 6–8 in (15–20 cm). Smaller hoops need fewer colours and the “Simple” detail setting.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The pattern is made in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.