How to Convert Photos to Cross-Stitch Designs
Bring your photos to life by cross-stitching them onto pillow cases, blankets, rugs, and any number of household items.
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All you need is a needle, thread, some fabric, and these step by step instructions to start sewing.
You Will Need
- A photo
- A scanner or digital camera
- An image editing program
- A computer with internet access
- A cross-stitch program
Steps
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Step 1
Upload the photo
Scan or upload the photo to your computer and open the file in an image editing program. Crop out unwanted portions of the photo.
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Step 2
Edit the photo
Resize the photo to the size of the pattern. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color levels to make the photo as clear as possible.
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Remove complicated backgrounds in the image editing program to reduce the number of colors and to simplify the pattern.
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Step 3
Open the photo
Open the photo in a cross-stitch program or upload it to an online converter.
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Step 4
Select the colors
Select the number of colors for the cross-stitch.
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Step 5
Convert the photo
Make adjustments until the pattern is satisfactory. Select whether the cross-stitch should be in color or black and white with symbols, and convert the photo to a pattern.
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Step 6
Print
Print the pattern, thread your needle, and get to stitching.
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After designing an early sewing machine to mass-produce uniforms, inventor Barthelemy Thimonnier’s factory was burned down by French tailors.
