Free Sunflower Cross-Stitch Pattern with DMC Codes

Stitch a bright sunflower with this free printable cross-stitch pattern. The chart includes DMC floss colors, fabric sizing, and an editable preview before you download the finished PDF.

Why the centre is the hardest part

The sunflower's seed disc follows a Fibonacci spiral — the same mathematical pattern found in pine cones and nautilus shells. In cross-stitch this translates to the most colour-dense area of the chart: tight concentric arcs of deep brown and near-black stitches. Work the disc outward from the centre using your darkest thread first so the spiral reads cleanly, then build the lighter petals around it.

Turn any photo or picture into a cross stitch pattern.

StitchBitz is a free cross stitch pattern generator that converts your photo or image into an editable DMC chart. Your picture stays on your device—no sign-up required, with free PDF and JPG downloads.

Upload a photo or image to make a cross stitch pattern

100% free · PNG, JPG, HEIC

or drag a file anywhere

How it works

How to make a cross stitch pattern from a photo using StitchBitz

Upload

Convert a photo into a cross stitch pattern directly in the browser-based app. Your photos stay on your device.

Isolate

Use the AI background toggle to cut out messy backgrounds before the cross stitch chart is generated.

Tune

Adjust the DMC color palette, fabric size, and smart stitchability sliders to reduce confetti and keep the photo readable.

Export

Instantly download a high-res, print-ready PDF blueprint with the symbol chart, floss list, and project details.

Read the complete photo-to-pattern guide Make a cross-stitch name chart

Real examples

See a photo become a cross stitch pattern

StitchBitz turns the colours and shapes in a picture into a counted grid using real DMC floss shades. Open any example to inspect the chart, materials, and editable pattern.

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Built for real projects

From picture to a chart you can actually stitch

A useful photo-to-cross-stitch pattern maker needs to do more than pixelate an image. It should simplify the picture, map it to real thread colours, and leave you in control of the final chart.

Real DMC floss colours

Every generated colour is matched to a DMC thread code, so the chart maps to floss you can actually buy and stitch with.

Cleaner, more stitchable charts

Stitchability controls smooth noisy areas and reduce isolated confetti stitches while keeping the subject recognisable.

Private browser processing

Your photo is processed on your device. It is not sent to StitchBitz or stored on a server.

Edit before you download

Adjust colours, remove stitches, add backstitch detail, and check the floss list before exporting a PDF or JPG.

Better source, better chart

What pictures work best for cross stitch?

You can turn any image into a cross stitch pattern, but a few simple choices make the finished chart cleaner and easier to recognise.

Choose one clear subject

Pets, portraits, flowers, ornaments, and simple objects usually translate more cleanly than a crowded scene.

Look for contrast

A well-lit subject that stands apart from its background is easier to simplify into distinct thread colours.

Crop before adding detail

Frame the part you care about first. A tighter crop gives the available stitches to the subject instead of empty space.

Good to know

Photo pattern maker questions

The short version: it is free, private, editable, and designed to produce the files you need to start stitching.

Is the cross stitch pattern generator really free?

Yes. You can convert a photo, edit the generated chart, and download the finished pattern as a PDF or JPG without paying or creating an account.

Does StitchBitz upload or store my photo?

No. Pattern generation and image processing run in your browser, so your photo stays on your device.

Which picture formats can I turn into a cross stitch pattern?

StitchBitz accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC, and WebP images. Clear, well-lit pictures with a distinct subject tend to produce the easiest patterns to stitch.

What is included in the downloaded pattern?

The printable PDF includes a symbol chart, DMC floss list, and project details. You can also download a high-resolution JPG chart.

Upload a photo or image

What You'll Need

To stitch this design, you will need a piece of Aida fabric measuring at least 15×15 cm on 16-count Aida. The full DMC floss palette for this chart uses 24 colors:

DMC 452
DMC 3743
DMC 524
DMC 926
DMC 3053
DMC 3011
DMC 778
DMC 3727
DMC 3362
DMC 3032
DMC 642
DMC 451
DMC 3768
DMC 3042
DMC 3799
DMC 992
DMC 834
DMC 973
DMC 307
DMC 444
DMC 920
DMC 3857
DMC 728
DMC 938

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric count is best for a sunflower cross-stitch pattern?

14-count Aida is the easiest choice and gives this sunflower a bold, poster-like look with clear petals. If you want softer detail in the flower centre, step up to 16- or 18-count Aida, which packs more stitches into the same area for finer shading.

Which DMC colors do I need for the sunflower petals?

The petals are built from warm DMC yellows and golds, the centre from deep browns, and the foliage from muted greens. The full floss key with exact DMC codes and skein estimates is generated in the pattern below — adjust the palette live to match the threads in your stash.

Does a sunflower look better on white or colored Aida?

Bright yellow petals pop most on a mid-tone fabric. Try a soft sky-blue, sage, or natural linen Aida to make the gold stand out; pure white can wash out the lightest highlights. A darker fabric also lets you skip stitching some background areas.