The importer turns an image — a photo, a drawing, a logo — into a cross stitch pattern in three steps. The first one: choosing and framing the picture you start from. Everything happens on your device: the image is never uploaded to any server.
The buttons, one by one
Load the image
Choose an image from your device — JPG, PNG, WEBP — from the gallery, the camera or the file browser. The image stays on your device: the importer works locally and does not upload it anywhere.
Cropping the image
The crop is handled with two grips, one at each corner of the frame. Drag them over the image to choose the part you want: whatever stays inside the frame is what becomes stitches, and everything outside is discarded. Take your time with it, because the framing shapes the result more than any later adjustment.
- Top left grip: Marks where the crop starts.
- Bottom right grip: Marks where it ends. Between them they define the rectangle.
Grid
Draws guides on top of the image to help you frame it. They do not touch the photo and they never appear in the pattern: you only see them while cropping. The button cycles through the three of them:
- Squares: Splits the image into cells, to get an idea of how the drawing will fall on the fabric.
- Centre cross: Two lines that split the image into four. The quick way to centre a face or a motif.
- Diagonals: The two diagonals, crossing exactly at the centre. Good for diagonal layouts and for checking symmetry.
Golden framing
Sets the frame to the golden ratio, the one used for ever in photography and painting. A good starting point when you are not sure where to cut: frame it and then move the grips to taste.
Square framing
Leaves the frame square, the same width as height. This is what you want for cushions, round hoops, coasters and any piece meant to sit centred.
Next step
With the image chosen and framed, move on to Step 2, where you decide how many stitches the pattern will have and adjust the image. You can always go back if the framing does not convince you.
Close / Help
Two simple buttons: leave the importer, or open this help page when you need a reminder of a step.
- Close the importer: Leaves the importer without importing anything.
- Open help: Opens the explanation for the current screen.
Tips for choosing a good image
- The simpler, the better the pattern: few areas of colour and clear outlines.
- Avoid blurry or very dark photos: detail you cannot see will not appear in the pattern either.
- Plain backgrounds: they turn into bare fabric, or into areas that are easy to fill.