Cross stitch text generator
Type any words or a name, pick a font, and get a ready-to-stitch pattern with a chart, DMC thread list and printable PDF.
How tall your letters will be
Capital letter height for each font on the most common fabrics. Pick a bigger font or the 2× letter size for anything you need to read from across a room.
| Font | Capitals | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 5 stitches | 0.36 in (9 mm) | 0.31 in (8 mm) | 0.28 in (7 mm) |
| Small | 6 stitches | 0.43 in (11 mm) | 0.38 in (10 mm) | 0.33 in (8 mm) |
| Classic | 7 stitches | 0.50 in (13 mm) | 0.44 in (11 mm) | 0.39 in (10 mm) |
| Sampler | 9 stitches | 0.64 in (16 mm) | 0.56 in (14 mm) | 0.50 in (13 mm) |
| Bold | 10 stitches | 0.71 in (18 mm) | 0.63 in (16 mm) | 0.56 in (14 mm) |
| Large | 13 stitches | 0.93 in (24 mm) | 0.81 in (21 mm) | 0.72 in (18 mm) |
Tips for stitching letters
- Start in the middle. Fold your fabric in half both ways to find the centre, and start from the centre arrows on the chart so the words sit straight.
- Leave room around the words. The PDF tells you how much fabric to cut, with 3 inches spare all round for framing.
- Use 2 strands on 14-count. Thin lettering such as Tiny and Small reads best with crisp, full coverage.
- Long words? Press Enter to split them over two lines and set the lines to centre, left or right.
Want the whole alphabet to stitch from? See the free cross stitch alphabet charts. To turn a photo into a pattern, use the cross stitch pattern maker, and the cross stitch calculator works out fabric and floss.
Questions
How do I turn words into a cross stitch pattern?
Type your words or a name above, pick a font and press Make my pattern. You get a chart with a thread key, the size on your fabric and a printable PDF. Change the spacing, letter size or colours at any time.
Which font is best for cross stitch letters?
Tiny and Small suit bookmarks, labels and dates. Classic is a clear all-round font for names. Sampler is a traditional serif alphabet for samplers and wedding pieces. Bold and Large make big, easy-to-read lettering for cushions and wall hangings.
How big will my lettering be?
It depends on the fabric. Divide the letter height in stitches by the fabric count: 7-stitch capitals on 14-count Aida are half an inch tall. The pattern maker shows the finished size and the fabric to cut for the fabric you choose.
Can I add a heart, accents or numbers?
Yes. Use the Add a heart button for ♥. Numbers, punctuation and accented letters such as é, ñ and ü work in every font except Sampler, which has capitals, numbers and a heart.
Can I change the thread colour?
Yes. Click the colour in the thread list and pick any DMC thread. Turn on Stitch the background too if you want the background filled in as well.
Is the cross stitch text generator free?
Yes, for patterns up to 80 × 80 stitches, with a full PDF. Pro removes the size limit.