Cross-stitch pattern in photoshop (with symbols!)

Cross-stitch pattern in photoshop (with symbols!)
This is how to make a cross-stitch pattern with symbols representing colors in photoshop!

First we will prepare your original image by lowering the resolution, so that one pixel represents one cross, and lower the number of colors so that you can use a limited number of yarns.

Next we apply the grid.

After that I will show you how to replace individual colors with symbols.

This is good because you can print the pattern in black and white, and also because you can see the difference between similar colors.

This technique can of course be used to make decorations and gifts for the holidays, and other occasions!

Update: Here are two examples. The mario image has 5x5px square size and my complete bird montage pattern has 20x20px square size ( full size color, full size symbols)
 
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Step 1Resize the image

Resize the image
First, of course, you crop the image so that you have an original that you want to use. Auto-levels and auto-contrast is always nice as well, and best to do before downsampling.

One way to lower the resolution is to use the filter "Mosaic". This is fine, but I don't really like it because it limits my control over the size of the final pattern. A much better way is to just resize the image to the desired number of stiches you want the final result to be (that way you also limit the number of total resizes to the image).

So,
Measure the fabric and count the number of stitches you want the result to be.
Resize the image to that number of pixels
Then, resize it up again with 500% (I use 5px per square). Remember to use the "Nearest Neighbour" setting to preserve the edges. We want those!

Update: When resizing down the image, the only thing you are interested in is how many stiches wide and high your final product should be. Just insert those numbers in the "Pixel dimensions" (if it's greyed out, check the "Resample image" box). The resolution and document size makes no difference here.
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14 comments
Jun 16, 2011. 1:31 PMAnykey says:
Thank you for this instructable

But i've got one question : how do you convert RGB to thread color ?
Aug 20, 2011. 10:44 PMNimlet says:
I created a color swatch with the DMC thread colors: 
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24998092/dmc-threads.aco

Hope it's helpful :-)
Jul 31, 2011. 6:16 PMnita797 says:
when you are resizing your photo before adding the grid what resolution should it be set to? right now I have my resolution set to 100pixels per inch is this correct?
Apr 18, 2011. 5:47 PMFafnir956 says:
How do you make one of these patterns? What tools do you have to use? I'm a bit of a novice, but am determined to make this cross-stitch pattern for my friend's wedding gift!
Aug 5, 2011. 12:40 PMvictimssun says:
After I change it to Indexed Color, I can not do any more to it (such as add layers). I have to change it back to RGB to go to the next step, but then I loss my 100% indexed image. How do you do this?
Dec 21, 2008. 10:52 PMDev5994 says:
you have a very nice typo there at the start of this step... you forgot to erase "Give a general description of the Step"
Dec 21, 2008. 6:24 PMiPodGuy says:
My wife loves cross-stitch. Sometimes I make patterns for her, so this will help! Fav'd
Dec 21, 2008. 5:19 PMmarc.cryan says:
that's really neat. Very clever. I love it when technology and old time crafts come together. I want to see a finished cross-stitch picture. This would work well for quilting patterns, knitting, crochet, etc.
Dec 21, 2008. 12:52 PM8bit says:
impressive!

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