About Velvet Stitchery

Velvet Stitchery is a small set of free tools for counted cross stitch: a pattern maker that turns a picture into a DMC chart, and calculators for fabric count, floss and hoop or frame size.

How it works

Everything runs in your browser. When you open a picture in the pattern maker, it is read and converted on your own device, inside this page; it is never uploaded. The calculators work the same way. After a page has loaded, its tool keeps working without a connection.

The pattern maker averages your picture into one colour per stitch, matches each colour to the nearest DMC six-strand floss with the CIEDE2000 colour difference, and then merges threads in the order that changes the picture least until the chart uses no more than the number of colours you allow. Charts get symbols, bold lines every 10 stitches, centre marks and a thread key with skein estimates.

Where the numbers come from

• DMC numbers, names and approximate screen colours: craft-color-codes by MakeBead, licensed CC BY 4.0. We use the number, name and colour of 489 threads.
• Floss amounts, spare fabric, strands and needle sizes: the counted cross stitch Needlework FAQ by Kathleen Dyer, published on crosstitch.com.
• Skein length (8 m, six strands) and the meaning of fabric count: DMC's own product pages.

Each tool page names its sources beside the tool. Estimates are estimates: stitchers' tension, waste and habits differ, so treat the skein counts and sizes as a starting point.

Not affiliated with DMC

DMC is a trademark of DMC. Velvet Stitchery is independent and is not connected with DMC or any thread, fabric or kit maker. Screen colours only approximate real thread; compare the numbers with a real DMC colour card before you buy.

Privacy

The site sets no cookies and has no accounts. It uses Cloudflare Web Analytics to count page views without cookies; that never receives your pictures or anything you type. The privacy page has the details.