StitchCraft
Cross stitch font generator
Generate a lettering chart
From text to stitchable chart
The generator uses a classic chart alphabet, so the result stitches exactly like lettering from a printed sampler pattern.
Each letter becomes a 5×7 glyph
letter → grid of full cross stitches
Every character maps to a proven chart shape: capitals and numbers are seven stitches tall, with one empty column between letters and two empty rows between lines.
The chart is measured for your fabric
stitches ÷ fabric count = inches
The tool shows the grid size, total stitch count, and the finished size of your text on 11ct to 28ct fabric, in inches and centimeters.
Preview in a real DMC color
487 Stranded Cotton colors
Pick the exact thread you plan to stitch with. The preview uses official DMC hex values, the same library behind the DMC color matcher.
Tips for stitching text
- Start from the center. Find the middle of your fabric and the middle of the chart, then count outward so the text ends up where you planned.
- Contrast is everything. Dark thread on light fabric (or the reverse) keeps small letters readable. Test one letter before committing to a full quote.
- Mind the spacing. The generator uses one empty column between letters. For a looser look, stitch an extra empty column between words.
- Scale up by doubling. Stitch every chart square as a 2×2 block and the same chart becomes twice the size on fabric.
- Plan borders last. Stitch the text first, then frame it: a simple single-row border sits two to three stitches out from the widest letter.
When to use a backstitch alphabet instead
This generator charts full cross stitch letters: bold, blocky, and readable from across the room, ideal for names, dates, and sampler-style quotes. A backstitch alphabet is the other classic lettering style: letters drawn with thin backstitch lines on top of the fabric, giving a delicate, handwriting-like script that suits tiny text and flowing words.
| Cross stitch alphabet | Backstitch alphabet | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Bold, pixelated, sampler style | Thin, script-like lines |
| Minimum readable size | About 5–7 stitches tall | Can go smaller, lines are not grid-bound |
| Best for | Names, dates, short quotes | Long phrases, cursive styles, tiny labels |
| How to chart it | This generator | Draw backstitch lines in a pattern editor |
The StitchCraft app supports both: chart block letters on the grid, then add backstitch lines on top for script details, and export the whole design as a printable PDF. The cross stitch alphabet patterns guide covers letter styles in more depth.
Turn your text into a full pattern
Need more than a quick chart? In StitchCraft you can combine lettering with motifs, borders, and photo-converted images, recolor any element with the full DMC library, track your stitching progress, and export a print-ready PDF with a color legend and shopping list. It is the natural next step when a name grows into a birth sampler or a quote grows into a full piece - see the guide on making patterns from text and quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this cross stitch font generator free?
Yes. The generator runs in your browser, needs no account, and the PNG chart download is free. It uses a classic 5×7 stitch alphabet with letters, numbers, and common punctuation.
How do I stitch letters from the generated chart?
Every filled square on the chart is one full cross stitch. Find the center of your fabric and the center of the chart, then count outward. On 14-count Aida, use two strands of floss for full coverage.
What is the difference between a cross stitch alphabet and a backstitch alphabet?
A cross stitch alphabet builds letters from full stitches, giving a bold, blocky look. A backstitch alphabet draws letters with thin backstitch lines, giving a handwriting-like script that suits small text. This generator charts full cross stitch letters; for backstitch lettering you draw lines over the grid in a pattern editor.
Can I make bigger letters than the 7-stitch alphabet?
Yes, in two ways: stitch each chart square as a 2×2 block to double the size on fabric, or design larger letters in a pattern editor. The StitchCraft app lets you draw letters at any size with backstitch outlines and export a printable PDF chart.
Which DMC color should I use for lettering?
High contrast against your fabric keeps text readable: dark colors like DMC 310 Black, 321 Red, or 796 Dark Royal Blue on light Aida, and light colors like B5200 Snow White on dark fabric. The generator previews the chart in any of the 487 DMC Stranded Cotton colors.