A cross-stitch of your grandparents from a photo
Short answer: choose a photo where both faces are close and clear, crop to head and shoulders, and make it 120 to 160 stitches wide. Leave fabric below for names and the anniversary date.
Choosing the photo
- Close and clear: the face fills most of the frame, in focus.
- Even light: daylight from a window, no harsh shadows across the face.
- A plain background that contrasts with the subject. It becomes a simple area of stitches, not hundreds of tiny colour changes.
An old wedding photo of the grandparents is a classic choice. It is often black and white, which also makes for a calmer pattern with fewer colours.
Names and dates
The pattern covers the picture. Leave a few inches of fabric below for names and a date, stitched in backstitch.
Size
| Width | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count | 22-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 stitches | 8.6 in (22 cm) | 7.5 in (19 cm) | 6.7 in (17 cm) | 5.5 in (14 cm) |
| 140 stitches | 10.0 in (25 cm) | 8.8 in (22 cm) | 7.8 in (20 cm) | 6.4 in (16 cm) |
| 160 stitches | 11.4 in (29 cm) | 10.0 in (25 cm) | 8.9 in (23 cm) | 7.3 in (18 cm) |
Make a pattern from your grandparents' photoUpload a photo, choose the size and colours, and see the full pattern before you pay. Your photo never leaves your device.Make my pattern
Questions people ask
How long does a portrait cross-stitch take?
It depends on the size and your speed. A 120 to 160 stitch portrait is usually a project of several weeks, so start early for a date.
Can I use an old wedding photo?
Yes. Scan it in good light and raise the contrast if it's faded.
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