A pet memorial cross-stitch from your own photo

Updated 3 November 2026

Short answer: use the photo that feels most like your pet, even if it isn't perfect, make it about 70 to 100 stitches wide, and leave space on the fabric below for a name and dates.

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Using an older photo

The photo you treasure may not be the sharpest. That's fine: a cross-stitch pattern uses far less detail than a photo. Crop close to the face before you upload, so the stitches go to what matters.

Adding a name and dates

The pattern covers the picture. Leave extra fabric below it for a name and dates, which you can stitch in backstitch or simple letters. Our pattern tells you the fabric size for the picture; add a few inches of height for the text.

As a gift

A memorial stitch is a thoughtful gift for a friend who lost a pet. Ask them for their favourite photo rather than picking one yourself.

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Questions people ask

Can I use a blurry photo?

A slightly soft photo usually works, because the pattern simplifies it. Very blurry eyes will stay vague.

Can the pattern include my pet's name?

The pattern is the picture only. Leave extra fabric and add the name in backstitch.