MotifSmithHow to Turn a Picture Into a Crochet Pattern
Simplify the picture, pick a stitch count, limit the colors, and convert it to a graph. Here is how to choose each setting so the result is actually workable.
To turn a picture into a crochet pattern, simplify it, choose a stitch count, limit the colors to between 4 and 8, and convert it to a graph where each cell is one stitch. You can do the conversion by hand on graph paper, or use a crochet pattern generator to do it in seconds.
Step 1: Choose a picture that will survive
A graph has far fewer "pixels" than a photo, so fine detail disappears. Pictures that work well have:
- One clear subject with a plain background
- Strong contrast between the subject and the background
- Large areas of flat color
Crop tightly before you convert. A face that fills the frame survives far better than a person standing in a landscape.
Step 2: Decide how many stitches
The stitch count sets both the detail and the workload, and the workload grows quickly. Doubling the width makes about four times as many stitches.
| Stitches wide | Good for | Approx. total stitches |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Icons, letters, simple shapes | 1,100 |
| 50 | Most motifs and pillow panels | 3,000 |
| 80 | Detailed motifs, baby blankets | 7,700 |
| 120 | Recognizable photos, larger blankets | 17,300 |
Totals assume a square picture in single crochet, where you need about 1.2 rows per stitch of width.
Step 3: Limit the colors
Every extra color means more yarn changes and more ends to weave in. Start with 4 to 8. If two shades look almost the same in the chart, merge them, since most people will not see the difference in yarn.
Step 4: Allow for the shape of the stitch
Single crochet stitches are wider than they are tall. If you chart a square picture on a square grid, the finished piece comes out stretched wide. Use about 1.2 rows for each stitch of width, or better, measure your own swatch. MotifSmith adjusts for this automatically on the crochet graph setting.
Step 5: Clean up stray stitches
Conversion often leaves lone stitches of a different color. Each one means a yarn change for almost no visual gain. Remove them, then fix anything important by hand, such as eyes or letters.
Step 6: Check it before you buy yarn
Step back from the screen or squint at the chart. If you can still recognize the subject, it will work. Then use the yarn calculator to see how much you need.
Try it with your own picture. It is free, and the image stays on your device.