Importing and Converting Images
Stitch A Lot Studio can convert images into stitch patterns automatically.
Supported Formats
PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, WebP, and SVG files can be imported.
Opening the Image Import Wizard
Go to Tools > Upload Image to open the Upload Image chooser, which offers two options:
- Convert to Pattern — Turn the image into stitches (opens the 3-step wizard)
- Reference Overlay — Add the image as a tracing overlay instead of converting it
Choosing Convert to Pattern starts the wizard, which guides you through three steps.
Step 1: Select Image
Choose an image file from your device. The wizard shows a preview of the selected image.
Step 2: Configure
Set the options for how the image will be converted:
Size
Set the width and height in stitches, inches, or millimeters. The aspect ratio can be locked to prevent distortion. The image is automatically sized to a maximum of 200 stitches on the longest side initially, but you can adjust this.
Max Colors
Use the slider to set how many colors the image will be reduced to, from 2 to 64 colors. Fewer colors create a simpler, more stitchable design. More colors preserve more detail but are harder to stitch.
Dithering
Dithering blends colors to simulate shades that are not in the reduced palette:
| Algorithm | Effect |
|---|---|
| None | No dithering — clean, solid color regions |
| Floyd-Steinberg (smooth) | Smooth dithering with natural-looking gradients (default) |
| Ordered (pattern) | Pattern-based dithering with a regular grid texture |
| Atkinson (light) | Light dithering that preserves more solid areas |
Thread Matching
Choose a thread brand (DMC, Anchor, or Kreinik) and a matching algorithm (CIEDE2000 is the most accurate). The image colors are matched to the closest real thread colors in the selected library.
Remove White Background
Check this option to treat near-white pixels as transparent. The threshold slider (0–50) controls how strict the detection is.
Step 3: Preview
Review the converted pattern before importing. You can see how the image looks as stitches and go back to adjust settings if needed.
Import Mode
If you already have a pattern open:
- Add as Layer — The image is placed on a new layer in your existing pattern
- Merge to Layer — The image stitches are added to the active layer, overwriting existing stitches
Add as Layer is unavailable when layers are turned off — in that case it is shown as "Auto-Flatten Enabled" and the image is merged into the single flattened layer. Turn Layers on if you want the import placed on its own layer.
If no pattern is open, a new canvas is created to fit the image.