GridStitchKnitting Chart Maker: Photo to Colorwork Chart
Create an intarsia or stranded colorwork chart from any picture. Cells are drawn wider than tall, like real knit stitches, so the finished piece is not stretched.
No photo handy?
Row-by-row color counts
How it works
Upload a picture
Use a simple image with a clear outline — knitting looks best with bold shapes.
Set stitches and colors
Choose the width in stitches. Rows are calculated for a standard 4:5 stitch shape.
Check the chart
Toggle symbols and grid lines. Bold lines mark every 10 stitches and rows.
Download
Get a PNG, a printable PDF and row-by-row color counts (right-side rows read right to left).
Why knitting charts need special proportions
A knit stitch is wider than it is tall — a typical gauge is about 20 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches. If you chart on square graph paper, your picture comes out squashed. This knitting chart maker adds the right number of rows and draws each cell in a 5:4 shape so the chart looks like the finished fabric.
Intarsia or stranded colorwork?
For big blocks of color (pictures on sweaters, blankets), use intarsia with a separate bobbin per area. For small repeating motifs with 2–3 colors per row, stranded (Fair Isle-style) knitting works best — keep the color count low.
FAQ
Is this knitting chart maker free?
Yes, including PNG and PDF downloads and row-by-row counts. No account needed.
Why does my chart have more rows than stitches?
Knit stitches are shorter than they are wide, so more rows are needed to keep the picture in proportion.
How do I read the chart?
Row 1 is at the bottom. When knitting flat, right-side (odd) rows are read right to left and wrong-side rows left to right. In the round, read every round right to left.
Is my picture uploaded?
No, the chart is made inside your browser and the picture stays on your device.
How many colors can I use?
Up to 40, but 2–6 is practical for most knitting projects.