How to print a cross-stitch pattern PDF on A4

Generate your pattern, select Download PDFs, and save the color or black-and-white version. Open it in a PDF reader and print on A4 paper at Actual size or 100% scale. Use the section map and chart coordinates to place multiple sheets in order.

Choose color or black-and-white

Both PDFs describe the same stitch grid and DMC palette. Both include thread symbols and a legend. Color helps separate nearby shades visually; black-and-white is useful when you prefer to follow symbols or use a monochrome printer.

The on-screen preview has colors and grid coordinates without overlaid thread symbols. Use the PDF when you need to inspect the symbol chart before printing.

Check the print settings

Choose A4 paper and check the printer's preview.
Select Actual size or 100% rather than Fit to page to preserve the intended chart scale.
Print one chart page first and check that the symbols and coordinates are readable and no content is clipped.
Print the remaining chart pages. For arranging sheets side by side, single-sided printing is easier to handle.

Printer margins and PDF readers vary. If the test sheet is clipped, check the paper size and printer settings before printing the entire pattern.

Arrange chart sections

Each A4 chart sheet contains up to 45 columns and 60 rows of stitches. Larger patterns are divided into numbered sections. The last section in a row or column may contain fewer stitches while keeping the same printed grid scale.

For an illustrative 100 × 140 stitch chart, that makes three section columns and three section rows: nine chart sheets, in addition to the cover, section map and any legend pages. A multi-section PDF includes a section map after the cover, showing where each chart sheet belongs and its PDF page number.

Use the section number and stitch coordinates to identify adjoining sheets. Do not confuse the document's page number with a chart section number; the cover and other pages also count as PDF pages.

Printed grid size is separate from stitched size

The chart is enlarged for reading symbols. It is not a full-size template of the finished embroidery. Your fabric count sets the stitched dimensions. See the fabric count and size guide to calculate the fabric you need.

Save the files before closing the generator

Current work stays in the open page. Refreshing or closing clears the source image, preview and download links. Saved PDFs remain on your device. To make changes later, choose the original image and generate the pattern again.

If you are still choosing your settings, follow the photo-to-pattern walkthrough before preparing another PDF set.