About Glimmer & Stitch
Professional pattern software built from real hands-on experience.
Our Story
Glimmer & Stitch Pattern Maker grew out of Borduurshop Hengelo, where we have been converting photos and images into high-quality cross-stitch patterns and diamond paintings for many years. What started as a practical solution for our own workflow grew into a complete online pattern maker for hobbyists, designers, and creative studios.
Our software was built by people who work with patterns every day. Not from theory, but from experience with real photos, real customers, and real quality expectations.
Why we built Glimmer & Stitch
For years we used specialised software to create professional cross stitch patterns. In our view it was the best solution available. Unfortunately, development of that software stopped, which meant we had to look for an alternative.
We tried many other programs, but kept running into the same problems: too little control, less accurate colour choices, or results that didn't meet the quality standards we were used to delivering.
So we decided to build our own solution.
Glimmer & Stitch Pattern Maker was created to deliver the quality, flexibility, and control we need in our own daily practice. And that is exactly why we are now making this software available to others.
What you can make with Glimmer & Stitch
Cross-Stitch Patterns
Import your own image and convert it into a clear, accurate cross-stitch pattern. Choose your size, colour count, and thread palette so the pattern fits your project perfectly.
Diamond Painting Patterns
Create complete diamond painting patterns with smart colour reduction and clear symbols. Suitable for both full drill and partial drill designs.
Photo to Pattern
Convert photos, illustrations, and artwork into patterns that work well in practice. Smart colour matching and useful editing tools keep you in control of the final result.
Professional Export
Export your pattern as a PDF or image, including legend, symbols, and a preview. Ready to print, share, or process further.
Free Samples and Inspiration
Browse sample patterns, discover what's possible, and get inspired by designs from other users.
Built on years of experience
Glimmer & Stitch Pattern Maker is a product of Borduurshop Hengelo, a specialist embroidery shop from the Netherlands. The story of Borduurshop Hengelo began with a love of embroidery that grew into a professional business in photo embroidery, cross-stitch patterns, and diamond painting. Since 2005, Erna and Mark Pinkster have been creating patterns from personal photos, with the goal of turning every image into a vibrant, stitch-ready work of art.
That combination of embroidery expertise, graphic knowledge, and software development forms the foundation of Glimmer & Stitch.
Glimmer & Stitch was built for makers who want more than a quick conversion. For everyone who wants to create patterns that are beautiful, clear, and truly makeable.