Design a cross-stitch monogram over a photo, print a true-size hole template, poke the holes, then stitch.

Design

• Click anything on the card, or in “On this card,” to select it. Its settings open in the side panel; quick actions like duplicate and delete appear next to it. Click empty card or the back arrow to return.
• Select several with ⇧-click, ⌘A, or Select in “On this card” (on a phone, long-press an item). Changes to font, size and boldness apply to everything selected, and they move together. A word can be split into letters to edit each one on its own.
• Drag to move things, or nudge the selection one stitch with the arrow keys (⇧ for five). Double-click the photo, or choose Reframe, to reposition the picture inside its frame.
• Each text has its own font and boldness. Boldness starts on Auto, which picks the weight that keeps strokes clean at that size and stitch count; drag the slider to set it yourself, or tap Auto to go back. Upload a font file or add any Google Font by name; uploaded fonts stay in your browser.
• Stitches per inch is under Card & stitching. 9 is a good start for cardstock; above 11 the paper can tear.
• Paint (top bar) adds or erases single stitches. Hold ⌥ to switch between them. Painted stitches stay put when you move letters, so place things first.
• With text selected, just type: Delete removes the last letter and new letters land in the same spot.
• Undo with ⌘Z, redo with ⇧⌘Z. Painted stitches move with the grid if you change the card size or stitches per inch.

Print

• Set the print dialog's scale to 100% / Actual size, then measure the 1-inch square on the template before poking anything.
• Print the photo on matte photo paper at actual size. Glossy can crack around holes.

Make it

1. Glue the photo to cardstock (around 300gsm) where the template's outline shows. Let it dry flat.
2. Tape the hole template over the card, lining up the edges.
3. On a cork or foam board, poke every dot straight down with a needle or awl.
4. Stitch with 3 strands of embroidery floss, following the chart. Keep every cross the same way: bottom leg “/”, top leg “\”.