There is a great software program that cost about 11 quid, called Valerie Janitches software designer, you can design things on computer or import pictures from any source and it will turn them into cross stitch charts complete with thread requirements....not free(although I have seen it free on mags) but cheap as chips. Tose kits you buy to send off a pic to get it charted cost 10 to 20 quid each and you only get the chart and the thread list , if you have a scanner you could make back the cost of the program by doing kits for other people, say 2 quid to cover your printing costs, 2 or 3 quid per pic profit and they are still getting a bargain!!