I often get asked “What’s the best cross stitch pattern software?” , and it shouldn’t surprise you that there are lots of options. This post details all cross stitch programs on PC, Mac, Online and iPad with online polls and feefo review scores. Updated November 2023.

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Best PC cross stitch pattern software:

WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount)) – 10/10

Based on 6572 reviews
Use discount code LLWINWHG to save yourself $12/£10 when you buy!

WinStitch, and its Mac-based brother MacStitch, has a lot going for them. With a massive 30 thread types and great ease of use, it’s a fantastic competitor. However, it’s not been widely picked up due to its fairly young age (5 years), so it does not have as much following as PC Stitch. Also, the yearly upgrades are chargeable (although not required). Also, you can move the pattern from MacStitch to WinStitch with ease.
It can also open a lot of PCStitch files (not all) which makes it the most user-friendly of all software programs.

Demo: Yes; cannot print
Threads: 30 brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

PC Stitch ($50 ($20 with discount)) 8.5/10

Based on 6594 reviews
You should also use the code “PCS11UPG” to save $30 when you buy!

 

PC Stitch is a full program with all the trimmings. Its base ease of use is great, however, its real advantages lie in its color picking, that’s often better than its competitors (but I would still cast an eye over them to make sure), and 2000 pre-programmed patterns. It does have its negative though, as PC Stitch uses its own unique pattern files that can’t be opened without using PC Stitch’s separate pattern viewer. However, recently many competitors have unofficially included the ability to open, view, and edit PC Stitch files. It recently lost half a point due to a lack of updates. PCstitch 11 came out in 2016 and since then it’s only been updated for bug fixes, not to add new features.

Demo: Yes; cannot save
Threads: DMC, Anchor, others
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Bug fixes only; not been updated since 2016

KG Chart ($35) – 7/10

Based on 3429 reviews

KG Chart has a fantastic set of stitches, incredible ease of use, and a lot of regular, and worthwhile updates. It’s been created by a non-stitcher, but their understanding of our needs is great. There are also forums and an email for support and issues. It’s the third most used program out there, and for $35 is a steal. There are however four things to note; firstly the colors can sometimes be a little red-based so require manual picking. The second issue is its a little buggy; it used to be our best pick, but as PCstitch started to improve, KG Chart just couldn’t keep up. Recently, a whole load of new apps don’t support KGchart patterns, meaning they aren’t as useful. Finally, you cannot export to PDF using the program itself; you can download an additional program that acts as a fake printer to do this though.

Demo: Yes; 30 days
Threads: DMC & Cosmo
Print to PDF: No, you can download another (free) program called CutePDF to do this
Updates: Quarterly

ILSoft Stitch R-XP ($103) – 7/10

Based on 78 reviews

ILSoft used to be a major playing cross stitch generation programs, but started to drop from general usage as other programs came to market. However it’s still used by DMC France along with many other major pattern makers. It’s still a great program, however, the lack of yearly updates means it could be struggling against other programs, which update regularly. But there is service still supplied, and patterns made from it are great quality.

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Last updated 2009

MiniStitch (FREE) – 7/10

Based on 12 reviews

From the same creators as our number Windows choice, WinStitch, now comes a free software based on the same great software. What makes this particularly fantastic is that its simple. It’s built as a first step on your pattern creation journey, having just the core features you need. But unlike other simple programs, this one has an extremely robust pattern creator behind it, making it a perfect world of ease and quality. And its free! It does get beaten by some other paid systems as they’ve been around longer and have much larger user databases, but this is one to watch!

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

BlendThreads (FREE) – 7/10

Based on 542 reviews

Built off the back of Ryijy, this pattern creator has come a long way. Initially, it’s much like any other pattern creator, with some advanced features in the printing sections. However, where BlendThreads stands out is the greatest two additions I think we’ve ever looked at. Firstly the thread selector program allows you to either pick a close fit thread based on what stock you have, but also allows for the blending of threads to get super accurate colors (I LOVE this). Secondly is its unique backstitch portion, which allows you to ‘trace’ the image with transparency, meaning you can get super clean backstitches. However, it’s untested on Windows 8/10.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly

Istitch 2 ($30) – 7/10

Based on 42 reviews

Jane Greenoff’s latest pattern maker. Unlike the previous versions that were overly complicated for new users, the new Istitch has been built with simplicity in mind. Also, there are video guides (if you purchase the DVD version) to help new designers. As a result, it’s the easiest to get into at first, however finding more advanced features is a little difficult, meaning a serious designer might consider another program.
You can either buy the DVD version with guide videos, or the download without videos for the same price. The main issue, however, is that there are no updates to the program, and based on Istitch2 being a paid update of the previous version, I’d imagine you’d have to buy a new one every time Windows updates…

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Every 2 years; additional cost

Stitch Art Easy! ($15) – 6/10

Based on 364 reviews

Starting as a free online program, developing into a full blown downloadable, Stitch Art Easy! does a good job. It’s got everything you might need and helps you get your head around making patterns. If you want a little more, you have the opportunity to purchase one of the other programs, so it’s a great starter program. If you do upgrade, WinStitch or MacStitch is most similar in design.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: No schedule

DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum ($89) – 4/10

Based on 57 reviews

This is very similar to the old Jane Greenoff pattern making software, however, it’s updated yearly, has a limited selection, is complicated, and is VERY expensive considering its closest (and arguably a lot better) alternative is a quarter of the cost.

Threads: 20 different brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly, additional cost

StitchCraft ($155 to $2595) – 4/10

Based on 227 reviews

Recently thought to be dead, StitchCraft has come back on the scene with MUCH higher prices and no improvements. It is a good program, with a nice set of tools on the advanced versions, but they ramp the price up to crazy levels; no one is willing to pay $2595 for a cross stitch program that not only isn’t the world standard but isn’t that relevant anymore.

Threads: 33 different brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Unknown

EasyGrapher Home ($99 to $299) – 4/10

Based on 27 reviews

A pretty good pattern creator in principle EasyGrapher is a program being sold and updated since 1988, however, sadly the last update was in 2009. They are still taking orders, and it’s not a bad piece of software, but there are much better ones out there.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Not since 2009

Stitch Painter Gold ($199) – 3/10

Based on 49 reviews

Stitch Painter Gold does a lot and is a nice alternative, but after 3 months of using it, I still can’t understand why the price is so high. It’s complicated to use comparatively and doesn’t have enough image editing capabilities. The biggest issue however is you have to use a USB stick supplied by them to use the program on your computer; meaning you have to have it plugged in constantly.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

HaftiX (FREE) – 3/10

Based on 7 reviews

A Polish program created a long time ago, and now basically forgotten. A shame as it really had some great coding behind it.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: 5+ years ago

Ryijy Stitch Designer (FREE) – 3/10

Based on 23 reviews

As a fan-built, open-source pattern making software, Ryijy is OK. But there are issues with this approach to building. Namely; no one supports it. This means it’s not been updated in a very long time, and only works with DMC threads, and if you’re wanting help there isn’t anywhere to turn. But it does a reasonable job so long as you’re willing to put up with the issues..

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Not since 2003

Crosti (FREE) – 2/10

Based on 12 reviews

A pretty good program in principle, and whilst it can output in loads of files, accepts pretty much any image file going and has loads of thread options, it just lacks substance.

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Gamma, J&P coats, Madeira, Paterna, Cosmo & Silk Mori
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: 3 years ago

Scheme Maker (FREE) – 1/10

Based on 4 reviews

A basic cross stitch pattern generator that simply isn’t up to scratch. Many online generators are far superior and make much better results.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Sporadic, but recent

Cstitch (FREE) – 0/10

Based on 18 reviews

All of the other reviews on this page are developed programs, officially released into the world. Cstitch, however, is slightly different. It’s open-source. This means that no one owns the program. If you want something added to it, code it and add it yourself. Due to this, and its complicated nature to install (you have to compile it yourself) its scored the worst score possible in our reviews.

Threads: 15 Brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None; open source

Best FREE PC cross stitch pattern software:

MiniStitch (FREE) – 7/10

Based on 12 reviews

From the same creators as our number Windows choice, WinStitch, now comes free software based on the same great software. What makes this particularly fantastic is that its simple. It’s built as the first step on your pattern creation journey, having just the core features you need. But unlike other simple programs, this one has an extremely robust pattern creator behind it, making it a perfect world of ease and quality. And it’s free! It does get beaten by some other paid systems as they’ve been around longer and have much larger user databases, but this is one to watch!

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

BlendThreads (FREE) – 8/10

Based on 542 reviews

Built off the back of Ryijy, this pattern creator has come a long way. Initially, it’s much like any other pattern creator, with some advanced features in the printing sections. However, where BlendThreads stands out is the greatest two additions I think we’ve ever looked at. Firstly the thread selector program allows you to either pick a close fit thread based on what stock you have, but also allows for the blending of threads to get super accurate colors (I LOVE this). Secondly is its unique backstitch portion, which allows you to ‘trace’ the image with transparency, meaning you can get super clean back stitches. However, it’s untested on Windows 8/10.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly

HaftiX (FREE) – 3/10

Based on 7 reviews

A Polish program with a great set of tools behind it. Our biggest gripe however is that its not been updated in a long time, and the Polish only speaking designer will get in the way of great customer service…

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: 5+ years ago

Ryijy Stitch Designer (FREE) – 3/10

Based on 23 reviews

The first fan-built pattern making software, Ryijy is named after a Finnish rug, which the program can also do. It’s not been updated in a very long time, and only works with DMC threads, however, the base code is the starting point of almost 90% of the other cross stitch pattern generators out there.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Not since 2003

Crosti (FREE) – 2/10

Based on 12 reviews

Whilst this pattern maker canoutput in loads of files, and accepts pretty much any image file going it is a very simple program that doesn’t produce very good patterns..

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Gamma, J&P coats, Madeira, Paterna, Cosmo & Silk Mori
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: 3 years ago

Cstitch (FREE) – 0/10

Based on 18 reviews

Cstitch is a completely open-source program, meaning it’s not owned by anyone in particular, and anyone can drop in, improve things, and distribute it. If you want something added to it, code it and add it yourself. But the downside is that it isn’t a commercial product. With complicated installs (you have to compile it yourself) you’re either wanting to get this so you can add to the code, or you’ll want to avoid it.

Threads: 15 Brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None; open source

Best ONLINE cross stitch pattern software:

stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 10/10

Based on 3467 reviews

A super easy-to-use pattern generator with some great features. This is all I need to say about this app, other than it’s free. It has DMC and Anchor threads and a larger 2000×2000 stitching area. Whilst there are better online software options out there, this is our first choice for patterns online thanks to the price point.

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes

Thread-Bare ($10 per pattern) – 10/10

Based on 2176 reviews

Whilst Thread-are isn’t our first choice online pattern creator, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some great abilities. It’s far superior to any other online pattern creator, thanks to its well-built interface and great toolset, and its dithering is first class, even well beyond paid downloadable software. The only two downsides are that it can be a bit daunting to use at first, especially when trying to get the best out of the generator. And its biggest issue, it that $10 price point, per pattern, which if you’re making a pattern a month, can cost more than the most expensive options.

Threads: DMC, Anchor & Riolis
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly

Love It Stitch It ($10 per month) – 8/10

Based on 23 reviews

A new system from the creator of CaterpillerCrossStitch, Love It Stitch It offers a very simple, easy to use pattern program online. Whilst it does rank well for actual pattern creation the biggest drawback is the cost. At a monthly charge rate, it appeals more to small pattern store operators than occasional pattern makers.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

patterncreator.com ($7 per pattern) – 7.5/10

Based on 982 reviews

Patterncreator.com is a great online option. It has everything you need but is limited to a maximum of 250×250 stitching area, which considering the price point is a MAJOR issue. Too expensive, and with other better alternatives out there, its a surprise this cross stitch generator is still in use.

Threads: DMC, Anchor & Venus
Print to PDF: Yes

myphotostitch.com (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 492 reviews

With a limited 150×120 stitch area there are problems with myphotostitch, but the real beauty of the cross stitch generator is the ease of use. Select your image, and it does it all for you. The only options you get are changing the size (it defaults to maximum), but it’s the easiest of all pattern makers around. However, that said, I would suggest using the advanced version (also free), which gives a few more options. It still has that pesky size limitation, but so long as you’re doing something very small, it’s OK.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

patternsforyou.com (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 3465 reviews

All online pattern makers have one big problem: limitations. With a large 300×300 stitching area, quite good image editing and color selection, patternsforyou should be better, but its just not that great at making patterns.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

FreePatternWizard (FREE) – 5.5/10

Based on 31 reviews

Photo2CrossStitch, or FreePatternWizard as it’s now known has developed a lot since it first came onto our list, and continues to even if other programs are developing faster. It started as frankly worthless, but as time went on, its feature set evolved, and its price point was removed totally. It’s now a great program. To see the advanced features you need to become a member (it’s also free), but its a great program all the same.

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Madeira
Print to PDF: Yes

pixel-stitch.net (FREE) – 5.5/10

Based on 125 reviews

A simple image upload and export pattern creator, pixel-stitch is a great tool, with very good color picking and no size limits. The only issue is it doesn’t allow for image editing, or image creation, giving it a slightly lower score than it may otherwise deserve.

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes

FlossCross (FREE) – 5.5/10

Based on 5 reviews

A new addition to this list, and as a program in general, FlossCross does a great job, particularly at pixel art patterns. With a limit of 300×300, its got some limitations other free software doesn’t have, pushing it slightly down the list. In addition, as it’s so new, we don’t have many reviews.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

stitchyourphoto.com ($5 per pattern) – 5.5/10

Based on 14 reviews

A nice editor, with quite a few options, however weirdly has a size selection only in inches. Due to the low cost of the per pattern fee, it ranks better than other more advanced online pattern makers, but its simple functions and poor patterns make it a worry to use sometimes.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

I’ll Do It Myself (FREE) – 5/10

Based on 8 reviews

Relitively unknown in the cross stitch space, this newish program does a great job at making patterns. However lacking a few features that might score it higher, such as amount of colors, it does well, but not perfectly.

Threads: 15 major brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: No schedule

The Folklore Company ($9/FREE per pattern) – 5/10

Based on 21 reviews

You don’t hear much from this pattern creator, but unlike its competitors, it has another something; like DMC’s Snap & Stitch you can purchase the whole kit, thread, aida, and needles included. The only bad sides are a lack of color on their patterns and there are fixed sizes.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

DMC Snap & Stitch ($10/FREE per pattern) – 5/10

Based on 127 reviews

The new online photo converter from DMC lacks some of the finesse of other online converters, giving a questionable result, however, the unique feature of being able to buy all the threads for the pattern and then getting the pattern for free made it rate well with our testers.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

PictureCraftWork ($12 per pattern) – 5/10

Based on 13 reviews

Costly is the first thing I can say about PictureCraftWork. If its less than 1000 stitches, it’s free, but anything more and it’s very costly. It has the added benefit of quite an advanced pattern creation toolset, but color picking is a little off, and, the biggest turn off for our testers; the patterns don’t come with gridlines, so you have to manually count.

Threads: DMC, Anchor & Madeira
Print to PDF: Yes

Pic2Pat (FREE) – 5/10

Based on 218 reviews

Pic2Pat used to be used so much. It was the only real option online for a long time, and the fact that it was free made it even better. But since then, it hasn’t improved. While other programs have advanced giving great outputs and super customizable patterns, Pic2Pat languishes in the past.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

StitchBoard (FREE) – 5/10

Based on 42 reviews

A simple program, with a few options you can play with, and 4 different thread brands. It has a few options that work in its favor, however, you cannot do any image editing. To score lower than most of the costly online pattern creates just goes to show that StitchBoard doesn’t rank well with our testers, and they would much prefer to be using other systems.

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Maderia & Red Heart
Print to PDF: Yes

craftdesignonline (FREE) – 4.5/10

Based on 53 reviews

As a craft pattern app maker, you would expect craftdesignonline to be quite good, and it is, however its make for the younger market, with very limited image editing and a 100×100 stitch area. It does have a cool feature of sharing your patterns though!

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

cross-stitched.com (FREE) – 3/10

Based on 6 reviews

A very interesting pattern generation software, this works fantastically well when you don’t select threads. However as soon as you select DMC threads (the only brand available) suddenly the image is cast with a strong grey shadow. The patterns themselves come out without symbols as well.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Best MAC cross stitch pattern software:

MacStitch ($52 ($40 with discount)) – 10/10

Based on 1834 reviews
Use discount code LLMAC76F to save yourself $12/£10 when you buy!

This is the Mac version of WinStitch, our first place PC option. It’s the same great program but written from the ground up so it works perfectly on all Macs (something other apps struggle with). Also, the key feature is that if you own PCStitch, you can move the pattern between the two. It’s simple to use the program, it has loads of options and works super smoothly.

Demo: Yes
Threads: 30 brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 10/10

Based on 2341 reviews

OK, I tricked you. Stitchfiddle is an online program, however, with a tonne of great features, it easily competes with paid software. With some of the prices of Mac software being through the roof (see below) being free helps StitchFiddle’s case. An easy interface, DMC & Anchor threads and a very large (2000×2000) stitching area.

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes

MiniStitch (FREE) – 7/10

Based on 12 reviews

From the same creators as our number Mac choice, MacStitch, now comes a free software based on the same great software. What makes this particularly fantastic is that its simple. It’s built as a first step on your pattern creation journey, having just the core features you need. But unlike other simple programs, this one has an extremely robust pattern creator behind it, making it a perfect world of ease and quality. And its free!

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum ($130) – 4/10

Based on 57 reviews

At a very expensive price, you’re expecting this program to have all the bells and whistles; but sadly it just doesn’t. It is updated yearly, but with built-in limits, and an overly complicated and not user-friendly interface, its hard to recommend this over alternatives at a smaller price.

Threads: 20 different brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly, additional cost

Stitch Painter Gold ($199) – 3/10

Based on 49 reviews

With some of the best cross stitch programs out there being under $50, or even free a nearly $200 program really needs to have everything. Stitch Painter Gold does, but so does the competition. It’s a nice enough program to use, it has what you need, but it has a weird model of needing a supplied USB stick needing to be plugged in whenever you want to use the program. A very odd decision, with a very high price, makes this a hard pill to swallow.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

Crosti ($13) – 1/10

Based on 5 reviews

Better than the free Windows version, Crosti for Mac is just in need of a good update in feature set. It also struggles to work on newer Macs, despite a few updates.

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Gamma, J&P coats, Madeira, Paterna, Cosmo & Silk Mori
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

Best iPad & iPhone cross stitch pattern software:

Magic Needle (FREE) – 9/10

Based on 871 reviews

A new entry to the world of cross stitch generators, Magic Needle is effectively a ‘point and click’ pattern generator, however, its simplicity and user-friendly interface are what makes it so well-loved. As the only true free cross stitch generator for iPad and iPhone is worth a shot anyway and is a great entry point for any beginners.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: NO

StitchSketch ($8) – 8/10

Based on 263 reviews

StitchSketch is created by the maker of KG Chart and improves on many features KG Chart does not have. It’s a fantastic program, which works almost as well as any desktop program. The only downside, however, is the cost (but what’s £5 compared to the highest-priced £137?).

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Cross Stitch Creator ($10) – 7/10

Based on 26 reviews

Cross Stitch Creator does a good job at converting images into pattern and has recently been updated to edit patterns after generation, but its real features are how it allows you to mark up the pattern as you go, the only pattern maker on the list that goes beyond just making patterns.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Cross Stitch Saga ($11) – 6/10

Based on 24 reviews

Sadly, the Cross Stitch Saga for iOS isn’t the same as the android app. The android app is feature-packed, super useful and a frankly great addition to any cross stitcher’s arsenal. The iOS app is not. It has only a tiny amount of features, it doesn’t even support PDFs and its slightly lower price point doesn’t make up for that.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Moulinella ($3 per pattern) – 4/10

Based on 7 reviews

With no editing and some questionable pattern creation, this nice looking app isn’t as good as its online version.. Note; the app is free to download, but each pattern costs $3.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Cross Stitch Camera ($4) – 4/10

Based on 41 reviews

Cross Stitch Camera works, you guessed it, with your camera. It takes a photo (which can be from your phone’s memory) and makes a pattern based on the largest dimension you set. It does not have the number of colors to pick, it doesn’t allow for post-editing, and it doesn’t produce a pdf, however, its color selections are very good. It’s a bit of a quirky app, and a little lacking in features.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: NO

Best ANDROID cross stitch pattern software:

Cross Stitch Saga ($13) – 10/10

Based on 2701 reviews

Its great feature set goes beyond just making a pattern, however, without a doubt, it’s the fullest, most feature-packed app going for mobile or android. Its new higher price point, however, means trying a cheaper alternative first might be the name of the game.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

xStitching (FREE) – 8/10

Based on 412 reviews

A great little app that allows you to create really consistently good patterns using a whole raft of thread brands, made all the sweeter as it’s free. In the past, they’ve not allowed PDF saving which has lowered the score but trust us that this app is definitely worth a shot.

Threads: DMC, Anchor, Sullivans, J&P Coats
Print to PDF: Yes

eCanvas for cross-stitch PRO ($3) – 8/10

Based on 254 reviews

A fantastic app, with fantastic reviews from anyone that uses it. It’s easily comparable to the likes of paid PC software, however, makes use of touch screen android devices to give really good usability. The only real negatives are that it doesn’t come with instructions or a tutorial, and isn’t updated as often as other apps (yet still once a quarter).
They also constantly add to the apps core features, so it will continue to develop and get better over the near future.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Moulinella Cross Stitch ($3 per pattern) – 5/10

Based on 48 reviews

A nice looking and user friendly app is sadly made considerably worse by its questionable pattern making, and $3 a pattern price point. However, its no longer available on the official Android stores.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

Best LINUX cross stitch pattern software:

MiniStitch (FREE) – 7/10

Based on 12 reviews

From the same creators as our number 1 Windows and Mac choice, WinStitch & MacStitch, now comes a free software based on the same great software. What makes this particularly fantastic is that its simple. Its not great if you want to start a business, but as a place to start making your own patterns, its fantastic! It also works on Linux without having to compile!

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

KXStitch (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 23 reviews

As the only (non-open source) Linux pattern program out there, KXStitch might be your only Linux choice; but that doesn’t make it a good program. It’s lacking in special stitches, more thread sets, and it’s a drain on CPU. However, its easy to use does help it out massively, which is why its score is higher than you’d expect.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None

Cstitch (FREE) – 0/10

Based on 18 reviews

Unlike our review of the PC version of Cstitch, which scored low, the linix version gets a little by. If you’re using this you should know how to compile, meaning instal should be a breeze. The program itself is OK, but hardly worth writing home about, and hasn’t been updated since 2016.

Threads: 15 Brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None

Unsupported Software Replacements:

Sew and So Cross Stitch Designer (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLWINWHG)) – 10/10
Very similar in design and functionality, WinStitch takes everything good about Stoik and makes it better.

 

Stoik Stitch Creator (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLWINWHG)) – 10/10
For cheaper than the old SewandSo product, you can upgrade to WinStitch, an easier to use, and all round better program.

 

HobbyWare Pattern Maker (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLWINWHG)) – 10/10
HobbyWare used to be a leader in the software field before WinStitch over took it, and still holds the crown today.

 

Jane Greenoff’s Cross Stitch Designer (PC)

REPLACEMENT: Istitch 2 ($30) – 7/10
Very similar to Jane’s previous design software, Istitch 2 is the next generation, and has a lot of improvements on the original.

 

Photoshop Swatches (PC)

REPLACEMENT: Ryijy Stitch Designer (FREE) – 4/10
The only usable free alternative, Ryijy is open source and works independantly from Photoshop, but with a very similar process.

 

MyriaCross (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLWINWHG)) – 10/10
MyriaCross gave some of its code to WinStitch, so they could replicate their features. As a result, its the best, and closes alternative

 

Easy Cross (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLWINWHG)) – 10/10
Slightly less easy to use, but a full software option

 

PixelCraft (ONLINE)

REPLACEMENT: stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 10/10
A slightly improved version of PixelCraft

 

StitchCraft (MAC)

REPLACEMENT: MacStitch ($52 ($40 with discount code LLMAC76F)) – 10/10
A similar, but much more advanced program

 

Spriter (MAC)

REPLACEMENT: stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 10/10
Just as simple to use, but without the need for installation. In addition has slightly better editing tools

 

Cross Stitch 2 Go HD (IPAD)

REPLACEMENT: StitchSketch ($8) – 8/10
A slight improvement on Cross Stitch 2 Go HD, with a higher price tag

 

X-Stitch (IPAD)

REPLACEMENT: StitchSketch ($8) – 8/10
A better app, but comes with a beefy price too

 

Cross Stitch Saga (IPAD/IPHONE)

REPLACEMENT: StitchSketch ($8) – 8/10
Following Cross Stitch Saga’s removal from the apple store, the best alternative is StitchSketch a paid alternative from the makers of KGchart.


I’ve also created a great infographic on which is the best cross stitch pattern software for easy selection. The android edition of Cross Stitch Saga is still available.

StitchingJoy (WEB)

REPLACEMENT: pixel-stitch.net (FREE) – 5.5/10
Closest alternative to the now defunct StitchingJoy web app.