On our series covering the best cross stitch magazines we review the newest, and most contemporary mag, XStitch.
To do this review we’ve compiled a series of reviews from industry leaders, as well as feefo reviews.
Traditionally cross stitch gets the rep of being about teddies, flowers and all things cottage, however following the end of a few eminant cross stitch mags, Mr X Stitch, a previous pattern designer for the CrossStitcher magazine decided to take on a new challenge, and make a cross stitch magazine for all the young contemporary stitchers. As a direct result, the mag has a very different edge to its competitors, offering stylish pages, well written content, and a great heap of important cross stitchers (the first magazine had 12 designers from all over the world, including Jane Greenoff and Emily Peacock).
How has no one ever made a magazine like this before?! THIS is what I want.
Inside you’ll find only 20 patterns, but each will be crafted to a specific and topical theme each edition. Up to 50 designers submit patterns and only the best are chosen. These are then converted into 4 pattern types which are all downloadable with the mag. In addition to the usual content such as topical articles and reviews there is also an online playlist chosen by the designers to listen to as you read.
The biggest thing you’ll notice however, is there aren’t any adverts. The magazine has been put together for the readers, and its not full of filler.
As the only contemporary magazine on the market, it will either appeal or not, however I think that’s its charm.
$6 per quarter; digital version only, downloadable patterns in 3 formats and online playlist
✓ Loads of patterns ✓ Lots of mainstream patterns ✓ Large readership
╳ Not many modern patterns ╳ Digital only ╳ Not many freebies
There are loads of cross stitch magazines out there, and with magazines like Cross Stitch and Needlework and Cross Stitch Collection coming to and end, I felt it was a good time to go through some of the most popular cross stitch magazines out there and give a bit more detail so you can pick the best one for you.
Currently the second most popular cross stitch magazine out there, but on the rise, CrossStitcher focuses on modern cross stitch. The contemporary, bright, bold designs are better suited to a 16-50 age bracket, with great finishing ideas, and loads of freebies every issue. Its also the only magazine to offer a digital only option, which at $2 is a steal in itself, although with a physical copy for only $6 it might be worth getting that, as you get the digital copy for free.
Many prominent artists have been featured, including myself back in 2012, 2013 and 2015
Score 9.4/10 Full CrossStitcher review
The World of Cross Stitching (or TWOCS as its sometimes known) is the longest running cross stitching magazine in world wide production, and you can see why quite quickly; its very mainstream. If this is what you’re looking for then its a great magazine, full of patterns, and the largest in size on the list. It plays up on being British for the American market, and so as a Brit you might find it a little unrealistic, but it has lots of other animal, teddy, flower, heart, etc based patterns. They theme on seasons heavily, to the point where every issue is a holiday of some kind. They include free items, but these tend to be knickknacks and not pattern stitching items, however they do include waste canvas often, which can be hard to get your hands on. In recent years its started to struggle as people have moved to other magazines on the list, however still commands a massive following.
Score 9.2/10 Full The World Of Cross Stitching review
Cross Stitch Crazy is a very similar magazine to The World Of Cross Stitching, however tends to appeal to the English market better, with less American holidays, less playing up to being British and more kit giveaways. However, its main draw back, which people are very vocal about is its Christmas period. For the three months leading, all the magazines are devoted to Christmas. This tends to get on people’s nerves a bit. Other than that, its a good magazine, but it might be worth a flick through before buying each month as its a bit hit and miss.
Score 8.3/10
Cross Stitch Gold appeals to the established stitcher, with sometimes VERY complex and large patterns, focuses towards traditional. All the patterns are from established designers, such as Joan Elliott, and most of the projects will take you more than a month to finish. There are no freebies, and most patterns are focused on landscapes, portraits, houses, fairies, samurai, etc much like traditional cross stitch patterns.
Score 8.0/10
A new comer to the cross stitch magazine scene, its demographic is hard to pin down. Almost every cover has “cute” written on it in large, and patterns tend to side with teddy bears and baby congratulations. Its only been going a year, and doesn’t theme for seasons, but barely comes with any free gifts, and never includes enough to make a pattern from the mag.
Score 6.1/10
Enjoy Cross Stitch Magazine is a new magazine, out less than a year, and clearly aimed at getting young girls into cross stitch. The patterns are all very easy, oriented towards pink, and the magazine comes with enough included to get at least 3 patterns made. Each magazine is themed, but never seasonal. However, of all the magazines on the list, its the only one that has a lot of “other” magazine content. You’re likely to find interviews with popular artists, snippets from books, and quizzes not related to cross stitch.
Score 4.9/10
Made by MrXStitch this kickstarter based magazine was created as a direct opposite to the girly magazines the scene is full of. Its simple message, is bringing cross stitch up to date, with very modern patterns, and features that a lot of magazines don’t have; such as everyone gets print and online versions, with larger patterns to see better, a podcast of songs to go with all the patterns, a online community for further support and showing off, etc. Unlike the rest of the entries on the list XStitch is not full of patterns by one main designer, but instead each issue has 12 different designers from around the world (including people like Jane Greenoff and myself), specifically chosen for the themes, which are must more radical than the usual.
Score 9/10
The only US only magazine on the list, Just Cross Stitch has been going just over 30 years, and has had a bit of a rocky start since it was sold last year. The patterns are sometimes inspired, but can occasionally look tired. It has a modern design, and most patterns follow this ideal, and it features lesser known internet cross stitch celebrities. Its big pull is the Christmas ornament issue (not to be confused with the Christmas issue coming out the month after), which includes a large supply of free things, and features nothing but unique ways to make cross stitch ornaments. Its worth looking into if you’re US based, but they currently don’t have any plans to supply the rest of the world.
Score 7.6/10
On our series covering the best cross stitch magazines we review the biggest world wide cross stitch magazine, The World Of Cross Stitching.
To do this review we’ve compiled a series of reviews from industry leaders, as well as feefo reviews and at least a year of continuous subscription to the mag.
When people think of cross stitch magazines, the first one they think of is The World Of Cross Stitching. Its one of the longest running magazines and has over 44,000 monthly readers, making it the largest international cross stitching magazine. As a result when flicking through, you see mainstream patterns; tailored to make sure they’re are as accessable as possible. Whilst this can appeal to an average cross stitcher, the younger or male cross stitchers tend to feel very underwhelmed by the teddy, flower and heart patterns that adorn most issues.
The teddy was just so cute, it even got my daughter into cross stitching!
In regards to the content itself, almost all of the patterns are by the four editors/designers who aren’t known for being big players in the field. At least 20% of the magazine is devoted to full page adverts for various companies. The patterns themselves are mostly small (under 5 hours stitching time), with one 24+ hour piece in each issue.
Its market share shows that cross stitch clearly isn’t on they way out, however with its slightly over played British vibe and traditional patterns, its lost market share recently to alternatives like the CrossStitcher which appeals to a younger crowd.
$6 – $12 per month; digital and print
✓ Loads of patterns ✓ Lots of mainstream patterns ✓ Large readership
╳ Not many modern patterns ╳ Expensive outside of the UK ╳ Not many freebies
On our series covering the best cross stitch magazines we review the more modern cross stitch magazine, CrossStitcher.
To do this review we’ve compiled a series of reviews from industry leaders, as well as feefo reviews and at least a year of continuous subscription to the mag.
As the main competitor to The World Of Cross Stitching magazine, the CrossStitcher takes a different angle to the world of cross stitch, with a much more modern take. The patterns are modern, and feature unique ways of finishing stitches, framing, and witty new takes, which allows it to be the main cross stitch magazine for the younger and more modern crowd. They tend to vary patterns inside from 60-90 equally spaced between small, medium, and large patterns. Unlike many other magazines they tend to advertise using actual content, suggesting a site to get a frame, etc instead of full page adverts.
If you like very modern and contemporary designs then that’s probably your best bet. They use lots of bright, bold colours, fun finishing ideas etc
They are also well known for the free stuff you get, allowing you to at least complete 2 patterns each issue with the freebies provided, although it should be noted the freebies aren’t the highest quality. Its by far the cheapest magazine on offer at the moment, and there are no high fees to pay for postage, especially so with the digital versions.
The ability to be modern and constantly on the cutting edge is how the patterns are sourced; they ask big players in the cross stitch field such as MrXStitch, Maria Diaz, flossandmischief, Jacqui P, Emily Peacock, and Jane Greenoff (founder of the Cross Stitch Guild) to supply patterns.
$2 – $6 per month; digital and print
✓ Loads of patterns ✓ Lots of mainstream patterns ✓ Large readership
╳ Not many modern patterns ╳ Expensive outside of the UK ╳ Not many freebies
A cross stitch calculator is basically a requirement for all stitchers. Sure, if you wanted you could do the maths, but who has time? And who want’s to check it three times over to make sure its right? Neh, instead, pull out the calculator.
There are a few out there now, each doing slightly different things. We’re going to roundup all the best ones in one post, with their pros and cons.
This post has started for a simple reason; I wasn’t happy with the ones available. So I took all the best features from all of the below calculators and combined them into one. Which we (of course) belive is the best, but we’ve also got loads of support from reddit!
Yarn Tree Cross Stitch Calculator (source: yarntree.com)
Yarntree’s calculator has previously held the title as the best due to its extra features. It allows you to select extra aida a the sides for framing and gives you both inches and centimeters, but it also simplifies this down by just asking it you want it or not, doing all the fancy maths in the background.
Crossstitch.com Cross Stitch Calculator (source: Crossstitch.com)
The original online calculator, crossstitch.com do a lot right, however with slightly less choice than Yarntree, always comes away without fully doing the job.
Needlework Tips and Tricks Cross Stitch Calculator (source: needlework-tips-and-techniques.com)
Barely known for anything else, needlework tips & tricks’ calculator has gained a lot of momentum due to it being more mobile compatible than the others mentioned (other than our own), however will a lot less options, tends to be a quick reference calculator to give an approximate, and not exact measurements.
123Stitch Cross Stitch Calculator (source: 123stitch.com)
An extreamly simple calculator, 123stitch tried to link it to a sales procedure that didn’t really work out. Now it serves as the only most basic of sums, which might be better off done in your head.
All online pattern makers have one big problem: limitations. However, of all the online pattern makers I’ve used, patternsforyou.com has the least. With a large 300×300 stitching area, quite good image editing and color selection, its the best one.
With a limited 150×120 stitch area its a little annoying, but the real beauty of myphotstitch.com 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 its 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.
As a craft pattern app maker, you would expect craftdesignonline to be quite good, and it is, however its clearly 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!
If you go a poll of online pattern makers, Pic2Pat comes up fairly high. There are many arguments in its favor, such as 4 thread types, ease of use, etc. However the set sizes of the output are a little annoying.
I’ve revisited this review for 2017 after a load of new features came out. It was the best before, however now its even better. Simply put, if you have an ipad or iphone, get it. Cross Stitch Saga is a true competitor to the desktop paid versions, and as its free, even better.
The new upgrade to pro gives you more stitch options, and a larger aida area to play with. Unless you’re explicitly going to need those features, don’t bother getting the upgrade, but for its low price its a steal if you want it.
It has the functionality of an easy to use, basic pattern maker, but its all on ipad AND iphone (and its not hard to use either).
A new entry to the world of cross stitch generators, Magic Needle is effectively a ‘poiint and click’ pattern generator, however also boasts more more advanced features that make it a little special. As the only true free cross stitch generator for iPad and iPhone is definately worth a shot, even if it isn’t as advanced as the likes of Cross Stitch Saga.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: NO
The only free fully fledged program on the list. Well, its free, and with that comes limited use. However, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, Stitch Art Easy! will definitely do the job. Its got everything you might need, and really 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 its a great starter program. If you do upgrade, WinStitch or MacStitch is most similar in design.
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 the most used cross stitch programs on PC, Mac, Online and iPad with online polls and feefo review scores. Updated November 2018.
WinStitch, and its Mac based brother MacStitch, have a lot going for them. With a massive 30 thread types, and great ease of use, it’s a fantastic competitor. However, its not been widely picked up due to its fairly young age (3 years), so does not have as much following as PC Stitch. In addition the yearly upgrades are chargable (although not required). In addition 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
Threads: 30 brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly
Based on 2063 reviews
You should also use the code “PCS11UPG” to save $30 when you buy!
PC Stitch is full program with all the trimings. Its base ease of use is great, however it’s real advantages lie in better color picking (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.
Threads: DMC, Anchor, others
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly; additional cost
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’s also forums and an email for support and issues. It’s the second most used program out there, and for £24 is a steal. There are however two 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.
Threads: DMC & Cosmo
Print to PDF: No, you can download another (free) program called CutePDF to do this
Updates: Quarterly
Built off the back of Ryijy, this pattern creator has come a long way. Initially its 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 (personally, I LOVE this). Secondly is its unique backstitch portion, that allows you to ‘trace’ the image with a transparency, meaning you can get super clean back stitches. However, its untested on Windows 8/10.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly
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. In addition there are also 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
A very new program by the online cross stitch giant Sew and So. Its literately just been developed, and so it’s hard to comment on its long term prospects, however that’s also where my concerns lie. It’s unlikely that an online retailer has a coder on the permanent staff, meaning its unlikely to get updates, and if they do, it will likely be a costed upgrade. A little much to as considering the high price point to begin.
The light version is $42, but is limited to a 500×500 work area and 50 colors. Whilst that might be all you need, there are other alternatives which offer better value for money.
Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None
HobbyWare is very much like STOIK, in fact, it’s pretty much identical. However, there have not been any updates for 3 years (despite often website updates), which seems a little odd. However, their customer care team is one of the best around, which is something a lot of the competitors don’t have. In addition they have the best colour blending options out there, and whilst this only really applies for larger patterns or professionals, its regarded by many as the best pattern maker commercially available.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Every 2 years; additional cost
Of all the software reviewed, this is the closest to Jane Greenoff’s previous pattern makers. However that said, there is a reason she stopped creating them 15 years ago – there are MUCH better options out there for cheaper. Apparently DP Software didn’t get the message with its frankly over inflated cost.
It also works on Mac, with an unexplained £9 price difference.
Threads: 20 Bands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly, additional cost
Recently thought to be dead, StitchCraft has come back on the scene with 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 $830 for a cross stitch program.
Threads: 33 different brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Unknown
You don’t hear much about STOIK programs, and I’ve never understood why. They do a great job, and are reasonably priced. They are a larger team, so updates are regular, and there is good support. The only reason is doesn’t come higher on my list is its lack of backing from the community. If you have an issue, many would suggest you change to KG Chart or PC Stitch, where there is a wealth of help and guides from the stitching community.
Threads: DMC, Anchor & Maderia
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly
Stitch Painter 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. However, it does have a full version demo which doesn’t appear to run out…
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly
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
ILSoft used to be a major player in cross stitch generation programs, however in early 2008 they sold out to a larger owner, and since then the program has been all but ignored. It’s still a great program, however the lack of quality updates makes it a little lacklustre compared to alternatives. Due to the lack of updates I would ALWAYS go for something thats updated regularly, like PCStitch or WinStitch.
Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Last updated 2009
The only free fully fledged program on the list. Well, it’s free, and with that comes limited use. However, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, Stitch Art Easy! will definitely do the job. It’s got everything you might need, and really 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
All of the other reviews on this page are developed programs, officially released into the world. Cstitch however is slightly different. Its open source. This means that no one owns the program. If you want something added to it, code it and add it yourself. This could be a little annoying, but if you got a coder friend, you might be onto a winner here.
Threads: 15 Brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None; open source
Built off the back of Ryijy, this pattern creator has come a long way. Initially its 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 (personally, I LOVE this). Secondly is its unique backstitch portion, that allows you to ‘trace’ the image with a transparency, meaning you can get super clean back stitches. However, its untested on Windows 8/10.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly
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
The only free fully fledged program on the list. Well, it’s free, and with that comes limited use. However, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, Stitch Art Easy! will definitely do the job. It’s got everything you might need, and really 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
All of the other reviews on this page are developed programs, officially released into the world. Cstitch however is slightly different. Its open source. This means that no one owns the program. If you want something added to it, code it and add it yourself. This could be a little annoying, but if you got a coder friend, you might be onto a winner here.
Threads: 15 Brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: None; open source
Very similar to patterncreator, stitchfiddle offers the same great program, with a slightly easier interface, DMC and Anchor threads and a larger 2000×2000 stitching area.
Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
As the only paid online creator I’ve reviewed, it’s no wonder patterncreator.com comes last on price, however, I would stress that it’s definitely the best of the online options. I would much prefer to buy a more complete version to download. It has everything you need, but limited to a maximum of 250×250 stitching area.
Threads: DMC, Anchor & Venus
Print to PDF: Yes
A fairly new pattern maker, Thread-Bare has a wealth of dithering and effects options, making it s very powerful tool, all-be-it slightly hard to use at first. It’s mostly used for image conversion patterns, as the editor doesn’t let you fix stray pixels, however its powerful code gives you really great results with photos, and the pattern viewer is great.
It’s main downside however is the $10 price point, per pattern, which if you’re making a pattern a month, can cost more than the most expensive options.
Threads: DMC & Riolis
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly
All online pattern makers have one big problem: limitations. However, of all the online pattern makers I’ve used, patternsforyou.com has the least. With a large 300×300 stitching area, quite good image editing and color selection, it’s the best one.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
With a limited 150×120 stitch area it’s a little annoying, but the real beauty of myphotstitch.com 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.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
A simple image upload and export pattern creator, pixel-stitch is actually 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 that it may otherwise deserve.
Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes
A nice editior, 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.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
You don’t hear much from this pattern creator, but unlike its completitors 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
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
A confusing price point makes PictureCraftWork both a steal (if your pattern is less than 1000 stitches) or fairly average priced for online converters. It has the added benefit of quite an advanced pattern creation tool set, but color picking is a little off.
Threads: DMC, Anchor & Madeira
Print to PDF: Yes
As a craft pattern app maker, you would expect craftdesignonline to be quite good, and it is, however its clearly 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
If you go a poll of online pattern makers, Pic2Pat comes up fairly high. There are many arguments in its favour, such as 4 thread types, ease of use, etc. However the set sizes of the output are a little annoying.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
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 favour, however you cannot do any image editing.
Threads: DMC, Anchor, Maderia & Red Heart
Print to PDF: Yes
An extreamly limited option list, without a quality preview (I’ve been informed thats soon to change), yet $5 per pattern, photo2crossstitch bottoms our list. However, as the newest online pattern maker, they also have a lot of room for improvement. The team behind it have reached out, and we should be seeing improvements starting to happen soon.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
This is the Mac version of WinStitch, our second place PC option, and whilst they are very similar, there are a few small differences. That said, the creators are keen to make sure they are both kept up to date at the same regularity and the Mac version has been catching up with the PC versions recently. It’s a simple to use program, it has loads of options and works super smoothly. In addition you can move the pattern from MacStitch to WinStitch with ease.
Demo: Yes
Threads: 30 brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly
OK, I tricked you. Stitchfiddle is actually 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 really 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
This is very similar to the old Jane Greenoff pattern making software, however its 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 Bands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly, additional cost
Another complicated to use Mac cross stitch program, Stitch Painter has lots of options, however has a limited ability to edit images, and a very high cost. On the positive side, there is a full demo which never appears to run out.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly
I’ve revisited this review for 2017 after a load of new features came out. It was the best before, however now it’s even better. Simply put, if you have an iPad or iPhone, get it. Cross Stitch Saga is a true competitor to the desktop paid versions, and as its free, even better.
The new upgrade to pro gives you more stitch options, and a larger aida area to play with. Unless you’re explicitly going to need those features, don’t bother getting the upgrade, but for its low price its a steal if you want it.
It has the functionality of an easy to use, basic pattern maker, but it’s all on iPad AND iPhone (and it’s not hard to use either).
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: No
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 down side however is the cost (but what’s £5 compared to the highest priced review of £137?).
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
A new entry to the world of cross stitch generators, Magic Needle is effectively a ‘poiint and click’ pattern generator, however also boasts more more advanced features that make it a little special. As the only true free cross stitch generator for iPad and iPhone is definately worth a shot, even if it isn’t as advanced as the likes of Cross Stitch Saga.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: NO
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 amount 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
A fantastic app, with fantastic reviews from anyone that uses it. Its easily comparable to the likes of paid PC software, however makes use of touch screen android devices to give a 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
For only a dollar it’s hard to say anything bad about this app, however using this app for the last 3 months, I know its pattern making ability is great. However, without the ability to print or transfer the patterns to PC it’s not a fantastic part of your pattern making arsenal. You can share it via integrated social media, however you also have to have the app to access the file, and you can’t lock it down.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
As the only Linux pattern program out there, KXStitch holds the title as best; but that doesn’t make it a good program. Its lacking in special stitches, more thread sets, and its a little draining on CPU. However, its ease to use does help it out massively, which is why its score is higher than you’d expect.
Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
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 ($47 with discount)) – 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 ($47 with discount)) – 10/10
Slightly less easy to use, but a full software option.
PixelCraft (ONLINE)
REPLACEMENT: stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 9/10
A slightly improved version of PixelCraft.
REPLACEMENT: stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 9/10
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: Cross Stitch Saga (FREE ($4 upgrade)) – 9/10
A slight improvement on Cross Stitch 2 Go HD, with a low price tag.
X-Stitch (IPAD)
REPLACEMENT: Cross Stitch Saga (FREE ($4 upgrade)) – 9/10
A better alternative app, with more features.
$6 – $12 per month; digital and print
