With every wake moment thinking about cross stitch, it’s no wonder you want an app or two to help you out. We round up the best apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. Ranked using iTunes store (for iPhone & iPad) and GooglePlay (for Android) reviews.
Jump to iPhone
Jump to iPad
Jump to Android
Best iPhone cross stitch apps:
Cross Stitch World (FREE) – 10/10
Based on 656 reviews
Unlike others on the list, this app isn’t a tool, but is actually a game. Effectively it’s a paint by numbers affair, made to look like cross stitch, with the ability to make new patterns with your own images. Due to the recent trend of adult coloring books, the app has really hit it off, but for most cross stitchers it might just be a distraction.
However, if you suffer from any arthritis or similar conditions stopping you stitching, this is a great alternative!
Cross Stitch Saga (FREE) – 7/10
Based on 127 reviews
I LOVE Cross Stitch Saga. Simply put, if you have an iPad or iPhone, get it. Cross Stitch Saga is a true competitor to the desktop paid versions of pattern software.
It works with all the other pattern programs, allowing you to import patterns and work on them on the fly, and allows you to save in formats such as .pat and import it back into desktop software. The fact that the app is free, is frankly astonishing. I know you might think that being on iPhone it might be a bit fiddly, but I promise you it’s not, as the app has been designed to be super user friendly.
Cross Stitch Calculator (FREE) – 3/10
Based on 24 reviews
A fabric size calculator in your pocket. Sadly the app has many bugs and issues, leaving most to prefer alternative cross stitch calculators, such as our own.
Cross Stitch Saga PRO ($4) – 7/10
Based on 127 reviews
The paid upgrade for Cross Stitch Saga, the increase doesn’t really get you much. An increased area to work in, a pattern repository and slightly more speciality stitches. Unless you’re explicitly going to need those features, the free version will suit you, but for its low price is a great alternative to desktop software.
Thread Tracker 117 ($1) – 7/10
Based on 14 reviews
For a dollar, it’s hard to say anything bad about this app, however in reality, it’s just a spreadsheet to track which DMC threads you have. The advantage, and the thing that makes this app so successful is you can import list of colors needed for your next project, and the app works out which ones you need. Next time you’re in a store, pull the app out and the list is there straight away. Of all the apps on the list, this is the one I personally use the most.
Thread Replacer 117 ($1) – 4/10
Based on 1 reviews
From the maker of Thread Tracker 117, this app has a slightly different aim. If you’re on a project and you’re missing a color, the app will give you the 5 nearest colors to the one you want. Sometimes this allows you to make a swap, however often, it results in needing to buy new thread. I would personally buy a shade card instead.
Cross Stitch Guild ($8) – 5/10
Based on 2 reviews
A great app in premise, the cross stitch guild have put together a series of tools into one app, allowing you to convert thread, work out fabric size, and track which threads you own. However, it doesn’t do any of these particularly well. With bugs and a super high price point, you’re better off getting Thread Tracker 117, Cross Stitch Calculator and Cross Stitch Saga for less money and a better user experience.
Best iPad cross stitch apps:
Cross Stitch World (FREE) – 10/10
Based on 656 reviews
Unlike others on the list, this app isn’t a tool, but is actually a game. Effectively it’s a paint by numbers affair, made to look like cross stitch, with the ability to make new patterns with your own images. Due to the recent trend of adult coloring books, the app has really hit it off, but for most cross stitchers it might just be a distraction.
However, if you suffer from any arthritis or similar conditions stopping you stitching, this is a great alternative!
Cross Stitch Saga (FREE) – 7/10
Based on 127 reviews
I LOVE Cross Stitch Saga. Simply put, if you have an iPad or iPhone, get it. Cross Stitch Saga is a true competitor to the desktop paid versions of pattern software.
It works with all the other pattern programs, allowing you to import patterns and work on them on the fly, and allows you to save in formats such as .pat and import it back into desktop software. The fact that the app is free, is frankly astonishing. I know you might think that being on iPad it might be a bit fiddly, but I promise you it’s not, as the app has been designed to be super user friendly.
StitchSketch ($8) – 9/10
Based on 251 reviews
StitchSketch is created by the maker of KG Chart. It’s a fantastic pattern creation program, which works almost as well as any desktop program. The app only allows you to import back into KG chart, however unlike apps like Cross Stitch Saga, the app has all of the advanced features the desktop version does.
X-Stitch ($3) – 9/10
Based on 27 reviews
Similar to Thread Tracker 117 this app not only tracks threads, but aida, needles, charts and other tools. It’s “need to buy” feature not only works well, but it reads your charts and patterns to give you lists of threads needed for each project too!
Crossty ($4) – 8/10 (US only)
Based on 9 reviews
A very clever app, Crossity comes in after you’ve made a pattern. You import your pattern and Crossity takes over. You highlight the colour you’re using, you can select areas you’ve already stitched, it works out how long it will take you to stitch the rest of the project or color, counts stitches and even works out the best route to minimise confetti and jumping across the back. There is also a free version, however ads are incredibly intrusive and the limited features means its work spending the 5 dollars.
Cross Stitch Saga PRO ($4) – 7/10
Based on 127 reviews
The paid upgrade for Cross Stitch Saga, the increase doesn’t really get you much. An increased area to work in, a pattern repository and slightly more speciality stitches. Unless you’re explicitly going to need those features, the free version will suit you, but for its low price is a great alternative to desktop software.
Cross Stitch Camera ($4) – 7/10
Based on 10 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.
Best Androids cross stitch apps:
Cross Stitch World (FREE) – 9/10
Based on 31,188 reviews
Unlike others on the list, this app isn’t a tool, but is actually a game. Effectively it’s a paint by numbers affair, made to look like cross stitch, with the ability to make new patterns with your own images. Due to the recent trend of adult coloring books, the app has really hit it off, but for most cross stitchers it might just be a distraction.
However, if you suffer from any arthritis or similar conditions stopping you stitching, this is a great alternative!
Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator (FREE) – 8/10
Based on 124 reviews
A fabric size calculator in your pocket. Sadly the app has many bugs and issues, leaving most to prefer alternative cross stitch calculators, such as our own.
Crossty ($5) – 9/10
Based on 360 reviews
A very clever app, Crossity comes in after you’ve made a pattern. You import your pattern and Crossity takes over. You highlight the colour you’re using, you can select areas you’ve already stitched, it works out how long it will take you to stitch the rest of the project or color, counts stitches and even works out the best route to minimise confetti and jumping across the back. There is also a free version, however ads are incredibly intrusive and the limited features means its work spending the 5 dollars.
Cross Stitch Thread Organizer ($1) – 8/10
Based on 30 reviews
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, Cross Stitch Thread Organizer orders your threads with to-buy lists, current stock, and warns you if you’re running low on a thread and a future project needs it. There are a lot of other apps doing exactly this, however what makes this app fantastic is the constant upgrades, and a really devoted developer who can be found on reddit daily.
eCanvas for cross-stitch PRO ($3) – 8/10
Based on 92 reviews
A simplistic pattern creation software, eCanvas makes patterns up for you to export and stitch. Its lacking in advanced stitches and sometimes assumes you’re using a stylus instead of a finger, however it’s a well-balanced app. There is also a free version, however adverts obstruct the working area and it makes pattern creation VERY hard.
XStitch Designer ($1) – 7/10
Based on 222 reviews
A great pattern creation app, well designed so it works on a phone. The only downside is you can’t print directly from the app, and getting a pdf to print from a computer isn’t user friendly.
Everyone has heard of Gold Stork scissors, however thanks to a market full of fakes, its rare to find a good, sharp pair. Instead think about investing in a funky pair such as these Premax ones.
I know this will initially sound crazy, after all these are called sewing machine scissors, however the double curve design allows you to get right into the threads without casting shadows, brushing the threads, or obscuring your view. Also they totally make you feel like a surgeon.
These traditional Japanese shears don’t peel apart like other thread scissors, and their low price means you can change them often (which you’ll have to) without much pain.
Alternatively you can get a pair of plastic handled Premax scissors which are much more expensive, but you can purchase replacement heads at $2 each time. They’re nicer in the hand, and easier to snip for people with stiff fingers.
Fiskars fabric scissors (unlike many other brands) are made from titanium. This means that firstly they’ll last forever without the need for sharpening, however they’re also capable of cutting through thick aida fabric. Their formed handle is also a great fit (they come in right or left handed).
You ideally want something razor sharp, so these Fiskars RazorEdge pair really work wonders, however any stainless-steel pair will work, just remember to sharpen them often!
Alternately, pick up a quality craft knife instead. With easy swap out blades, and a trusted brand like X-acto, this Z number 1 blade will last you a long time!
