Cross Stitch for Windows Archives

I have always enjoyed Halloween more than Christmas, or whatever mid-winter holiday you celebrate.  Too much pressure, too many gifts, too much hype.

And when you work in retail, Halloween isn’t much better.  Most chain stores start putting their Halloween decorations out July 5.  But when that first crisp fall breeze rolls in, and those first few leaves begin to fall, I get inspired.  Many people do. Once the kids are all back in school and the “official” fall season starts, it’s amazing how many of us turn to our craft, our hobby or our passion once again.

So this year I am teaching some students to use the cross stitch program in Bernina Embroidery Software 7.  I am not a big fan of cross stitch..at least not actually DOING it.  However, I love the way it looks, and I love how easy it is to get some things done in software (which I DO love to use).

I stumbled across some lovely cross stitch designs in Just Cross Stitch Magazine.

They always include many  many patterns for people to use.  I scanned a few of their Halloween “ornaments”, and brought the jpegs into the cross stitch software.

Then you can use the software to create stitches following the image in the background.  I wanted to keep these very simple so I could make many, but not take a lot of time.  The cross stitch program within Software 7 saves the file as .arx extension.

The next step of course, is to bring the cross stitch design into the actual embroidery software.  I love this technique because it turns all those little x’s in the Cross Stitch program into machine-readable stitches.  And then it’s just an embroidery design.

Once one file is in the software, you can repeat it multiple times.  I also rearranged the color film, along the right, to stitch all of one color at once instead of all the colors in one pumpkin at a time.  This is a huge step and really cuts down on thread changes.

At the end, I added a double run stitch around the outside of the ornament, leaving the bottom open, so the little critters could be turned inside out and stuffed.  Before that last double run thread stitches, I added the backing, with right sides together. Under the backing I taped down some ribbon, so that they could be hung.  As you can see, in the hoop, they look like little ravioli.

When all is done stitching, I cut everything out, clipped corners, turned it inside out, stuffed them with polyfill, and used the machine to stitch along the bottom closure.

Voila!  Six or eight of them will fit into the jumbo hoop.  I managed to create a cat, a witch and a pumpkin.  I also made some larger ornaments with regular embroidery on them.

I bought a cheap Halloween tree for the house and one for the shop…these will be on display for awhile!  And if I have time, I’ll make more…it’s a little addictive.  And really pretty fast and easy when you make use of technology!  Gotta love it.

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 September 2020.

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Best PC cross stitch pattern software:

WinStitch ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 10/10

Based on 3921 reviews
Use this link ($) or this link (£) to save yourself $5 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
Threads: 30 brands
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Yearly

PC Stitch ($50 ($20 with discount)) – 9/10

Based on 3283 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, 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 ($35) – 7/10

Based on 2349 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 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. Finally, a whole load of new apps don’t support KGchart patterns, meaning they aren’t as useful.

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

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 a 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

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

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

STOIK Stitch Creator ($51) – 4/10

Based on 121 reviews

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 it 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

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 Art Easy! (FREE) – 4/10

Based on 242 reviews

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 do the 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

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

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

ILSoft Stitch R-XP ($99) – 2/10

Based on 26 reviews

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 an OK program, however, the lack of quality updates makes it a little lackluster compared to alternatives. Due to the lack of updates and no support, I would ALWAYS go for something that’s updated regularly, like PCStitch or WinStitch.

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

StitchArtEasy ($15) – 2/10

Based on 9 reviews

A fairly well thought out program, but lacking in modern features that other software has, Stitch Art Easy failed in our reviews due to its cost (considering its so basic), but also due to its apparent nature to confetti everything.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly

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 7 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:

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 a 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

Stitch Art Easy! (FREE) – 4/10

Based on 242 reviews

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 do the 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

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

Cstitch (FREE) – 1/10

Based on 7 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 ONLINE cross stitch pattern software:

stitchfiddle.com (FREE) – 10/10

Based on 2341 reviews

A super easy to use pattern generator with some great features. This is all I need to say about this app, other than its free. It has DMC and Anchor threads and a larger 2000×2000 stitching area. Our first choice for patterns online.

Threads: DMC & Anchor
Print to PDF: Yes

Thread-Bare ($10 per pattern) – 10/10

Based on 641 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. 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 & Riolis
Print to PDF: Yes
Updates: Monthly

patterncreator.com ($7.50) – 7.5/10

Based on 654 reviews

Patterncreator.com is a great online option. It has everything you need but 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

Moulinella ($7.99 per year) – 6.5/10

Based on 32 reviews

As online pattern creator go, Moulinella is really fast. This is backed up by a fairly reasonable pattern creation too. What makes it particularly good is that you can manually go in and pick new colors if they don’t quite match up to what you want; something not seen in any other online creator. But sadly, there are downsides. Most notable of these is the yearly paid subscription model. At $7.99 it’s not overly expensive, but a shame they went for this payment model. In addition, you’re limited to 79 colors maximum, which if you’re converting a photo can be limiting.

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

patternsforyou.com (FREE) – 6.5/10

Based on 1129 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

myphotostitch.com (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 394 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

FreePatternWizard (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 26 reviews

Photo2CrossStitch, or FreePatternWizard as it’s now known has developed a lot since it first came onto our list. 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
Print to PDF: Yes

pixel-stitch.net (FREE) – 6/10

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

StitchingJoy (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 17 reviews

You upload your image, set the colors and size, and it makes a pdf output of your pattern; it is that simple. The only downsides are that the pattern maker struggles with dithering sometimes, and only creates symbol patterns; which can get complicated if you have a lot of colors.

Threads: DMC
Print to PDF: Yes

stitchyourphoto.com ($5 per pattern) – 6/10

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

The Folklore Company ($9/FREE per pattern) – 6/10

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) – 6/10

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) – 6/10

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

craftdesignonline (FREE) – 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

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

Best MAC cross stitch pattern software:

MacStitch ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 10/10

Based on 3921 reviews
Use this link ($) or this link (£) to save yourself $5 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

DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum ($130) – 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

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

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 318 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 274 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) – 8/10

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 Camera ($4) – 3/10

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

Cross Stitch Saga ($11) – 2/10

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

Best ANDROID cross stitch pattern software:

Cross Stitch Saga ($13) – 10/10

Based on 1164 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

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

Based on 176 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

xStitching (FREE) – 8/10

Based on 335 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

XStitch Designer ($1) – 7/10

Based on 225 reviews

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

Best LINUX cross stitch pattern software:

KXStitch (FREE) – 6/10

Based on 12 reviews

As the only 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

Unsupported Software Replacements:

Sew and So Cross Stitch Designer (PC)

REPLACEMENT: WinStitch ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 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 ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 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 ($48 ($35 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 ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 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 ($48 ($35 with discount)) – 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.