Turn any photo into a pattern you’ll enjoy making

Stitchmate is a browser-based alternative to desktop programs like PCStitch (Windows-only, last updated 2016) and WinStitch/MacStitch ($52–$72, native apps). It also competes with web-based tools like StitchFiddle and FlossCross. Key differences: in a side-by-side test at default settings, Stitchmate left 79% fewer confetti stitches than StitchFiddle. It also includes a FLOW Score for measuring pattern quality, exports Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs, and runs on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Chromebook with no download (lifetime passes also include a Mac and Windows desktop app that works offline). The editor and all tools are free for up to 10 patterns at a time. You pay only when you export the printable PDF.

For beginners, the most important features are real-time preview (so you see the pattern before committing), honest time estimates, and a stitchability score. Stitchmate is free to start, runs in your browser with no download, and shows a FLOW Score that predicts how satisfying the pattern will be to stitch. Start with a pattern under 100×100 stitches and 15–20 colors on 14-count Aida.

Yes. Stitchmate is free and runs in your browser. Convert photos, design patterns from scratch, and preview PDF exports without paying or creating an account. The free plan keeps up to 10 patterns at a time, and downloading the final printable PDF is the one thing you pay for. Try the free cross stitch pattern maker.

No. The photo converter isn't generative AI and doesn't invent anything. It resizes your photo to the stitch grid, matches each area to real thread colors (DMC, Anchor, and the rest of our 60+ brands), and cleans up confetti with ordinary color math that runs on your device. Your photos aren't used to train anything. Two optional helpers do use small machine-learning models, both running in your browser: the remove-background tool, which cuts the subject out of a photo, and a safety filter that checks exports for adult content. Neither one draws your pattern.

It depends on whether you're designing a pattern or stitching one. For designing, Stitchmate handles photo conversion, pattern design, and PDF export in one place. It runs on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android with no download required, supports 60+ embroidery floss brands, and exports Pattern Keeper compatible charts. For stitching, its progress tracker is free and marks off stitches on your phone or tablet.

Yes. The editor's text tool lets you type any name, date, quote, or custom message and render it in stitch-friendly fonts, and each letter maps cleanly to the grid. Use it for personalized gifts, samplers, monograms, or bookmarks. For a name, a word, or an A–Z alphabet sheet on its own, use the free cross stitch text generator. Browse all 48 built-in fonts.

Yes. Upload any photo, picture, or image and Stitchmate converts it into a counted cross stitch pattern. Adjust the size, number of colors, and thread brand, and see the result update in real time before you commit.

Counted cross stitch is a form of embroidery where you follow a charted pattern on even-weave fabric, counting stitches rather than tracing a printed design. Stitchmate generates the symbol charts, thread legends, and stitch counts you need to work from.

Yes. You can create and edit cross stitch pattern templates for free. Start from a blank grid or convert any photo. The editor, all design tools, and PDF preview are free for up to 10 patterns at a time. You pay only to download the final PDF.

Yes. Stitchmate is a cross stitch app that runs in modern browsers on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android, and Chromebooks, with no install or download required. If you want an app that works offline, a lifetime pass includes the Stitchmate desktop app for Mac and Windows.

Yes. Stitchmate's PDFs are Pattern Keeper TESTED. Pattern Keeper can't show every partial stitch or backstitch, so before you download, Stitchmate tells you exactly how many it will leave out. If a chart ever doesn't import cleanly, tell us and we'll fix it.

DMC, Anchor, Madeira, Cosmo, JP Coats, and more: 60+ embroidery floss brands. You can switch brands, find substitutes for discontinued colors, or build a custom palette using threads you already own.

Yes. Patterns you make are yours to stitch and gift. To sell them, the Plus Pass ($24.99 for 30 days or $149 lifetime) adds a commercial license and brandless PDFs. See selling patterns with Stitchmate for full pricing and license details.

A stitch maker (or cross stitch program) is software for designing counted cross stitch patterns: placing stitches on a grid, choosing thread colors, and exporting a printable chart with symbols and a thread legend. Stitchmate is an online stitch maker that does all of this in a browser, with photo conversion, confetti cleanup, and Pattern Keeper compatible PDF export. Designing is free; the printable PDF is $7.99.

Yes. Stitchmate has a dedicated needlepoint mode: charts render as true tent stitches on a canvas grid, sizing works in mesh count (10 to 28 mesh), petite stitches handle fine detail, and the thread library includes Appleton wool alongside DMC. Exports say canvas and mesh, not fabric and count.

Yes. Whole-stitch cross stitch charts convert cleanly to needlepoint. Open or import a pattern, switch the craft to needlepoint, and the chart re-renders in tent stitch with mesh-count sizing. The conversion guide covers the whole-stitch rule and Aida-to-mesh sizing.