Cross stitch software compared — 2026
Which cross stitch program should you use? Stitchmate if you want a professional editor in the browser, with confetti cleanup and 60+ thread brands. PCStitch if you design on Windows and want its library of specialty stitches. WinStitch for a native Mac or Windows app. Stitch Fiddle for a simple browser workflow across many crafts. FlossCross if you want it completely free.
Stitchmate is the browser editor we make: 60+ thread brands, FLOW scoring and confetti cleanup, .PAT, .OXS and .XSD import, and Pattern Keeper-compatible PDFs, from $2 a pattern (10-pack) or $7.99 single, with no subscription. Want every option in depth? See all 12 programs reviewed .
Head-to-head comparisons
Choosing between two specific tools? These pages go deeper — features, export quality, and which use cases each wins.
Stitchmate vs WinStitch
Browser vs Mac + Windows desktop
From $2/pattern (packs) vs $47 + tax one-time · 60+ vs 30+ thread brands
Stitchmate vs PCStitch
Browser (any device) vs Windows-only desktop
From $2/pattern (packs) vs $49.95 one-time · Confetti cleanup vs none
Stitchmate vs Stitch Fiddle
Two browser-based pattern makers compared
Pattern Keeper export vs none · FLOW Score vs none
Stitchmate vs FlossCross
Paid features vs completely free
2000×2000 max vs 300×300 · 60+ thread brands vs 2 DMC and Anchor
Stitchmate vs Stitchly
Browser editor vs native iPad app
Any device, 60+ thread brands, file import vs a native iPad app, offline, one-time purchase
Stitchmate vs Pattern Keeper
Browser progress tracker vs Android PDF tracker
Any device, syncs, tracks backstitch, free · Android only, reads many designers' PDFs, ~$9
Stitchmate vs Musely
Full editor vs AI photo-to-chart generator
One-time unlocks vs monthly AI plan · 60+ thread brands vs DMC and Anchor
Stitchmate vs KG-Chart
Browser (any device) vs Windows-only charting classic
From $2/pattern (packs) vs no longer sold (its maker points to StitchSketchEx) · Photo conversion + Pattern Keeper vs hand charting
Stitchmate vs Xstitchify
Two browser pattern editors, different scope
60+ thread brands and five crafts vs 4 brands, cross stitch only · One-time pricing vs subscription
Stitchmate vs Pic2Pat
Full editor vs free three-step photo converter
Confetti cleanup, backstitch and fractionals vs PDF as generated · From $2/pattern vs free
Why stitchers are switching to Stitchmate
Every program here has real strengths. PCStitch 11 was updated for Windows 10 and offers 60+ specialty stitches. WinStitch has over 30 years of development behind it and a native Mac version. FlossCross is free and includes blends, Anchor, confetti fixing and Pattern Keeper export. Stitch Fiddle runs in the browser with knots, beads and layers on Premium. None of them combines FLOW scoring, 60+ thread brands, and .PAT/.OXS/.XSD import in one browser editor.
Stitchmate is designed to be both. The editor has the depth that professional designers expect — layers, blended threads, French knots, backstitch, partial stitches, and 60+ thread brand catalogs with DMC and Anchor matched using perceptual color science (CIEDE2000). But the interface is clean and fast, built for stitchers who'd rather spend their time designing than fighting software.
Bring your existing patterns
Switching software shouldn't mean starting over. Stitchmate opens .PAT (PCStitch), .OXS (WinStitch/MacStitch), and .XSD (Pattern Maker) files — drag and drop a pattern file and it opens in the editor, ready to edit and re-export. No conversion tools, no file format headaches.
Professional PDF charts you can customize
Every paid download includes a Pattern Keeper-compatible PDF alongside the color and black-and-white charts. Configure your cover page, chart grid, legend layout, and add designer branding. Backstitch, partial stitches, and legend comments all render cleanly. And unlike static exports from other tools — Stitchmate PDFs are linked to editable patterns. Found a color you want to swap after exporting? Open the pattern, change it, and re-export. Your pattern is living, not locked.
Photo conversion that actually produces stitchable patterns
Most converters treat each pixel independently, creating scattered single stitches — stitchers call this "confetti." Stitchmate's converter uses perceptual color matching (CIEDE2000 in OKLCH color space) and spatial-aware quantization to group similar colors into regions you can actually stitch. A built-in FLOW Score (0–100) tells you how stitchable the pattern is before you pick up a needle. Dedicated pixel art mode. Downloadable mockup previews showing your pattern in a frame or hoop.
Remap to any thread brand in one click
Designed a pattern in DMC but your customer prefers Anchor? Select the new brand in the palette panel and Stitchmate remaps every color to the closest perceptual match — instantly. No manual color-by-color swapping. This works across all 60+ supported thread brands.
Works everywhere, with a desktop app for offline work
Stitchmate runs in any modern browser on desktop, tablet, or Chromebook. The browser version needs an internet connection; for offline editing there's a desktop app for Mac and Windows, included with every lifetime pass.
Flexible pricing — no subscriptions required
A single pattern costs $7.99. Packs bring it down to $2/pattern. Need unlimited access? $14.99 for 30 days — one-time, not recurring. Lifetime is $99. Every option is a one-time purchase, no subscriptions. For comparison, Stitch Fiddle Premium is $5.50 for a month or $33 for a year (one-off payments, no automatic renewal), and PCStitch 11 is $49.95 upfront — its free trial is the full program with saving disabled. Prices from Stitch Fiddle's site and PCStitch's site as of September 2026.
Stitchmate at a glance
- Platform: Browser (any device) + Mac and Windows desktop app (lifetime pass)
- Thread brands: 60+ catalogs in editor (DMC, Anchor most accurate)
- Pattern import: .XSD, .OXS, .PAT files (drag & drop)
- Photo conversion: Perceptual color matching, confetti cleanup, FLOW Score, pixel art mode
- PDF export: Pattern Keeper-compatible, configurable, with custom branding
- Stitch types: Full, half, quarter, petite, backstitch, French knots, blended threads
- Layers: Yes
- Pricing: From $2/pattern (10-pack) · $7.99 single · $14.99/30 days · $99 lifetime (all one-time)
Stitchmate is intuitive enough for a first pattern and deep enough that professional sellers use it for their Etsy shops. The interface stays clean at every skill level — beginners see a simple photo converter and editor, while power users access layers, blended threads, thread brand remapping, and configurable PDF export.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Feature | Stitchmate | WinStitch | PCStitch | Stitch Fiddle | FlossCross | Stitchly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform & Access | ||||||
| Platform | Browser (any device) | Windows / Mac | Windows only | Browser | Browser | iOS, Android, Mac (M1+) |
| Runs in browser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Desktop app | ✓ (Mac and Windows, included with lifetime) | ✓ | ✓ | Mac (M1+) app | ||
| Free Tier | ✓ | Demo (no print/export) | Trial (no save) | ✓ | ✓ (full) | ✓ (limited) |
| Pattern files & PDF output | ||||||
| Pattern file import (.XSD, .OXS, .PAT) | ✓ (drag & drop) | ✓ (.OXS, .PAT v4–7) | — (own format only, .pat) | ✓ (.OXS) | ✓ (.OXS) | |
| Thread brand remapping (1-click) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Editable exports (re-open & re-export) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Realistic mockup previews | ✓ (frame/hoop) | ✓ (Framed View) | Realistic image (no frame) | |||
| Custom branding on PDF | ✓ (Plus Pass) | ✓ | Logo on printouts | No SF mention (Premium) | Header/footer text | ✓ (store details) |
| Mobile / tablet editing | ✓ (browser) | Companion app (MobiStitch) | ✓ (browser) | ✓ (browser) | ✓ (native app) | |
| Photo Conversion | ||||||
| Photo Import | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pixel Art Mode | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| FLOW Score | ✓ | |||||
| Confetti Detection | ✓ | |||||
| Confetti Cleanup | ✓ (automatic, adjustable) | Basic (Despeckle) | Import slider | Fix-all + brush | Clean Up brush | |
| Editing Tools | ||||||
| Drawing Tools | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Basic | ✓ |
| Selection Tools | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | ✓ |
| Layers | ✓ | ✓ | Objects only | ✓ (Premium) | ||
| Max Pattern Size | 2000 × 2000 | 999 × 999 | 999 × 999 | 1000 × 1000 (300 free) | 300 × 300 | 500 × 500 |
| Thread Support | ||||||
| Thread Brands | 50+ (catalog in editor) | 30+ | DMC, Anchor, Weeks + more | 51 floss lines | 2 DMC and Anchor | DMC, Anchor, Madeira, Gamma, DMC specialty lines, wool |
| Thread Conversion | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Stitch Types | ||||||
| Full Cross Stitch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Half & Petite Stitch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (¼ ½ ¾) |
| Backstitching | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| French Knots | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (Premium) | ✓ | |
| Blended threads (two-strand) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Specialty Stitches | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Export Options | ||||||
| PDF Export | ✓ | ✓ | Print-to-PDF only | ✓ | ✓ (free) | ✓ (full version) |
| Pattern Keeper PDF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (manual) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Image Export | ✓ (PNG) | ✓ (PNG) | ✓ (PNG) | ✓ (PNG) | ✓ (PNG) | ✓ (PNG, 1:1 print) |
| SVG Export | ✓ (paid) | ✓ (paid) | ✓ (free) | |||
| Stitching | ||||||
| Progress tracker | ✓ (free, any device, syncs, tracks backstitch) | Not documented for cross stitch | ✓ (in app) | |||
| Pricing | ||||||
| 1 Pattern | from $2 forever with edits | |||||
| 1 Month | $14.99 (one-time) | $5.50 (no auto-renew) | ||||
| Lifetime | From $99 | $47 + tax | $49.95 | Free | $75 ($39.99 offer), per platform | |
Stitchmate
- Runs in browser
- ✓
- Desktop app
- Mac, Windows (lifetime)
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- ✓
- Confetti Cleanup
- ✓
- French knots
- ✓
- Pattern Keeper
- ✓
- Thread Brands
- 50+
- Max Size
- 2000×2000
WinStitch
- Platform
- Win/Mac
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- —
- Confetti Cleanup
- Basic
- Pattern Keeper
- ✓
- Thread Brands
- 30+
- Max Size
- 999×999
PCStitch
- Platform
- Windows
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- —
- Confetti Cleanup
- —
- Pattern Keeper
- ✓ (manual)
- Thread Brands
- DMC, Anchor + more
- Max Size
- 999×999
Stitch Fiddle
- Platform
- Browser
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- —
- Confetti Cleanup
- Import slider
- Pattern Keeper
- —
- Thread Brands
- 51 lines
- Max Size
- 1000×1000
FlossCross
- Platform
- Browser
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- —
- Confetti Cleanup
- Fix-all + brush
- Pattern Keeper
- ✓
- Thread Brands
- 2 DMC and Anchor
- Max Size
- 300×300
Stitchly
- Platform
- iOS, Android, Mac (M1+)
- Photo Convert
- ✓
- FLOW Score
- —
- Confetti Cleanup
- Brush
- Pattern Keeper
- ✓
- Thread Brands
- DMC, Anchor, Madeira, Gamma, wool
- Max Size
- 500×500
Try Stitchmate for your next pattern
See for yourself — open a pattern in the editor.
Use it free; you only pay when you export a PDF.
Which cross stitch software is best for you?
Different programs, different strengths. Here's which one fits your workflow — and why Stitchmate is the one we'd recommend for most stitchers in 2026.
Beginners
New to cross stitch software? Start with Stitchmate's photo converter — upload a photo, adjust colors, and export a pattern. No learning curve. Try the photo converter
Stitchmate
Photo conversion
Converting photos and want clean, stitchable results without tons of confetti? See how Stitchmate converts photos — confetti cleanup, FLOW Score, dedicated pixel art mode, and realistic mockup previews in a frame or hoop. Adjust colors and detail until the pattern looks right, not after you've already started stitching.
Stitchmate
Switching from another tool
Already have patterns in PCStitch (.PAT), WinStitch (.OXS), or Pattern Maker (.XSD)? Stitchmate opens them all — drag and drop, then edit and re-export. No conversion tools needed.
Stitchmate
Use any device, anywhere
Need to work on your phone, tablet, Chromebook, or any computer without installing software? Explore the pattern maker — it runs entirely in your browser with no download required.
Stitchmate or Stitch Fiddle
Pattern Keeper users
Love stitching with Pattern Keeper on your tablet? You need software that exports compatible PDFs.
Stitchmate or WinStitch
Most thread brands
Need support for obscure thread brands beyond DMC and Anchor? Some software has much broader palette support.
Stitchmate (60+) or WinStitch (30+ brands)
Lowest cost
On a budget but need more than free tiers offer? Desktop software has lower lifetime prices.
WinStitch ($47 + tax, one-time) or PCStitch ($49.95, one-time)
Completely free
Need free PDF export with no restrictions? FlossCross is completely free with commercial rights included, though limited to 300×300, DMC and Anchor, and three pattern slots.
FlossCross or pic2pat
Windows power users
Long-time Windows user who wants the industry standard desktop app?
WinStitch
Pattern sellers
Selling patterns on Etsy? Import your existing collection (.XSD, .OXS, .PAT), edit in Stitchmate, and export Pattern Keeper-compatible PDFs with custom branding — re-exportable projects you can re-open anytime. See what Stitchmate offers sellers →
Stitchmate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cross stitch software in 2026?
Can Stitchmate open PCStitch, WinStitch, or Pattern Maker pattern files?
Can I edit a pattern after exporting the PDF?
Does Stitchmate work on Chromebook?
What thread brands does Stitchmate support?
Which cross stitch software has the best confetti reduction?
How much does WinStitch cost?
What is the best free cross stitch software?
Is PCStitch better than WinStitch?
What cross stitch software works on Mac?
Which cross stitch software exports Pattern Keeper PDFs?
What is the difference between free and paid cross stitch software?
Which cross stitch program should I use?
It depends on what you need. Here's a quick guide by use case:
For Mac users: Stitchmate, Stitch Fiddle, and FlossCross run in the browser on Mac and iPad. WinStitch has a native Mac app. PCStitch and KG-Chart are Windows-only.
For beginners on a budget: FlossCross is completely free with Pattern Keeper support. Stitchmate offers a free tier with more advanced tools.
For pattern sellers: Stitchmate (with a Plus Pass), WinStitch and FlossCross all support commercial use. Every paid Stitchmate download includes a Pattern Keeper-compatible PDF; PCStitch requires manual font setup for Pattern Keeper compatibility.
For detailed photo conversion: Stitchmate's converter creates accurate colors and considers spatial relationships between stitches, reducing confetti. Stitch Fiddle and FlossCross offer photo import with simple confetti controls (an import slider, or a fix-isolated-crosses tool) but no stitchability scoring, and Pic2Pat offers basic photo import without confetti cleanup. Musely's AI generator is quick and maps to DMC by default (Anchor is a paid advanced option), with palette-level edits rather than stitch-by-stitch editing. Xstitchify is the closest browser rival: a real editor with automatic confetti reduction, but cross stitch only, with 4 thread brands and a subscription for fractional stitches .
Want a deeper breakdown? Read the full 12-program cross stitch software review for detailed feature-by-feature analysis.
Ready to try Stitchmate?
Full pattern editing in your browser — 60+ thread brands, confetti cleanup, Pattern Keeper export. No install. Start free; upgrade when you need exports.
Actively developed — 85 updates in the past year, most recently . See what's new →
Selling patterns on Etsy?
Import your existing collection (.XSD, .OXS, .PAT), edit in Stitchmate, and export Pattern Keeper-compatible PDFs with your own branding.
See what Stitchmate offers sellers →