Stitchmate vs FlossCross
FlossCross is one of the best free cross-stitch tools available — fast, private, and genuinely free with Pattern Keeper export. Stitchmate adds 50+ thread brands, French knots, blended threads, layers, FLOW scoring, and patterns up to 2000x2000. Here's an honest comparison.
The short version
Don't have time for a deep dive? Here's the quick take.
Choose FlossCross if you...
- Want completely free with no limits on PDF export or commercial use
- Privacy is paramount (no account required, all data stays local)
- Only use DMC or Anchor threads
- Your patterns are 300x300 stitches or smaller
- Need Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs without paying
Choose Stitchmate if you...
- Need French knots, blended threads, or layers
- Use thread brands beyond DMC and Anchor (50+ available)
- Want FLOW score and confetti cleanup to ensure stitchable patterns
- Need patterns larger than 300x300 (up to 2000x2000)
- Want to import .OXS, .PAT, or .XSD patterns from other software
Price & philosophy
FlossCross wins on price — it's genuinely free with no restrictions on exports or commercial use. Stitchmate's free tier is limited to PNG export; PDF export requires a paid plan.
| Feature | Stitchmate | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free–$149 | Completely free |
| Free tier | Full editor, PNG export only | Full PDF export |
| Registration | Optional (for cloud features) | None required |
| Commercial use | Pro tier ($149 lifetime) | Free |
Pattern size, threads & stitch types
Stitchmate supports larger patterns, more thread brands, and stitch types FlossCross doesn't have.
| Feature | Stitchmate | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Max pattern size | 2000 x 2000 | 300 x 300 |
| Thread brands | 50+ (DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, Madeira, hand-dyed, and more) | 2 (DMC + Anchor) |
| Brand remapping | ✓ (1-click across all 50+ brands) | — |
| French knots | ✓ | — |
| Blended threads | ✓ (2–4 strands, across all 50+ brands) | — |
| Layers | ✓ | — |
| Full / half / quarter / petite | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backstitch | ✓ | ✓ |
Photo conversion & quality
Both convert photos. Stitchmate adds quality analysis tools to predict how a pattern will feel to stitch.
| Feature | Stitchmate | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Photo import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pixel art mode | ✓ (1:1 color preservation) | — |
| FLOW score | ✓ (0–100 stitchability rating) | — |
| Confetti cleanup | ✓ (automatic, adjustable, global or brush) | Basic tool |
| Similar color warnings | ✓ | — |
| Image overlay | ✓ | ✓ |
Editing tools & export
| Feature | Stitchmate | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Selection tools | Rect, lasso, magic wand | Rectangle only |
| Text tool | ✓ (48 fonts) | — |
| Symmetry modes | ✓ | — |
| Pattern file import | ✓ (.OXS, .PAT, .XSD — drag & drop) | ✓ (.OXS import & export) |
| PDF export | Paid plans | Free |
| SVG export | ✓ (paid plans) | ✓ (free) |
| Pattern Keeper compatible | ✓ | ✓ |
| Realistic mockup previews | ✓ (frame/hoop) | — |
| Cloud storage | ✓ (auto-save, syncs across devices) | Local browser only |
| OXS export | — | ✓ |
Pricing
FlossCross is free. Stitchmate offers flexible one-time options — all including future updates, nothing auto-renews.
| Option | Stitchmate | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | ✓ (PNG only, no PDF) | ✓ (full features) |
| 1 pattern | $3.99 (PDF unlock forever, with edits) | — |
| 1 year | $59 (one-time) | — |
| Lifetime | $99 (Hobby) / $149 (Pro) | — |
| Commercial rights | Pro tier | Free |
How they compare in practice
FlossCross is lean and functional. The interface is simple, it respects your privacy (no account, all data local), and it does what it needs to do — for free. For basic patterns with DMC or Anchor threads under 300x300, it's a solid choice with zero cost.
Stitchmate costs more than free, so it needs to earn that difference. Where FlossCross gives you a clean result and trusts you to evaluate it, Stitchmate adds a layer of analysis — FLOW scoring rates stitchability on a 0–100 scale, and the confetti cleanup brush handles scattered stitches automatically. It also has features FlossCross doesn't: French knots, blended threads, layers, 50+ thread brands, and the ability to import patterns from PCStitch, WinStitch, and XSPro.
Neither approach is wrong. FlossCross suits stitchers who want simplicity and zero cost. Stitchmate suits those who want more depth, more thread brands, and quality assurance built in.
The bottom line
FlossCross is one of the best free options available. It's fast, private, and includes free PDF export with Pattern Keeper compatibility and commercial rights. If your patterns fit within 300x300 and you only use DMC or Anchor, FlossCross does the job at zero cost.
Stitchmate is the right choice when you outgrow FlossCross — larger patterns (2000x2000), 50+ thread brands, French knots, blended threads, layers, advanced confetti cleanup, and FLOW scoring. The full editor is free; you only pay when you export a PDF.
For hobbyists making occasional small patterns: FlossCross is hard to beat on value.
For pattern sellers or larger, complex work: Stitchmate's commercial plans add real value — 50+ thread brands, custom PDF branding, realistic mockup previews, and quality tools that help you create professional patterns.
The best way to compare? Try both.
Both are free to start — FlossCross entirely so, Stitchmate with PNG export. See the difference for yourself.
Works on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. No download required.
All comparisons · All features · 12-program review · Pattern maker · Photo converter · DMC color chart · vs WinStitch · vs PCStitch
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Stitchmate and FlossCross?
Both are browser-based cross-stitch pattern makers with Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs. FlossCross is completely free with no limits on exports, but limited to 300x300 patterns and DMC + Anchor only. Stitchmate offers 50+ thread brands, French knots, blended threads, layers, FLOW score quality analysis, advanced confetti cleanup, and patterns up to 2000x2000 at paid tiers.
Is FlossCross really free?
Yes, FlossCross is genuinely free with no restrictions on PDF export or commercial use. It's one of the best free options available. The main limitations are 300x300 max pattern size, DMC + Anchor only, and a simpler toolset (no text tool, no layers, no French knots, basic selection).
Does FlossCross work with Pattern Keeper?
Yes, both FlossCross and Stitchmate export Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs.
Which is better for selling patterns, Stitchmate or FlossCross?
FlossCross allows free commercial use with no restrictions. Stitchmate requires the Pro tier ($149 lifetime) for commercial licensing but offers 50+ thread brands, French knots, blended threads, confetti cleanup, FLOW scoring, custom PDF branding, and realistic mockup previews. For personal use, Stitchmate also offers a $3.99 single-pattern PDF unlock.
What features does Stitchmate have that FlossCross doesn't?
Stitchmate offers FLOW quality scoring, advanced confetti cleanup, 50+ thread brands (FlossCross has DMC + Anchor), French knots, blended threads (2–4 strands), layers, patterns up to 2000x2000, cloud storage, text tools, image overlay, and .OXS/.PAT/.XSD file import from other software.