Frequently Asked Questions

Stitchmate is free to use for converting images and editing patterns. You can preview the PDF export in the app. To download the full printable PDF, you'll need either an unlock (single pattern or a pack) or a Pass. See pricing.

An unlock is a one-time purchase that unlocks one pattern forever. Once unlocked, you can export that pattern's PDF unlimited times, even after edits.

Everything for that pattern: edits, re-exports, and regenerating the PDF after changes. If you change conversion settings or re-import the source image into the same pattern/project, it's still included.

Unlock packs are bundles of future pattern unlocks that never expire. Use them on any patterns—now or later.

A Pass unlocks all patterns while it's active. It's best if you're doing lots of patterns in a short time, or you need commercial options (Seller/Commercial Pass). See selling patterns with Stitchmate for commercial license details.

If you want to own specific patterns forever, choose unlocks (single or pack). If you're doing lots of patterns in a short time or need commercial use, choose a Pass.

The 1 Month and 1 Year options are one-time purchases for that period (no auto-renew). Lifetime is a one-time purchase.

Yes—patterns you create are yours. For commercial use, choose the Seller/Commercial option shown in the upgrade flow (includes a commercial license). Learn more about selling patterns.

Yes. You can unlock a single pattern for $3.99. It stays unlocked forever—edit it, re-export, and download updated PDFs anytime. You'll see this option when you go to export.

Your patterns stay in your account and remain editable. Patterns you unlocked stay unlocked forever. Patterns not unlocked will require an unlock (single or pack) to download PDFs.

Yes—14-day money-back guarantee on paid purchases. If it's not right for you, email support for a refund.

We use Paddle for secure payment processing. Available payment methods vary by region, but typically include major cards and wallet options (often Apple Pay and Google Pay) supported by Paddle.

Use the feedback button in the app or contact us here. Paid Pass holders get priority support with faster response times.

Stitchmate is a browser-based cross-stitch pattern editor. You can convert photos to patterns, design from scratch, and preview printable PDFs. It runs in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge—no download or installation needed.

No. Stitchmate runs entirely in your browser—Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, iPad. Just open the site and start creating.

Stitchmate works on any device with a modern browser:

• Mac (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
• Windows (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• iPad and Android tablets
• Chromebooks
• Linux

For the best experience, we recommend a larger screen (tablet or desktop). Phones work but the interface is optimized for bigger displays.

No account needed to create and preview. Create a free account for cloud storage and to sync patterns across devices.

DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, Madeira, and more. You can switch brands or build a custom palette using threads you already own.

Stitchmate is browser-based (no download), actively updated, and exports PDFs designed to work well with apps like Pattern Keeper. PCStitch and WinStitch are desktop apps. See detailed comparisons, read every cross stitch program reviewed, or learn what makes a good pattern PDF.

Yes — that's what Stitchmate does best. Upload any image and watch it convert to a counted cross stitch pattern in real time. Adjust size, colors, and thread brand until it looks right.

Stitchmate lets you adjust size, colors, and palette in real time and see the result instantly—so you can tune patterns to be stitchable (less confetti, cleaner color blocks). Many other converters give a fixed result with limited control.

FLOW score is a quality metric (0-100) that helps you judge how enjoyable a pattern may be to stitch. It reflects confetti density, color clustering, and thread transitions. Higher scores generally mean smoother stitching with fewer thread changes. Learn more about FLOW score.

Confetti refers to scattered single stitches of a color that are isolated from other stitches of the same color. It makes patterns tedious to stitch—constant thread changes and parking nightmares. Stitchmate has tools to detect and clean up confetti automatically. Read our confetti guide.

It depends on the photo and pattern size:

• Simple images (logos, pixel art): 5-15 colors
• Portraits: 20-35 colors
• Landscapes: 25-50 colors
• Full coverage art: 50-100+ colors

Fewer colors = easier to stitch. Start with fewer and add more if detail is lost. Read our color count guide.

Yes. Stitchmate has a pixel art mode that preserves exact colors and pixel positions. Upload your sprite or pixel art, and it converts 1:1 without color reduction or anti-aliasing. Perfect for video game patterns, clip art and other pixel-based artwork. Read the full pixel art conversion guide.

You can create and edit patterns of any size. Downloading the full printable PDF requires an unlock or a Pass. PNG preview export is available for free. To figure out how much fabric you'll need for a given size, use the fabric calculator.

Full cross stitch, half stitch, quarter stitch (petite), three-quarter stitch, backstitch, and French knots. French knots are fully supported in the editor, PDF export, and pattern imports, with realistic 3D rendering in the preview.

Yes. Stitchmate includes a text tool with 48 cross stitch fonts. Add names, dates, or messages to any pattern. Perfect for birth samplers, wedding gifts, and personalized designs.

Stitchmate has a dedicated confetti tool. Brush over an area and the algorithm detects and removes isolated stitches automatically. You can adjust sensitivity and preview changes before applying. For fine control, use the brush tool to paint over individual stitches. Learn more about confetti in cross stitch.

Yes—unlimited undo and redo. Every change is recorded. Use Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo, Ctrl+Shift+Z (Cmd+Shift+Z) to redo. You can also access the history panel to jump to any previous state.

Yes. The editor supports multiple layers — useful for separating backstitch from cross stitch, organizing complex designs, or working on sections independently. See the layers documentation.

Yes. In the Palette View, right-click any color to remap it to a different color, thread brand or choose a PDF symbol. Switch between DMC, Anchor, Madeira, and other brands instantly. Build mixed palettes using threads you already own. You can also click the "Edit" button in the Palette View to remap the entire pattern to a different thread brand with a single click.

Use the Resize Pattern option in the top-left corner menu to change pattern dimensions. For photo conversions, adjust size during the initial conversion for best results—the algorithm optimizes for your target size. For existing patterns, you can crop, extend canvas, or scale the design.

Stitchmate exports standard, grid-based cross-stitch PDFs and is designed to work well with apps like Pattern Keeper. Compatibility can vary by app version and settings. Note: Pattern Keeper doesn't support every stitch type (for example, backstitch and some specialty stitches). If something looks off, contact us and we'll help.

PDF (print-ready charts with symbols, legends, thread counts), PNG (pattern preview images), and JPEG. Paid options include brandless and custom-branded PDF exports.

Yes—patterns you create are yours. For commercial use, choose the Seller/Commercial option in the upgrade flow (includes a commercial license). Learn more about selling patterns.

Yes—paid options include custom branding on PDF exports. Add your logo, shop name, and contact information to every pattern.

It depends on your plan. Paid options include brandless exports or the ability to replace Stitchmate branding with your own.

It depends on your needs. PCStitch has more specialty stitch types and a longer track record. Stitchmate is browser-based, actively updated, exports PDFs designed to work well with Pattern Keeper, and includes confetti cleanup tools. PCStitch is Windows-only; Stitchmate works on Mac, Windows, and iPad. See detailed comparison.

Both are browser-based. Stitchmate has a simpler, modern interface, real-time photo conversion with quality scoring, confetti cleanup tools, and PDF exports designed to work well with Pattern Keeper. StitchFiddle supports other craft types beyond cross-stitch and has more thread brand options to choose from, as well as collaboration features. See detailed comparison.

WinStitch is a desktop app with more thread brands and specialty stitches. Stitchmate is browser-based with real-time preview, confetti cleanup, and FLOW scoring. Both export PDFs that work well with Pattern Keeper. WinStitch costs ~$50 one-time; Stitchmate is free to start with paid unlocks and Passes. See detailed comparison.

FlossCross is a solid free option. Stitchmate focuses on a faster, more adjustable workflow (real-time tuning, multiple thread brands, and paid PDF exports with print-focused layout). If you only want a simple free converter, FlossCross may be enough. If you want more control over stitchability and export quality, Stitchmate is built for that. See detailed comparison.