Free cross stitch design tool...for stitchers who careCreate patterns you'll enjoy stitching
Convert a photo or design from scratch. Preview every color, catch confetti early, and export a printable chart you can trust.
79% less confetti than StitchFiddle with default settings
Same photo, same settings — see the difference
Same photo, same color count. You can't unsee the difference.
Dog portrait · 200×134 · 25 DMC colors · defaults
Cat portrait · 150×100 · 30 DMC colors · defaults
Less confetti = fewer thread changes and less counting fatigue.
Turn any photo into a pattern worth stitching
Stitchmate's photo converter considers spatial relationships between stitches, not just individual pixel colors. Most converters produce scattered, hard-to-stitch results — Stitchmate shows you the pattern's FLOW Score, a quality metric that predicts how satisfying it will be to actually stitch. Adjust settings and watch the score update in real time before you buy a single skein. Any image works — photos, screenshots, even scanned artwork. Convert a photo to a cross stitch pattern and see the result in seconds.
- See pattern quality scored 0-100 as you adjust
- Spots confetti, redundant colors, and palette issues automatically
- Fine-tune until the pattern flows, not just looks right
From photo to stitchable chart in under a minute
Three steps. No software to install.
Upload or draw
Drop in a photo, an image, or start from a blank grid. The editor opens in your browser — no account needed to begin.
Adjust until it's right
Choose your thread brand, set the color count, and watch the pattern update in real time. The FLOW Score tells you how stitchable it is before you export. Sizing the chart? See the fabric calculator for finished size in inches and centimeters.
Export and stitch
Download a printable PDF with symbols, thread legend, and stitch counts — or share it with Pattern Keeper.
One tool, three ways to use it
Converting a photo?
Turn a favorite photo into something you'll spend 40 hours with — and enjoy every one. The converter accurately matches it to DMC, Anchor, or other thread brands, and the FLOW Score tells you how stitchable it is before you commit. Start with 15–25 colors for most photos — see our color count guide.
Convert my photoDesigning from scratch?
Design something that doesn't exist anywhere else. Alphabets, ornaments, original art — if you can imagine it on a grid, you can build it here. Full tool set, unlimited undo, no prior experience with pattern software needed.
Start creatingSelling patterns on Etsy?
Spend your time designing, not fighting your software. Pattern Keeper compatible PDF exports, confetti cleanup that saves hours per pattern, and commercial licensing with brandless exports in Pro.
See seller featuresFull control over every thread color
Swap any thread for any other. Work with what you have in your stash, or design for a specific brand from the start.
- Remap colors to different threads instantly
- Switch between DMC, Anchor, Madeira & more
- Find substitutes for discontinued colors
Draw and design original cross stitch patterns
Use the cross stitch pattern maker to create original designs from scratch, or refine converted images with precision drawing tools built specifically for counted cross stitch.
- Brush, fill, line, and shape tools
- Full, half, quarter & backstitch support
- Unlimited undo—experiment freely
Cross stitch text, letter, and font generator
Type a name, date, quote, or custom message and see it rendered in stitch-friendly fonts — each letter maps cleanly to a grid, so what you see on screen is what you'll stitch on fabric.
The text tool works for everything from a single monogram to a full alphabet sampler. Choose from 48 stitch-friendly fonts, preview in real time, and add lettering to any pattern — personalized wedding gifts, baby announcements, custom bookmarks.
- Multiple stitch-friendly fonts and sizes
- Real-time preview as you type
- Add text to any pattern — samplers, gifts, bookmarks
Printable cross stitch charts — PDF export with symbols and thread key
Download printable PDF charts with symbols, color keys, and thread counts. Whether you're printing for yourself or selling on Etsy — one click to professional counted cross stitch charts.
- Vector-sharp symbols at any size
- Complete thread legend with codes
- Pattern Keeper compatible
What you can do with Stitchmate
Everything from quick bookmarks to large full-coverage pieces
Photo to cross stitch conversion
Any photo, picture, or screenshot becomes a counted cross stitch chart — matched to your chosen thread brand, with confetti cleaned up before you export.
Printable PDF export
Download professional-grade charts with symbols, legends, and thread counts. Pattern Keeper compatible.
Smart color management
Work with threads you already own, or design for a specific brand from the start. 40+ embroidery floss brands including DMC, Anchor, and Madeira. Swap palettes, reduce colors intelligently, see per-color skein counts instantly.
Advanced stitches
Full cross, half, quarter, three-quarter, backstitch, French knots. If you can stitch it, you can design it.
Non-destructive editing
Change your mind about a color 50 stitches in? Undo it. Try a different palette. Layers, transforms, unlimited undo — nothing is permanent until you export.
Works on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Chromebook
No install, no sync issues. Create patterns of any size — from small bookmarks and mini ornaments to large full-coverage pieces. Stitchmate even works on your phone.
Modern counted cross stitch software, no install required
A cross stitch program built for the browser — works on every device, replaces legacy desktop applications.
Counted cross stitch pattern software
Stitchmate is full-featured counted cross stitch pattern software — design, edit, and export charts with symbols, thread legends, and stitch counts. Replaces older Windows-only programs like PCStitch and WinStitch/MacStitch with a modern interface and active development.
Cross stitch application for any device
As a browser-based cross stitch application, Stitchmate runs on Mac, Windows,
iPad, iPhone, Android, and Chromebook. There's also a desktop app for users
who prefer offline file storage — same editor, native file dialogs, and
local .stitchmate file saves.
Free stitch maker and design program
A free stitch maker that does the things older cross stitch design programs don't: FLOW Score quality analysis, one-click confetti cleanup, and instant thread brand remapping across DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, Madeira, and 40+ floss brands. Free to start — pay only when you export the printable PDF.
Compare Stitchmate to PCStitch, WinStitch, StitchFiddle & FlossCross →
Free to start. Pay only when you export.
Cancel anytime. No long-term commitment.
- Create & edit patterns
- Free PNG exports
- PDF preview
No sign-up needed to start
Start free- Unlock once → export PDF forever
- Best value with the 10-pack discount
- Never expires (use anytime)
- Everything unlocked while active
- Unlimited PDF exports
- Seller Pass for commercial use
See full pricing →
14-day refund policy. Prices in USD. Taxes may apply.
Frequently asked questions
How does Stitchmate compare to other cross stitch software?
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: Stitchmate produces 79% less confetti on default settings, includes a FLOW Score for measuring pattern quality, exports Pattern Keeper compatible PDFs, and runs on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Chromebook with no download. The editor and all tools are free — you pay only when you export the printable PDF.
What's the best cross stitch software for beginners?
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.
Is there a free cross stitch pattern maker?
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. Downloading the final printable PDF is the only paid feature. Try the pattern maker.
What's the best cross stitch app?
The best cross stitch app depends on what you need. Stitchmate is built for modern browsers — it handles photo conversion, pattern design, and PDF export in one place. It runs on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android with no download required, supports 40+ embroidery floss brands, and exports Pattern Keeper compatible charts.
Can I add custom text, names, and letters to a pattern?
Yes. The text and letter generator lets you type any name, date, quote, or custom message and render it in stitch-friendly fonts — each letter maps cleanly to the grid. Use it for personalized gifts, alphabet samplers, monograms, bookmarks, or standalone letter charts. Browse all 48 built-in fonts.
Can I make a cross stitch pattern from a photo or picture?
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.
What is counted cross stitch?
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.
Can I create free cross stitch templates?
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. Only the final PDF download is a paid feature.
Can I make my own cross stitch pattern?
Absolutely. Design your own custom pattern from scratch on a blank grid, or convert any personal photo into a personalized counted cross stitch chart. Add text, adjust colors, and make it truly yours.
Does Stitchmate work on Mac, iPad, and Android?
Yes. Stitchmate is a cross stitch app that runs in modern browsers on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android, and Chromebooks — no install or download required.
Are the charts compatible with Pattern Keeper?
Stitchmate exports standard, grid-based cross stitch PDF charts designed to work well with Pattern Keeper. Compatibility can vary by app version, so if something looks off, tell us and we'll help.
What thread brands do you support?
Can I sell patterns I create?
Yes — patterns you create are yours. For selling or exporting commercially, use the commercial option (Seller/Pro) shown in the upgrade screen. See selling patterns with Stitchmate for full pricing and license details.
Is Stitchmate counted cross stitch software?
Yes — Stitchmate is counted cross stitch pattern software that runs in your browser. It's a modern alternative to legacy desktop programs like PCStitch (Windows-only, last updated 2016) and WinStitch/MacStitch. As web-based cross stitch software it works on Mac, Windows, iPad, and Chromebook with no installer, and includes a desktop app for users who want offline file storage.
What is a stitch maker or cross stitch program?
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 a free online stitch maker that does all of this in a browser, with photo conversion, confetti cleanup, and Pattern Keeper compatible PDF export.
See how your photo converts
Cross stitch is a real commitment — real thread, real hours, real frustration if the pattern doesn't work. Stitchmate lets you see exactly what you're getting into before you buy the first skein.
Upload an image, adjust the settings, check the FLOW Score — about 30 seconds to know if it'll work. Everything up to PDF export is free, no account needed.
Upload Your Photo Free