Xstitchify
Free, or from £7.99/mo
Web - any device
PCStitch
$49.95 (one-time)
Windows only
Xstitchify vs PCStitch Pro
PCStitch is a long-established Windows desktop application for cross stitch pattern design. First released in the 1990s, it has been the industry standard for decades and is widely used by pattern designers and hobbyists.
PCStitch platform:
Windows only
Xstitchify platform:
Web (any device)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Xstitchify | PCStitch |
|---|---|---|
| Image to pattern conversion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Text and lettering patterns | ✓ | - |
| QR code patterns | ✓ | - |
| Blank canvas designer | ✓ | ✓ |
| DMC thread colour matching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple thread brands (Anchor, Madeira, Cosmo) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thread brand conversion charts | ✓ | - |
| Fabric size calculator | ✓ | - |
| Project time calculator | ✓ | - |
| Interactive pattern editor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backstitch support | Coming Soon | ✓ |
| Fractional stitches (quarter, half) | Coming Soon | ✓ |
| PDF export | ✓ | ✓ |
| PNG export | ✓ | ✓ |
| SVG export | ✓ | - |
| Works on iPad and tablets | ✓ | - |
| Works on mobile phones | ✓ | - |
| Works on Mac | ✓ | - |
| Works on Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| No download or install needed | ✓ | - |
| Cloud saves and pattern library | ✓ | - |
| Free tier available | ✓ | - |
PCStitch strengths
- ✓ Industry standard with decades of development
- ✓ One-time purchase with no ongoing costs
- ✓ Advanced features like backstitch and fractional stitches
- ✓ Supports specialty stitches and bead placement
- ✓ Works offline with no internet needed
- ✓ Large community of experienced users
PCStitch limitations
- ✗ Windows only - no Mac, iPad, or mobile support
- ✗ Requires download and installation
- ✗ Dated user interface
- ✗ No cloud saves - patterns stored locally only
- ✗ No text pattern or QR code tools
- ✗ No free version to try before buying
Where Xstitchify stands out
- ✓ Works on any device - iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Chromebook
- ✓ No download or installation needed
- ✓ Free to use with generous limits
- ✓ Text patterns, QR codes, and blank canvas designer
- ✓ Thread conversion charts across 4 brands
- ✓ Fabric and time calculators built in
- ✓ Cloud pattern library
Which should you choose?
PCStitch is best for Windows users who want a one-time purchase with powerful desktop features like backstitch and fractional stitches. Xstitchify is best for stitchers who want a free, web-based tool that works on any device including iPad and mobile.
Try Xstitchify free
No download, no signup required. Works on any device.