Free, or from $9.99/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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI pattern generation | ✓ | - |
| Text and lettering patterns | ✓ | - |
| QR code patterns | ✓ | - |
| Blank canvas designer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pressure-sensitive brush and Apple Pencil | ✓ | - |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fractional stitches (quarter, half) | ✓ | ✓ |
| OXS file import and export | ✓ | - |
| 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
- ✓ 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, QR code, or AI generation tools
- ✗ No free version to try before buying
- ✗ No pressure-sensitive drawing or Apple Pencil support
Where Xstitchify stands out
- ✓ Works on any device - same full editor on iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Chromebook
- ✓ AI pattern generation - describe a design and get a stitchable chart
- ✓ Pressure-sensitive drawing with Apple Pencil and stylus support
- ✓ Layers for organising complex designs
- ✓ No download or installation needed
- ✓ Free to use with generous limits
- ✓ Text patterns, QR codes, and blank canvas designer
- ✓ OXS file import and export for cross-app compatibility
- ✓ 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 a mature desktop application and offline access. Xstitchify is best for stitchers who want a modern, multi-platform tool with AI generation, layers, backstitch, and pressure-sensitive drawing that works on iPad, mobile, Mac, and Windows with no install.
Try Xstitchify free
No download, no signup required. Works on any device.