Free, or from $9.99/mo
Web - any device
WinStitch
From $59 (WinStitch) / $89 (MacStitch)
Windows and Mac (desktop)
Xstitchify vs WinStitch / MacStitch
WinStitch (and its Mac counterpart MacStitch) is professional-grade cross stitch design software from Ursa Software. It offers advanced colour reduction, dithering, and support for various fabric types.
WinStitch platform:
Windows and Mac (desktop)
Xstitchify platform:
Web (any device)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Xstitchify | WinStitch |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | - |
WinStitch strengths
- ✓ Available on both Windows and Mac
- ✓ Professional-grade colour reduction and dithering
- ✓ Advanced backstitch and fractional stitch support
- ✓ Regular updates from active developer
- ✓ Supports various fabric types (Aida, evenweave, linen)
- ✓ High-quality pattern output for professional sellers
WinStitch limitations
- ✗ Expensive - $59 to $89 depending on platform
- ✗ Desktop only - no tablet or mobile support
- ✗ Requires download and installation
- ✗ Steep learning curve for new users
- ✗ No cloud saves
- ✗ No AI pattern generation
- ✗ No text patterns, QR codes, or calculators
- ✗ 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
- ✓ Free to start with no upfront cost
- ✓ No download needed - works in your browser
- ✓ Text patterns, QR codes, and designer tools
- ✓ OXS file import and export for cross-app compatibility
- ✓ Thread conversion charts across 4 brands
- ✓ Built-in calculators for fabric and time
- ✓ Cloud pattern library to save and organise work
Which should you choose?
WinStitch is best for serious pattern designers who need professional-grade colour reduction on desktop and are happy to pay a one-time fee. Xstitchify is best for stitchers who want a modern multi-platform tool with AI generation, layers, backstitch, pressure-sensitive drawing, and OXS compatibility that works on iPad, mobile, Mac, and Windows with no install.
Try Xstitchify free
No download, no signup required. Works on any device.