StitchCraft
Best Cross Stitch Progress Tracker Apps in 2026
The best cross stitch progress tracker depends on your chart format. The StitchCraft progress tracker keeps custom pattern creation and tracking in one iPhone and iPad workflow. Pattern Keeper tracks supported PDF charts on Android, while Cross Stitch Saga reads supported interactive pattern files.
Quick Verdict
Choose the tracker that supports your chart:
- Pattern Keeper for supported PDF charts on Android
- Cross Stitch Saga for supported XSD, XSP, PAT, OXS, and SAGA files
- StitchCraft for tracking inside an iPhone or iPad pattern maker
What Makes a Great Progress Tracker
The best apps do more than let you tap a square.
They help you:
- see what is finished and what is not
- isolate colors or sections
- zoom without losing context
- resume a project after time away
- reduce counting mistakes
Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| StitchCraft | Create and track in one place | One workflow from conversion to stitching | Best within Apple ecosystem |
| Pattern Keeper | Supported PDF charts on Android | Joins chart pages, highlights symbols, and tracks stitches | Not every PDF or designer is supported |
| Cross Stitch Saga | Supported interactive pattern files | Displays specialty stitches and beads | Does not open PDF, JPEG, or PNG files |
| Paper + highlighter | Zero-cost tracking | Familiar and simple | Easy to lose place or make cleanup messy |
1. StitchCraft
Best for: users who want the app that made the pattern to also help finish it.
The strength of StitchCraft is continuity. If you generate a photo-based chart in the app, you do not need to move to a second tool just to keep track of progress. That cuts down on friction and file juggling.
It is especially strong for:
- pet portraits
- full-coverage gifts
- projects with a lot of color switching
- users who stitch in short sessions and need to pick up quickly
2. Pattern Keeper
Best for: people who mainly stitch from purchased or imported PDF charts.
Pattern Keeper imports supported PDF charts on Android, joins chart pages into one continuous view, highlights symbols, and tracks completed stitches. Its developer states that not every chart or designer is supported, and the iOS version is still in early development.
3. CrossStitch Saga
Best for: users who already operate inside its library and digital chart ecosystem.
Cross Stitch Saga reads supported interactive files such as XSD, XSP, PAT, and OXS and can display specialty stitches and beads. It does not open PDF, JPEG, or PNG files. Its Google Play project closed in May 2025, while the iOS app remains listed.
Why Digital Tracking Beats Paper for Big Projects
Paper still works. But digital tracking wins quickly on larger pieces because:
- you can zoom into hard sections
- you can mark exact stitches without obscuring symbols
- you can stop mid-row and still recover later
- you do not need separate printed copies for clean backups
For small ornaments, paper is fine. For full-coverage portraits, digital is usually better.
Best For and Not Ideal
A progress tracker matters most when
- the project lasts weeks or months
- the palette is large
- you stitch in short sessions
- you work from generated charts rather than simple motifs
You may not need one when
- the design is tiny
- the chart is extremely simple
- you prefer paper and know you will finish quickly
Final Verdict
For custom and photo-based patterns on iPhone or iPad, the StitchCraft progress tracker keeps tracking in the same workflow as pattern creation.
If you still use paper charts today, start with our guide on how to track cross stitch progress.