Choosing cross stitch pattern software comes down to what you need and how you work. StitchCraft and KG Chart are both popular options, but they take very different approaches. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.

Platform and Accessibility

KG Chart is a desktop application for Windows. It has been around for years and has a loyal following among experienced stitchers who work primarily at a desk. There is no Mac version, no mobile app, and no cloud sync.

StitchCraft is a native iOS app for iPhone and iPad. It is designed for mobile-first pattern creation — you can convert a photo to a pattern anywhere, track progress on the couch, and carry your patterns in your pocket. There is no desktop version.

If you stitch primarily at a desk with a Windows PC, KG Chart fits that workflow. If you want to create and manage patterns on the go, StitchCraft is the clear choice.

Ease of Use

KG Chart has a traditional desktop software interface with menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes. It is powerful but has a learning curve. New users often spend time reading documentation before they can produce their first pattern.

StitchCraft was designed for simplicity. Import a photo, adjust a few sliders, and your pattern is ready. The interface is intuitive enough that most users create their first pattern within minutes of downloading the app.

Photo Conversion Quality

Both apps convert photos to cross stitch patterns, but the approach differs.

KG Chart offers manual control over the conversion process. You can fine-tune dithering, select specific DMC colors to include or exclude, and adjust the algorithm's behavior. This gives experienced users precision but requires knowledge of what each setting does.

StitchCraft automates most of the conversion with smart defaults. The algorithm handles DMC color matching, color reduction, and grid mapping. You control grid size, color count, and fabric count — the settings that actually matter for the final result. The preview updates live as you adjust.

Feature Comparison

StitchCraft App

Turn Any Photo Into a Cross Stitch Pattern

• Accurate DMC color matching
• Track progress stitch by stitch
• Export print-ready PDF charts

Download Free

iPhone & iPad

Here is how the two apps compare across key features:

• Photo to pattern: Both support it. StitchCraft offers live preview while KG Chart offers more manual controls.
• DMC color matching: Automatic in StitchCraft, manual plus automatic options in KG Chart.
• Progress tracking: Built into StitchCraft, not available in KG Chart.
• PDF export: Both support it.
• Pattern editing: Both support it, with KG Chart offering more stitch types.
• Mobile access: StitchCraft runs on iPhone and iPad, KG Chart has no mobile version.
• Cloud sync: StitchCraft syncs via iCloud, KG Chart has no sync.
• Backstitch support: KG Chart supports it, StitchCraft does not.

Pricing

KG Chart is free for the basic version with limited features. The full version is a one-time purchase.

StitchCraft is free to download with a generous free tier. Full access is available through an affordable subscription or lifetime purchase, which includes all features and future updates.

Export Options

KG Chart exports to its own file format, PDF, and several image formats. It also supports importing patterns from other software.

StitchCraft exports print-ready PDFs with symbol charts, color keys, and thread lists. Patterns are stored in the app with iCloud sync across your Apple devices.

Which Is Right for You

Choose KG Chart if you work exclusively on Windows, want granular manual control over every conversion setting, need backstitch support, and prefer desktop software.

Choose StitchCraft if you want to create patterns on your phone or tablet, prefer a streamlined interface, value built-in progress tracking, and want to manage everything from one mobile app.

Download StitchCraft from the App Store to see how mobile pattern creation compares to desktop software.