PC Stitch has been a staple in the cross stitch community for over two decades. StitchCraft is a newer, mobile-first alternative. Both create cross stitch patterns from photos, but they serve different audiences. Here is a thorough comparison.

Platform Differences

PC Stitch runs on Windows only. It is traditional desktop software that you install and run on your computer. There is no Mac version, no mobile app, and no web version. Your patterns live on your hard drive.

StitchCraft runs on iPhone and iPad. It is built specifically for Apple's mobile ecosystem with a native interface, touch controls, and iCloud sync between devices. There is no Windows or Android version.

This is the most fundamental difference. If you do not own an iPhone or iPad, StitchCraft is not an option. If you do not use Windows, PC Stitch is not an option.

User Interface

PC Stitch uses a classic Windows application interface — toolbars, dropdown menus, dockable panels. It looks and feels like software from an earlier era, which is not necessarily bad. Everything is accessible, but discoverability suffers. Features are buried in menus, and new users often do not realize what the software can do without reading the manual.

StitchCraft uses a modern iOS interface with large tap targets, gesture controls, and live previews. The learning curve is minimal. Most users create their first pattern within minutes because the workflow is linear: import, adjust, generate, stitch.

Feature Comparison

PC Stitch is feature-rich in ways that reflect its maturity:

• Photo conversion with detailed controls
• Full pattern editor with every stitch type including cross, half, quarter, backstitch, and French knots
• Multiple fabric types and counts
• Thread palette management for DMC, Anchor, and other brands
• Import and export in multiple formats
• Bead pattern support

StitchCraft focuses on doing fewer things exceptionally well:

• Photo conversion with smart defaults and live preview
• Pattern editor for cross stitch placement and color adjustment
• Built-in progress tracking with color-by-color filtering
• PDF export with symbol charts and thread lists
• iCloud sync across devices
• DMC color matching with perceptual accuracy

Photo Conversion

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

Both apps convert photos to patterns, but the experience differs significantly.

PC Stitch gives you extensive control — you choose the conversion algorithm, set dithering levels, manually include or exclude specific thread colors, and adjust the result stitch by stitch. This is powerful for advanced users who know exactly what they want.

StitchCraft takes a streamlined approach. You set three things: grid size, color count, and fabric count. The algorithm handles the rest, and you see the result in a live preview that updates as you drag the sliders. For most users, the defaults produce excellent results without manual intervention.

Pricing Model

PC Stitch uses a one-time purchase model. The current version costs a fixed price. Updates within the same major version are free, but major version upgrades may require a new purchase.

StitchCraft is free to download with basic functionality available at no cost. Full features are unlocked through an optional subscription or a one-time lifetime purchase. This lets you try the app thoroughly before deciding to pay.

Export Formats

PC Stitch exports to its own .pat format, PDF, and several image formats. It can also import patterns from other programs, making it a hub for pattern management.

StitchCraft exports print-ready PDFs that include the symbol chart, color key, thread list with stitch counts, and fabric requirements. Patterns sync via iCloud and live in the app.

Final Verdict

PC Stitch is the better choice if you need advanced stitch types like backstitch and French knots, work on a Windows computer, want support for non-DMC thread brands, or need to import patterns from other software.

StitchCraft is the better choice if you want to create patterns on your phone or iPad, prefer a modern interface with minimal learning curve, value built-in progress tracking, or want your patterns synced across devices and always in your pocket.

Both are capable tools. The right choice depends on your platform and workflow, not on which software is objectively better.

Download StitchCraft from the App Store to experience mobile-first cross stitch pattern creation.