13 Cross Stitch Design Programs to Download

In the old days, we used to design patterns using different kinds of physical techniques. It was time-consuming and considered to be hectic work.

There are many ways to make a cross stitch design pattern, along with other methods. But as times change, our way of working is also modified.

Cross-stitch design programs have been introduced that are fully capable of making the job easier and faster. These software programs help users create designs on a computer with practical, yet virtual, tools.

You can easily create designs, images, and patterns using features such as color patterns, needlework mode, image enhancement and printing, and much more. These include various tools like a wizard, chart, stamp, and other cross-stitch embroidery references.

All created or edited images can be saved in multiple formats such as PDF , JPEG, and more. Some of these pattern designers are not free and are quite expensive, as they can create embroidery pattern designs from photographs and images in just a few simple steps. They offer a straightforward design and a user-friendly experience.

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Cross stitch design programs

Here is a list of the best cross-stitch design programs for the Windows operating system :

1. PC Stitch

PC Stitch is a smart Windows software program that includes cross-pattern stitching tools to help you sew, design, and edit various types of garments . Its main function is to provide 2000 pre-programmed sewing patterns.

This software has a beautiful interface that allows you to choose a color to browse through the sewing pattern, giving you a complete program with all the trimmings and much more.

The single editing file can be viewed using dedicated software, which is provided by the program alone, but there are more software that have been developed to allow you to open those files and edit them according to your requirements. PC Stitch is free to download, but the upgraded version comes at a rather high cost.

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2. KG Chart

KG Chart is undoubtedly one of the best cross-stitch design programs. It is only available for the Windows operating system . This software requires a 1024 × 768 resolution or higher, a true color display card, and a monitor to function.

The key feature of the program includes drawing pixels with marks to distinguish the color, color palette, drawing stitching, among others. The print preview can also show you the actual view of the graphic and import the file in a kind of image format.

The program's interface is user-friendly, which is a welcome feature in design, providing fast navigation and a user-friendly experience, and offering a wealth of tools. KG Chart is not free ; it is quite expensive.

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3. Blend Threads

Blend Threads is a free, open-source software that allows you to create cross-stitch designs on various operating systems . The program includes fantastic pattern generators and many advanced painting features, making it one of the most sought-after cross-stitch design programs.

There's a new software update every month, and each update consists of updated DMC threads. The best part of the software includes the thread selector program , which lets you choose a thread matched to your material, and also allows you to combine threads for super-precise colors.

The interface is easy to understand and you will find the experience and constructive design. Blend Threads is free to use and provides you with updated versions.

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4. Istitch 2

Istitch 2 is a beautiful interface for a sewing design software that runs on the Windows operating system and consists of an interesting feature that allows you to draw a cross stitch pattern and design.

It's a simple software that includes video guides to help new designers , so if you're looking for cross-stitch design software for beginners, this is the right choice. The software supports DMC and Anchor threads.

All edited files are saved in your choice of image format. The interface design is simple, featuring user-friendly interactions and a constructive layout. Stitch 2 is a paid product and does not offer updates ; updates are released every two years at an additional cost.

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5. Sew and So Cross Stitch Designer

Sew and So Cross Stitch Designer is a different type of cross-design software that runs on a different platform. It includes the Windows operating system and a web-based system.

Editing in this software is easy compared to most cross stitch design programs because it consists of 500 different pre-designed files to help you with any project at hand.

Sew and So Cross Stitch Designer is accessible, but the interface has several settings to provide ease of use. The software is not free ; it costs more than the previous program and does not receive any updates. The program is limited to a 500 x 500 pixel workspace and 50 colors.

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6. HobbyWare Pattern Maker

HobbyWare Pattern Maker is a smart tool that runs only on the Windows operating system and is an open-source program. The software's main function is to provide different types of patterns that are quickly added and then saved as image files.

The app has its own customer support team because software updates are released every two years and incur additional charges. They also include different configuration options for better color matching and large patterns for professionals.

HobbyWare Pattern Maker for cross-stitch has an easy-to-understand interface and provides a pleasant experience . The program is not free and its cost is higher than that of other cross-stitch design programs.

Download now.

You might also like to check out: 9 Free Embroidery Programs to Download and Free Trials

7. DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum

DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum is a cross-stitch design software for the Windows operating system that contains a wealth of features and tools for editing, designing, and importing various patterns. The program's key feature is its ability to handle up to 20 threads, giving the user complete control over the design process.

The program's interface is user-friendly and requires user permission at each step. It offers ease of use and a well-designed interface. The software is not free, and its price is still higher than other cross-stitch design programs. DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum is updated annually, but charges additional fees for each update.

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8. StitchCraft

StitchCraft is a cross-stitch program available only for Windows operating systems. It contains tons of predefined patterns and threads from over 33 different brands. The software was recently updated and includes new and exciting tools.

The tools are advanced and offer tons of options for creating unique cross-stitch patterns. The software is user-friendly and provides a great user experience thanks to its simple interface and responsive, user-friendly design. StitchCraft imports all kinds of image formats and lets you view multiple versions.

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9. Stitch Painter Gold

Stitch Painter Gold, of course, had to be on our list of cross stitch design software. This is a smart software that is only available on Windows operating systems.

The system requirements aren't too demanding, and it can run efficiently on a basic computer. The program's main function is to view any image-related file format , but it doesn't offer many editing tools.

The program doesn't have many features or functions, but it can generally be used to practice cross-stitch designs. Stitch Painter Gold has a simple interface and offers a constructive design approach. It comes in two versions: a free version and a paid version with upgrades that cost extra.

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10. STOIK Stitch Creator

STOIK Stitch Creator is a smart Windows program that contains tons of features to give you a unique cross stitch design. The main function of the software is to design, edit and import the best cross stitch design pattern. The software is easy to use and offers various features like design, tapestry, embroidery, Hardanger, long stitch, canvas work and much more.

Features include converting photos into handmade stitching. It contains automatic photo conversion and provides different kit charts in PDF. The software is easy to use and there is a whole team to guide you, which is why it is one of the best cross stitch design software for beginners.

The interface has a user-friendly design and features both Anchor and Madeira threads. STOIK Stitch Creator is not free but it is not as expensive as the previous software either, and it is updated annually.

Download now.

11. Stitch

Cstitch is a simple cross-stitch design software that supports multiple operating systems . It's a straightforward software that offers features such as image uploading regardless of file format.

In addition, it contains different color patterns and allows you to choose how big you want the final model design to be because it depends on the size of the squares (you can edit your patterns whenever you want).

It also allows you to save your project for later editing, and the file is saved as a PDF. The program is easy to use and features a smart interface that makes navigation simple and provides all the necessary tools for working with different sewing patterns. Cstitch is open-source software and offers 15 different thread brands.

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12. Stitch Art Easy

Stitch Art Easy is a smart cross-stitch software that includes a smart design tool containing all the necessary tools to edit and design a stitched image. It works with many devices, including sewing and long stitches.

The main feature of this program includes: simple and intuitive interface and design, high quality results including accurate color matching, quick response interaction, multiple display modes of pattern schemes and favorite thread sets.

You can also export your files to PDF, Excel, graphic formats, and many other interesting options. Stitch Art Easy is free and open-source software , and it only uses DMC thread. It's easy to use and has a simple design that aids navigation.

Download now.

13. EasyGrapher

EasyGrapher Home is the last of our cross stitch programs. It is an intelligent design software that runs on the Windows operating system and contains an extensive list of interesting features that help you execute an excellent image and a beautiful print.

The program's main feature includes design functions for creating graphics. It offers 174 sewing symbols , fonts, and pattern libraries that can be used in graphics, and much more. It also includes features such as editing modules, a painting function, an import function, a conversion function, and many others.

EasyGrapher Home is easy to use and offers a constructive design of the software that guides the user through each step of the program. It is easy to use and all the tools are arranged at the top of the screen. The software is quite expensive.

Download now.

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Final thoughts

If you were looking for cross-stitch design programs with excellent features (paid or free) you will surely find an ally in this list. They are all excellent for creating the designs you want because they have particularities that make them superior to other options on the market. You can still try them out, see how your experience goes and share it with us. Everything will depend on your needs, your budget and the experience you have with these software.