# Cross Stitch Pattern Maker

Source: [Canonical page](https://apphall.org/item/cross-stitch-pattern-maker-b8677d9c)

Cross stitch pattern maker — design original patterns from scratch, draw artwork, add text, match to DMC/Anchor/Cosmo/Madeira and 50+ thread brands.

# Stitchmate Cross Stitch Pattern Maker

**Stitchmate** is a modern cross-stitch design tool for creating printable patterns directly in a browser. It supports both **photo-to-pattern conversion** and **manual pattern design**, making it useful for hobby stitchers, pattern designers, and creators who sell digital cross-stitch charts. 

## Key Features

- **Design From Scratch**  
  Start with a blank grid and build patterns stitch by stitch using brush, fill, line, rectangle, ellipse, selection, and other drawing tools.

- **Convert Photos Into Patterns**  
  Import an image and automatically transform it into a stitchable chart. Colors are mapped to real embroidery threads rather than generic screen colors.

- **Advanced Stitch Types**  
  Supports full crosses, half stitches, quarter stitches, three-quarter stitches, and backstitch, allowing smoother curves, outlines, lettering, and detailed designs.

- **50+ Real Thread Brands**  
  Patterns can use colors from dozens of embroidery-floss manufacturers, including DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, Madeira, and others. Entire palettes can also be remapped between brands.

- **Perceptual Color Matching**  
  Stitchmate uses perceptual color-distance calculations to find thread colors that visually resemble the source color instead of relying only on simple RGB matching.

- **Confetti Cleanup**  
  Automatically detects and reduces isolated stitches that would otherwise create excessive thread changes. Cleanup can be applied globally or selectively.

- **FLOW Score**  
  Each pattern can receive a stitchability score based on factors such as color clustering, confetti, palette practicality, and chart readability. This helps designers identify difficult patterns before stitching them.

- **Text and Lettering Tools**  
  Names, dates, quotes, and monograms can be added directly to the grid using dozens of stitch-friendly fonts.

- **Image Overlay and Symmetry Tools**  
  Reference images can be placed underneath the grid for tracing, while symmetry modes simplify the creation of mirrored ornaments, geometric motifs, and repeating designs.

- **Professional Symbol Charts**  
  Colors are automatically assigned recognizable chart symbols from a large symbol library, while designers can manually change them when needed.

- **Printable PDF Export**  
  Finished charts can include symbols, thread legends, stitch counts, skein estimates, page divisions, and customizable layout options. PDFs can also be prepared for compatibility with Pattern Keeper.

- **Existing Pattern Import**  
  The editor can open several established cross-stitch formats, including PCStitch PAT, Pattern Maker XSD, and OXS files, allowing older designs to be edited or converted.

- **Browser and Desktop Workflow**  
  The web version works across Mac, Windows, iPad, and Chromebook, while desktop versions for Mac and Windows support offline workflows.

- **Privacy-Friendly Photo Processing**  
  Photo conversion can take place locally on the device, so source images do not need to be uploaded to a remote server.

## Pricing Model

Creating and editing patterns is free, including most design tools, color matching, confetti cleanup, PNG export, FLOW scoring, and PDF previews. Printable PDF downloads are sold separately, with additional passes available for frequent users and commercial pattern sellers.

## Who It Is For

Stitchmate is particularly useful for:

- Hobbyists designing personalized cross-stitch projects
- Creators converting photographs or illustrations into embroidery patterns
- Etsy and digital-pattern sellers
- Designers migrating from older desktop cross-stitch software
- Stitchers who want precise control over thread colors, symbols, and chart readability

Overall, Stitchmate combines a familiar graphics-editor workflow with specialized embroidery features, focusing heavily on **real thread colors, pattern stitchability, editing flexibility, and production-ready chart export**.