Kinds of cross stitch tools
| Tool type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Graph paper | Free and everywhere; print true-size cross stitch graph paper | Hard to erase and recolor; floss list by hand |
| Desktop programs (e.g. WinStitch, MacStitch, PCStitch) | Very detailed tools, work offline | Usually paid, installed on one computer |
| Browser editors (e.g. FlossCross, Stitch Fiddle, BeadDot) | Nothing to install; design on a computer, track on a phone | Need a connection; features vary a lot |
| Photo converters (e.g. Pic2Pat) | A chart from a photo in minutes | You may need a separate editor to fix the result |
What well-known tools say about themselves
Summarized from each tool’s own pages on October 26, 2026. Prices and features change; check their sites before you decide.
- FlossCross: a free browser editor with no registration. It offers photo import, backstitch, half and petite stitches, PDF export and OXS import and export. Patterns are stored only in your browser.
- Pic2Pat: a web tool that turns a photo into a chart. You choose the size, fabric and number of colors; the PDF with the floss list and skein counts is free, and you can order a kit.
- Stitch Fiddle: an online chart editor for cross stitch and many other crafts such as knitting, crochet and beading, with a paid premium plan.
- WinStitch / MacStitch, PCStitch: paid desktop programs you install on your computer.
What to look for
- DMC colors. Colors should come with DMC codes, or you match every shade by hand.
- Symbol PDF. A printed chart is read by symbols, not colors, with a color key and skein counts.
- Partial stitches and backstitch. Curves and lettering need half and quarter stitches and backstitch.
- Photo conversion you can edit. You should be able to fix the converted chart stitch by stitch.
- Tracking. Mark finished stitches and keep your place.
- File format. An open format such as OXS lets you move your pattern to another program.
What BeadDot does
BeadDot’s cross stitch studio is a free, ad-free editor that runs in your browser. You can start without signing up.
- Editor: draw with DMC colors; full, half and fractional stitches, backstitch and blended threads.
- Photo to chart: turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern, then edit it in the studio.
- Lettering: an alphabet and name generator.
- Output: symbol PDF, PNG and OXS; skein counts in the color key.
- While stitching: a stitch tracker and a floss inventory.
- Ready-made designs: free cross stitch patterns, Christmas motifs and Turkish motifs.