What is the best cross stitch software to use

Xsandohs

Im trying to decide whether i should use patternmaker or pc stitch to stitch from tablet or ipad. Which do you like? Pros and cons?

Daydreamer

I am using Cross Stitch Paradise. Is the BEST and most advanced program a stitcher can use.  I try other programs before nothing compares. Reads xsd patterns also Saga patterns you can convert them to DIZE for optimal use of the program. Before i was looking for PDF patterns. Now if i cannot find xsd file i probably wont stitch it.

diystuff

I think all programs are much of a muchness to be honest.  I only have them to read the chart so I can print charts made in their formats.

cindyxs234

Please take note that Pattern Maker and PC stitch is software used for Designing Cross Stitch and are not Android or IOS compatible.  To be used on a Windows based application.

You may be thinking of..Pattern Keeper or Markrxup (sp?) That can be used on Android not sure of Apple (IOS). There are pros and cons for both. I think both off a free trial.  I don't use them particularly,  I just take a Pic with my camera and enlarge that way if small charts. Never have had to highlight as I go.

I know a lot of people enjoy both. It maybe useful for very large patterns like Artecy, I'm a small to medium stitcher. There are a lot of videos on the net that stitchers have out that they explain the use of. Both programs I think are relatively cheap.

diystuff

cindyxs234 replied at 2026-6-12 08:18
Please take note that Pattern Maker and PC stitch is software used for Designing Cross Stitch and ar ...

I actually initially thought this was a newbie just making conversation but I realise not now.  As you said PC Stitch and Pattern Maker are computer programs for Windows not for phones.  I only ever print/make patterns on the computer so I didn't pick up the tablets/phone bit.  

I only work from printed patterns, I don't want to be staring at a screen while I'm stitching.  Give me a nice big piece of paper and a highlighter pen every time.

Xsandohs

Thank you for replies! I guess im trying to find software to
Open xsd patterns here. So markup and pattern keeper is what i need?

msvietti

Following because I have the same question. I’m unsure which is easier to use to access the xsd patterns.

Xsandohs

Xsandohs replied at 2026-6-12 20:41
Thank you for replies! I guess im trying to find software to
Open xsd patterns here. So markup and p ...

Thank you so much ?

Xsandohs

Thank you Cindy and Daydreamer

diystuff

I personally find xsd files don't download from here correctly.  I have to change the file type to something else (say .jpg) and then change it back when it's downloaded. Otherwise it just fails to download and keeps trying multiple times. It works okay using this method. I just have to remember if it's this file type.