FlossCross vs Knytstudio: Free vs Freemium, Honestly Compared (2026)
FlossCross is one of the best free cross stitch tools around: no account, no paywall, and your patterns stay in your browser. Knytstudio takes a different approach, with a freemium model, more craft types, and cloud-saved patterns. Here is an honest look at when each one makes sense.
The short version
Choose FlossCross if you...
- You want completely free PDF export with no paid tier at all
- Privacy matters most: no account needed, patterns stay on your device
- You only stitch with DMC or Anchor threads
- Patterns up to 300 x 300 stitches are enough for your projects
- You need to import OXS files from other pattern software
Choose Knytstudio if you...
- You also design knitting, crochet, beading, or pixel art patterns, not only cross stitch
- You want larger patterns, up to 1000 x 1000 stitches
- You want your patterns saved to an account and available on any device
- You want to design on your phone or tablet with a touch-friendly editor
- You want progress tracking while you stitch and a confetti cleanup tool before you print
Price and philosophy
FlossCross wins on price: it is genuinely free, including PDF export. Knytstudio's free tier covers the full editor, while PDF export is part of the Pro plan.
| Feature | Knytstudio | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier; Pro 4 euros/month | Completely free |
| PDF chart export | Pro plan | Free |
| Account | Free account to save patterns | None required |
| Where patterns live | Your account, synced across devices | Locally in your browser |
Designing patterns
| Feature | Knytstudio | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| Craft types | Cross stitch, knitting, crochet, beading, pixel art | Cross stitch only |
| Max pattern size | 1000 x 1000 | 300 x 300 |
| Floss colors | 489 colors with DMC, Anchor, Sullivans, J&P Coats, and Maxi codes | DMC and Anchor |
| Backstitch | ||
| Photo to pattern | ||
| Confetti cleanup | One-click tool | Basic |
| Designed for mobile editing | ||
| Progress tracking while stitching |
Import and export
| Feature | Knytstudio | FlossCross |
|---|---|---|
| OXS files | Export | Import and export |
| PNG image export | Free with account | |
| Community pattern gallery |
Credit where it is due
FlossCross is lean, fast, and honest about what it is: a free cross stitch pattern maker that respects your privacy. There is no account, no upsell on PDF export, and it covers full, fractional, and backstitch work with DMC and Anchor palettes. For straightforward cross stitch patterns under 300 x 300 stitches, it is hard to argue with free.
What Knytstudio adds
Knytstudio is built for people whose crafting does not stop at one discipline or one device. The same editor handles cross stitch, knitting, crochet, beading, and pixel art charts, with sizes up to 1000 x 1000. Patterns are saved to your account, so a chart you start on your laptop is waiting on your phone — and the editor genuinely works on a phone, with touch-first tools rather than a shrunken desktop interface.
There are also quality-of-life features built for the stitching itself: a one-click confetti cleanup tool that removes scattered single stitches before you print, a progress tracker that keeps your place while you stitch, and a community gallery where you can publish patterns and find new ones.
The honest trade-off
The real difference is the model. FlossCross gives you everything free and keeps your patterns local. Knytstudio gives you the editor free and charges 4 euros per month for unlimited patterns and print-ready PDF charts with symbols and a floss legend. If you mostly need free PDFs of modest cross stitch patterns, FlossCross is the sensible pick. If you want one tool for several crafts, on every device, with your patterns following you — that is what Knytstudio is for. You can try the editor for free and see if it fits before paying anything.
Try Knytstudio for free
The full editor is free to use — design up to three patterns without paying anything, right in your browser.
Start designingFrequently asked questions
Why pay for Knytstudio when FlossCross is free?
If FlossCross covers everything you need, use it — it is a genuinely good free tool. Knytstudio is worth considering if you want more craft types, bigger patterns, mobile editing, cloud-saved patterns, progress tracking, or a community to share patterns with.
Can I open my FlossCross patterns in Knytstudio?
Not directly at the moment. Knytstudio exports OXS files but does not yet import them. If your pattern came from a photo, importing the same photo into Knytstudio is the quickest path.
Is Knytstudio's free tier actually usable?
Yes. You get the complete editor with every drawing tool, backstitch, confetti cleanup, and image export. The free tier is limited to 3 saved patterns, and PDF export requires Pro at 4 euros per month.
Facts about both products last reviewed June 11, 2026. Spotted something outdated? Email us at [email protected].