# Magic Needle vs StitchPal

The clearest difference is monetization model: StitchPal at free against Magic Needle's free with in-app purchases. StitchPal also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (71% vs 55%). Magic Needle's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 18). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and StitchPal sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StitchPal holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic Needle has 1.1K ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Magic Needle's written reviews are positive against 71% of StitchPal's.

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, StitchPal every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Needle | StitchPal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews) | **[4.7 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stitchpal/id1550536005/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | 54.9% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 40 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) | [Mark Davis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499759461) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic Needle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066)

Transform your photos into unique cross-stitch patterns with this mobile converter. It offers tools for pattern creation, embroidery tracking, and project management, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced crafters. Create personalized gifts or enjoy your hobby with ease.

**Highlights:** Create cross-stitch patterns from photos, Adjust scheme size and color count, Select fabric and floss brands, Track embroidery progress, Export patterns to PDF, Organize and track floss inventory

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $29.49 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $41.99 | per year |
| Simple pattern | $0.99 | one-time |
| Export to PDF | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium pattern | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1 pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| Advanced pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| 3 patterns | $5.99 | one-time |
| 7 patterns | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent for creating cross-stitch patterns
- 📐 Accurate grid and color matching
- 🎨 Customizable color palette
- 💻 Convenient digital tracking of stitches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free features, requires subscription
- 🎨 Restricted color selection
- 🔧 Lack of editing tools for patterns
- 💾 Issues with data/project loss after updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to upload photos
- Stitching progress markers disappear unexpectedly
- Difficulty setting desired number of colors

**Requested features**

- Add ability to edit/modify generated patterns
- Implement a PDF export option
- Improve syncing across devices
- Introduce more advanced color management tools


### StitchPal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stitchpal/id1550536005)

This app helps cross-stitchers manage their projects. Users can add patterns, track progress with photos, and share their work with friends. It aims to make the crafting experience more enjoyable and organized.

**Highlights:** Add cross-stitch patterns, Track project progress, Take progress photos, Share projects with friends, Easy-to-use interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove banner ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| StitchPal Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic Needle free?

Magic Needle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is StitchPal free?

StitchPal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Magic Needle or StitchPal?

StitchPal is rated higher. Magic Needle averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while StitchPal averages 4.7 from 18 ratings.

### Do Magic Needle or StitchPal have ads?

Neither Magic Needle nor StitchPal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic Needle or StitchPal?

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, and StitchPal every 3 weeks. Most recently, Magic Needle was updated on November 8, 2026 and StitchPal on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*