# Magic Needle vs Kumihimo Braid

The clearest difference is price: Magic Needle at Free against Kumihimo Braid's $3.99. Magic Needle also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Kumihimo Braid's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Magic Needle is free to download; Kumihimo Braid costs $3.99 up front. Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Kumihimo Braid asks for nothing beyond the download.

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, Kumihimo Braid every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Needle | Kumihimo Braid |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | **[4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 54.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 40 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) | [文琪 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790351230) |

## 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


### Kumihimo Braid

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kumihimo-braid-8-strand-disk/id6793071078)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic Needle free?

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

### Is Kumihimo Braid free?

Kumihimo Braid costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Magic Needle or Kumihimo Braid have ads?

Neither Magic Needle nor Kumihimo Braid shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic Needle or Kumihimo Braid?

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, and Kumihimo Braid every 2 months. Most recently, Magic Needle was updated on November 8, 2026 and Kumihimo Braid on November 5, 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.*