# CrossStitcher vs Magic Needle

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Magic Needle at 55% against CrossStitcher's 19%. Magic Needle also leads on ratings volume (1.1K vs 258). CrossStitcher's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CrossStitcher sells 43 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CrossStitcher holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 258 and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 19% of CrossStitcher's written reviews are positive against 55% of Magic Needle's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

CrossStitcher ships an update fortnightly, Magic Needle monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CrossStitcher | Magic Needle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossstitcher/id996699120/reviews)** | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 258 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 19.4% of reviews | **54.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 20 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Warners Group Publications PLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/586192010) | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) |

## What reviewers say

### CrossStitcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossstitcher/id996699120)

Explore contemporary cross stitching with fresh designs and lifestyle inspiration. Learn new techniques and create unique gifts, accessories, and homestyle items. Perfect for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

**Highlights:** Contemporary designs, Lifestyle inspiration, Creative techniques, Trend-led projects, Technical advice, Gift and homestyle ideas, Expert-led technique demonstrations

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

**In-app purchases (43)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CrossStitcher 1M Auto Sub | $3.99 | per month |
| 3 Month Subscription | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| 6 Month Subscription | $16.49 | per 6 months |
| 12 Month Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| July 2019 (id:785570) | $5.99 | one-time |
| February 2020 (id:785563) | $5.99 | one-time |
| November 2020 (id:785458) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2020 (id:785459) | $5.99 | one-time |
| June 2020 (id:785464) | $5.99 | one-time |
| April 2020 (id:785466) | $5.99 | one-time |
| March 2020 (id:785467) | $5.99 | one-time |
| December 2021 (id:784474) | $5.99 | one-time |
| September 2019 (id:785568) | $5.99 | one-time |
| February 2026 (pp:1116162) | $5.99 | one-time |
| August 2025 (pp:1116152) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2016 (id:785532) | $5.99 | one-time |
| Summer 2020 (id:785463) | $5.99 | one-time |
| June 2025 (pp:1116156) | $5.99 | one-time |
| Summer 2015 (id:795822) | $5.99 | one-time |
| May 2025 (pp:1116158) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2021 (id:784478) | $5.99 | one-time |
| April 2025 (pp:1116142) | $5.99 | one-time |
| February 2025 (pp:1116138) | $5.99 | one-time |
| November 2015 (id:785500) | $5.99 | one-time |
| December 2020 (id:784500) | $5.99 | one-time |
| July 2020 (id:785462) | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2025 (pp:1115995) | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2019 (id:785551) | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2017 (id:785535) | $5.99 | one-time |
| December 2024 (pp:1039974) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2015 (id:795747) | $5.99 | one-time |
| November 2024 (pp:1039979) | $5.99 | one-time |
| July 2016 (id:785529) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2024 (pp:1039984) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2017 (id:785545) | $5.99 | one-time |
| September 2020 (id:785460) | $5.99 | one-time |
| September 2024 (pp:1039989) | $5.99 | one-time |
| December 2017 (id:785547) | $5.99 | one-time |
| October 2019 (id:785567) | $5.99 | one-time |
| May 2020 (id:785465) | $5.99 | one-time |
| July 2024 (pp:1039999) | $5.99 | one-time |
| August 2020 (id:785461) | $5.99 | one-time |
| Complete Your C... (id:817685) | $229.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Inspires new projects
- 👍 Access to past copies
- 🔄 Company resolved glitch quickly
- 📱 Can enlarge charts
- 💻 View subscription online

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 App won't open
- 🗑️ Purchased magazines gone after update
- 💥 App crashes frequently
- 💸 Money wasted on subscriptions
- 🚫 Cannot access past issues

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open
- Purchases lost after update
- App crashes
- Restore purchases not working
- Unable to purchase new issues

**Requested features**

- Option for printing pages
- Show two pages side by side on iPad horizontal
- Automatically download latest issue
- Make features mentioned in app tour available


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CrossStitcher free?

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

### Is Magic Needle free?

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

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

CrossStitcher is rated higher. CrossStitcher averages 4.6 out of 5 from 258 ratings, while Magic Needle averages 4.4 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do CrossStitcher or Magic Needle have ads?

Neither CrossStitcher nor Magic Needle shows ads.

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

CrossStitcher ships an update fortnightly, and Magic Needle monthly. Most recently, CrossStitcher was updated on October 18, 2026 and Magic Needle on October 21, 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.*