Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us about designing, stitching and selling cross-stitch patterns with CROSSTIA. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.
Is CROSSTIA free?
Yes. CROSSTIA is free during the public beta — every feature, no card and no account required. After the beta, the Free plan stays free and Pro adds the finished, print-ready pattern files. See Pricing.
How do I turn a photo into a cross-stitch pattern?
Open CROSSTIA, choose Photo to pattern and pick your image. Choose a preset (Fine Detail, Balanced or Large & Simple) or set the size and number of colours yourself, crop if you like, and watch the live preview. CROSSTIA matches every colour to a real thread and creates the pattern in seconds.
Which thread brands does CROSSTIA use?
DMC and Anchor. Every colour in your pattern is a real thread code you can buy, and the PDF lists each thread with its symbol, stitch count and an estimate of how many skeins you need.
Can I sell the patterns I make with CROSSTIA?
Yes. Everything you create belongs to you — patterns, charts, PDFs and images — and you're free to sell it, including on Etsy. CROSSTIA is the tool; you are the designer.
What is the Etsy Package?
One ZIP with everything for an Etsy listing: your listing photos and video, the PDF files your buyers download, your title, tags and description ready to copy and paste, and a preview of the listing. Folders and file names say where each file goes.
Does CROSSTIA write my Etsy title, tags and description?
Yes. It writes an Etsy title, all 13 tags and a full description from your pattern — sizes, colours, stitch count and what's included — and checks them against common Etsy SEO rules. An optional AI listing writer can suggest keywords and wording; you always choose what to use.
Are the listing photos OK to use on Etsy?
The listing photos and mockups are rendered from your own design — every stitch in your DMC colours, with no AI image generation — and contain no web addresses, social media handles or off-Etsy QR codes. Stitch previews are clearly labelled as digital previews, so buyers know what they're getting.
What's included in the PDF pattern?
A cover with pattern details, finished sizes for 11, 14, 16, 18 and 28 count fabric, a strand guide, a full thread and symbol key, a chart map and the chart pages — in colour and black & white, plus one-page charts, a quick reference sheet and a Pattern Keeper version.
Does CROSSTIA work with Pattern Keeper?
Yes. CROSSTIA exports a Pattern Keeper–compatible PDF, so you or your buyers can stitch from a tablet and mark progress as you go.
Can I open patterns from other cross-stitch software?
Yes. CROSSTIA opens OXS files, the common format many cross-stitch programs use, and can export OXS too.
Do I need to install anything? Does it work on iPad?
No installation — CROSSTIA runs in your web browser on Windows, Mac and Chromebook, and works well on tablets including iPad.
Do I need an account?
No. You can design without an account and your work is saved in your browser. A free account keeps your projects in your account so you can open them on any device and share a copy with other members.