Customer Reviews (132)

Dragona Ameretat • 2025-03-15T00:03:15-07:00

I started cross stitching and this app is extremely useful storing my patterns. I love all the different options and tools to help me create and transfer patterns! I bought the full version for me and my sister and we both love it!

MissSassafras • 2025-03-14T17:44:55-07:00

There is a lot that I love about this app. It’s a great iOS alternative to Pattern Keeper on android and iOS can even create custom patterns with it. My only complaint is that there is only a “completed” or not state in progress tracking. I work on a lot of very large projects and like to utilize parking which I cannot do using this app since I have no way to indicate a parked stitch vs a completed one.

MsContingency • 2025-02-18T01:12:52-07:00

Obsessed with Stitchly! Super easy to use! Perfect for on the go

Summary of Key Insights

Stitchly is generally well-received as a powerful and user-friendly cross-stitch pattern creation app. Its one-time purchase model is highly appreciated. Key strengths include its ease of use, photo conversion capabilities, variety of customization options, and responsive developer. However, users frequently cite limitations in pattern size, lack of advanced editing features (layers, shapes), and difficulties with certain functionalities (backstitch visibility, PDF import) as areas for improvement. The overall sentiment is positive, with a significant percentage of 5-star reviews (54.5%), although the 1-star reviews (10.6%) highlight critical usability and purchase-related issues.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: ~4.2 (weighted average based on the score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 54.5% (72/132)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 20.5% (27/132)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 10.6% (14/132)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 3.8% (5/132)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 10.6% (14/132)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 132 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly specified, but based on the version number and review content, the reviews appear to be relatively recent (likely within the last year or two).
  • Analysis Methods: A combination of sentiment analysis (assessing the positive, negative, or neutral tone of reviews) and keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned words and phrases) was used to identify key themes, pain points, and feature requests. Reviews were manually analyzed and categorized based on their content.

Key User Pain Points

  • Pattern Size Limitations: The 300x300 stitch limit is a significant constraint for larger projects.
  • Lack of Advanced Editing Features: Users desire features like layers, basic shapes (circles, ovals), resizing entire projects while maintaining ratio, and more font editing options.
  • Backstitch Visibility Issues: Difficulty distinguishing different colored backstitches, especially in black and white charts.
  • PDF Import Issues: Inability to import existing PDF patterns and use the app's tracking features on them. Some users are experiencing issues where it converts the PDF to a terrible template.
  • Lack of a Detailed User Guide: Some users find it difficult to learn how to use all the features due to the lack of comprehensive instructions.
  • Inconsistent Purchase Restoration: Issues with restoring purchases across devices with different Apple IDs, leading to frustration and perceived waste of money.
  • Free Version Limitations: The free version is too limited, preventing users from adequately evaluating the app before purchasing.
  • App Performance: App lagging and freezing for some users.
  • Inability to Resize Project: Inability to resize an entire project without losing the image ratio.
  • Inability to See Preview Before Purchase: Some users would like to see the results of a photo conversion before purchasing the app.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Layers: To easily add/adjust elements without affecting the rest of the design.
  • Basic Shapes: Tools to draw circles, ovals, squares, and other basic shapes.
  • Resizing Entire Projects: Ability to resize a project while maintaining the image ratio.
  • PDF Import with Tracking: Ability to import existing PDF patterns and use the app's tracking features.
  • Improved Backstitch Handling: Better visibility and differentiation of backstitch colors.
  • Ruler on Grid: A ruler on the grid to accurately see the size of the design.
  • More Font Editing Options: Greater control over font size and style.
  • Cloud Syncing: Syncing patterns across devices.
  • Ability to Add Rows/Columns: To easily expand pattern size.
  • Diagonal Stitches: The ability to make 45-degree angle stitches or 2-stitch diagonals.
  • Blended Threads: An option for blended threads.
  • More Symbols: More symbols available for use in patterns.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered user-friendly and easy to navigate, especially for beginners.
  • Photo Conversion: The ability to convert photos into cross-stitch patterns is a popular and highly valued feature.
  • Customization Options: Users appreciate the wide range of customization options, including thread palettes (DMC, Anchor, etc.), fabric colors, and stitch types.
  • One-Time Purchase: The one-time purchase model is preferred over subscription-based apps.
  • Responsive Developer: The developer is praised for being responsive to feedback and providing quick support.
  • Tracking Progress: The ability to track stitching progress within the app is a useful feature.
  • Professional-Looking Exports: The app produces professional-looking PDF patterns.
  • Good for Needlepoint: Users are finding the app useful for needlepoint design as well.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Purchase Restoration Issues: Fix the issues with restoring purchases across devices with different Apple IDs. Provide clear instructions and troubleshooting steps.
  • Improve PDF Import Functionality: Develop the ability to fully import PDFs and enable tracking functionality for imported patterns.
  • Increase Maximum Pattern Size: Consider increasing the maximum pattern size beyond 300x300 stitches.
  • Enhance Backstitch Visibility: Improve the visibility and differentiation of backstitch colors, especially in black and white charts.
  • Create a Detailed User Guide: Provide comprehensive instructions and tutorials for all app features.

Medium Priority:

  • Add Basic Shapes Tool: Implement tools for drawing circles, ovals, squares, and other basic shapes.
  • Implement Layers Feature: Add a layering system to allow for easier editing and adjustments.
  • Enable Project Resizing: Allow users to resize entire projects while maintaining the image ratio.
  • Expand Font Editing Options: Provide more control over font size and style.
  • Add Diagonal Stitches: Incorporate the ability to create diagonal stitches.
  • Improve App Performance: Optimize the app to reduce lagging and freezing.

Low Priority:

  • Implement Cloud Syncing: Enable syncing patterns across devices.
  • Add Ruler to Grid: Include a ruler on the grid for accurate design sizing.
  • Add Blended Threads Option: Incorporate an option for blended threads.
  • Expand Symbol Library: Add more symbols for use in patterns.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • A Cross-Stitch Pattern Marketplace: An integrated marketplace where users can buy and sell patterns created with Stitchly.
  • AI-Powered Pattern Generation: An AI-powered feature that generates more detailed and accurate patterns from photos, addressing the current limitations of the photo conversion tool.
  • Subscription Service for Premium Content: While the one-time purchase is valued, a optional subscription could offer access to exclusive content like new thread palettes, advanced features, or pre-made design elements.
  • Integration with Pattern Keeper: Addressing the user complaint that the PDF exports don't work with Pattern Keeper by creating a compatibility feature.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Demand for Pattern Keeper Functionality: Several users explicitly mention Pattern Keeper and desire similar features, indicating a significant market need.
  • Use Beyond Cross-Stitch: The app is being used for other pixel-based crafts like needlepoint, quilting, and double knitting, suggesting potential for expanding the app's focus or marketing to these additional user groups.
  • Positive Sentiment Towards Developer Responsiveness: The developer's responsiveness to feedback is a major selling point, which should be highlighted in marketing materials.
  • Users Value Privacy: The fact that the app doesn't collect user data is a positive point for many users.

Conclusion

Stitchly is a well-regarded app with a strong foundation. By addressing the key user pain points and implementing frequently requested features, the app can significantly improve user satisfaction and attract a wider audience. The responsive developer and one-time purchase model are major strengths that should be leveraged in marketing efforts. Ultimately, focusing on enhancing the editing capabilities, improving PDF import functionality, and addressing performance issues will elevate Stitchly to an even more competitive position in the market.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stitchly-cross-stitch/id1467867656?uo=2