Pattern Keeper

paid

Pattern Keeper is the only tailored PDF reader for cross-stitch patterns. View charts seamlessly, search symbols, and track your stitch progress — all in one app.

Productivity

Document Tools

PDF Tools

About

Pattern Keeper transforms the way cross-stitchers interact with their PDF chart patterns. Unlike generic PDF readers, it is purpose-built for needlework, understanding the structure of cross-stitch charts and offering features no standard app provides. Users can view their entire chart as one continuous, seamless pattern, eliminating the frustration of stitching across page breaks. The symbol search feature lets you highlight any thread symbol across the whole pattern instantly, showing exactly where each stitch needs to go and preventing costly missed stitches. Progress tracking allows stitchers to mark individual stitches as complete, with finished stitches rendered in their actual thread colour for easy visual verification. A live tally of stitches completed — both daily and in total — gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The legend is always visible alongside the chart, and a per-colour stitch count helps manage thread inventory. Pattern Keeper supports a wide range of popular designers including Heaven and Earth Designs, Paine Free Crafts, Charting Creations, and Artecy, with more added regularly. The app is available as a one-time $9 lifetime in-app purchase on Android, making it an affordable must-have tool for hobbyist and serious cross-stitchers alike.

Key Features

Seamless Chart Viewing: View your entire PDF chart as one continuous pattern, stitching smoothly across page breaks without losing your place.
Symbol Search & Highlight: Instantly highlight any thread symbol across the full chart so you can see every stitch location at a glance — no missed stitches.
Stitch Progress Tracking: Mark stitches as finished and watch them fill in with their real thread colour. View daily and total stitch counts while you work.
Integrated Legend & Thread List: The chart legend stays visible alongside your pattern, showing thread numbers and remaining stitch counts per colour.
Broad Designer Support: Works with charts from Heaven and Earth Designs, Paine Free Crafts, Charting Creations, Artecy, and many other popular designers.

Use Cases

Cross-stitchers working on large, multi-page PDF patterns who want to stitch across page breaks without interruption.
Hobbyists tracking their daily stitching progress and wanting a visual record of completed work.
Crafters who frequently lose their place or miss stitches when switching between thread colours on complex patterns.
Cross-stitch enthusiasts replacing printed paper patterns with a fully digital, portable workflow on their Android device.
Stitchers managing multiple thread colours who need quick access to per-colour stitch counts and legend details.

Pros

One-Time Lifetime Purchase: A single $9 payment unlocks the app forever with no subscriptions, making it exceptional value for regular crafters.
Purpose-Built for Cross-Stitch: Every feature is designed specifically for needlework charts, providing a far superior experience compared to generic PDF readers.
Reduces Errors and Re-stitching: Symbol highlighting and progress tracking dramatically cut down on missed or duplicate stitches, saving time and materials.
Actively Improved: The developer regularly adds support for more designers and refines features based on community feedback.

Cons

Android Only (Currently): The iOS version is still in early development, leaving iPhone and iPad users without access for now.
Not All Designers Supported: While support is growing, some chart designers' PDFs may not be compatible with Pattern Keeper's features.
Limited to PDF Charts: The app works only with digital PDF pattern files and cannot be used with physical or non-PDF chart formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pattern Keeper is available as a one-time lifetime in-app purchase for $9. There are no subscriptions or recurring fees.

Pattern Keeper is currently available on Android. An iOS version is in early development, and you can sign up for the iOS newsletter to be notified when it launches.

Pattern Keeper supports charts from many popular designers including Heaven and Earth Designs, Paine Free Crafts, Charting Creations, and Artecy, plus many smaller designers who use compatible charting software. The supported list grows with every update.

Yes. You can mark individual stitches as finished, and they will be filled with their actual thread colour. The app shows you a running tally of stitches completed today and in total, as well as how many stitches remain per thread colour.

Tap any symbol in your chart to highlight every instance of that symbol across the entire pattern. The app also shows the corresponding thread number directly in the legend, making it easy to focus on one colour at a time.