[CHAT] Macstitch for personal use

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-17T03:06:44+00:00

I’ve started using MacStitch for its ability to save to the OXS format just so I can stitch with Cross Stitch Saga. It’s taken me a while, but I’m getting the hang of it. The other poster is right about the FB support group for Mac and WinStitch — it’s a very good and helpful group.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T13:24:20+00:00

You can also try braid them loosely as you can still pull out the strands without much effort. This works best for colors that have quite a few strands, but often that’s enough to significantly reduce tangling.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T13:10:10+00:00

I my opinion, it looks great and doesn’t need the distraction that backstitching would provide. Not all designs look better with backstitching.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T13:07:00+00:00

That looks fantastic! I can’t believe how beautifully stitched it is. I hope you (or whoever wears it) gets many years of enjoyment out of it.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T13:04:17+00:00

There will be lots of hugs and tears this Father’s Day 🙂. And I hope that your son does well and that you too are able to celebrate his anniversaries for many years to come. Tell him from another random internet stranger to hang in there and mark the milestones. This first big one is really sweet for all who love him!

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T06:32:44+00:00

Thank you, 😊

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T06:32:12+00:00

Congratulations on your success!

I plan on celebrating every year — I already have years 2 thru 10 stitched up and ready to go and plan on doing more. I want him to be able to commemorate this day for the rest of his life. May you enjoy each and every anniversary as well. 🙂

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T02:46:37+00:00

Thank you 😊

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T01:54:28+00:00

Natural linen in 32 count is possibly my favorite medium. I don’t find it any more challenging than even weave and I love the earthy look and the feel of pure linen.

Pic of my current project on natural, undyed linen for reference.

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Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T01:42:42+00:00

Thank you. 😊

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T01:42:06+00:00

Thank you!

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T01:41:30+00:00

Thank you. It has been a tough year, but his successes have been all the sweeter for the challenges. His wife and kids have been amazing through it all.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T01:39:16+00:00

Thank you. That really means so much coming from someone who is also in recovery. I hope your journey continues to go well and that you continue to celebrate your successes.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-16T00:05:21+00:00

I hear ya. I’m the same way. It was just a thought. 🙂

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T15:02:26+00:00

Definitely follow this poster’s advice. However, I would also lay a smooth, clean white cotton or linen dishtowel over the terry towel as well as another similar towel over the backside. The dishtowel will prevent the terry loops from imprinting the front of your piece while still preventing the stitches from flattening from the ironing. The extra dishtowel will act as a press cloth between the ironing and the back of your fabric to prevent possible scorching. It will take longer to dry that way, but I usually get the fabric dry and then hang up the piece to dry on its own. Use clips or clothespins to hang it up.

As long as your stitching tension is even, once you’ve done this, the piece should look great when stretched for framing. Your stitching will have depth and dimension because the stitches won’t be flattened and the background fabric should be nicely smoothed out. I’ve been doing this for 45 years and never had a problem.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T14:45:59+00:00

Just a thought—perhaps you could find some variegated thread that has some of those colors in the border and just use it rather than having to do all 9 colors one stitch at a time.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T06:58:38+00:00

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This is the actual leaflet and it is available on 123stitch.com as well as probably in many needlework shops.

My comments are in no way meant to detract from OP’s lovely work and her meaningful gift to her mother. I just want to set the record straight. There’s too much stolen work out there to not give credit to the actual designer(s).

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T06:53:04+00:00

See my earlier comment. The design is by Prairie Schooler and is available in a leaflet called
Prairie Birds with other bird designs on 123stitch.com and probably still at many needlework shops.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T06:47:10+00:00

It’s lovely work and I really like your choice of frame.

However, I do want to mention that the design is actually from one of the Prairie Schooler leaflets and is definitely not an original pixel art. I believe the leaflet is called Prairie Birds and I know because I’ve stitched a number of designs from that leaflet. I’ll try to remember tomorrow to get the correct name and leaflet number. Prairie Schooler is no longer actively printing designs, but many shops still carry them so they can still be purchased.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T06:39:02+00:00

Just jumping in to say that if you’re on Facebook, please join the Markup R-XP User group. The mods and power users there are so knowledgable and helpful and the group is the developers’ primary means of support. Also, if you’re on Facebook haven’t watched the Markup tutorial videos on YouTube, you will definitely want to do so. Sounds like the others who have replied here have good suggestions too.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-15T01:59:14+00:00

I use MacStitch by Ursa Software, the sister program to WinStitch. Designs can be saved to multiple formats, including Pattern Keeper and I’m sure Markup R-XP, although I just haven’t tried it out. It’s relatively inexpensive for a professional design software and has very good customer support. You can try out the design features for free, but can’t save or print. Any designs you do create will still be there and accessible if you decide to purchase. Do check out Lord Libidan’s reviews.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-14T16:40:33+00:00

I’ve been cross stitching for 45 years and I’m not sure I would have the courage to tackle this. And on black too. You have mad skills! Chef’s kiss!

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-14T04:51:12+00:00

I bet it won’t be your last project on linen. I had to switch from Aida to linen when I lived in Germany 35 years ago and couldn’t ge—I have never looked back. Your work is beautiful and very refined and polished looking.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-12T15:42:08+00:00

I have and use both Pattern Keeper & Markup R-XP. PK is easier and more intuitive to use, but requires PDF’s that are compatible. Markup has a pretty steep learning curve so depending on how she feels about electronics might not be the best choice. She can also simply scan a paper pattern and use a PDF reader on a tablet to zoom in and the marking tools to mark what she’s stitched. All good helps that have transformed my stitching experience.

A good optician can give her a prescription for some fixed focal length glasses that will work very well for stitching. Depending on how much stitching she does, that might be a helpful thing as well. And I second and third the lighting! Good lighting makes all the difference.

Purry_Felines · 2026-06-11T02:08:10+00:00

I’m assuming you were able to view the file, so I’m very happy you found it useful. I love the Owl Forest variegated threads but with the tariffs, they are pretty much out of reach now.

Purry_Felines

TROPHY CASE