Reviews of Cross Stitch Charting Software

I have been doing a little more cross stitch design this year, and while I generally start by drawing out my patterns by hand on graph paper, eventually I want them to be prettier and easier to read than a hand drawn chart would be.

Because I’m also a knitwear designer, I actually bought a program that makes knitting charts, which I can use for really basic charts. And by really basic I mean single color, whole stitches only. I could show blocks of different colors but they wouldn’t be different symbols if someone wanted to print the chart in black and white. I also can’t add things like back stitching or French knots.

So I’ve been thinking about whether I need to get some design software that was specifically made for cross stitch. Luckily lots of professional designers have used cross stitch programs before me and are willing to share what they have learned.

Gathered asked five professional cross stitch designers to try and review five different cross stitch design programs, including one specifically for Macs, two for PCs, one that’s an app, and one, StitchFiddle (probably the most popular one out there) that’s a cloud-based program you access via a website.

It’s not quite the same as getting reviews of all the programs from the same person, but these reviews are good overviews of the features of the programs. They touch on the different thread and symbol options, key features, how importing photos into the program works and their verdict on how the program works and who it is best for. The prices are listed in pounds since Gathered is a UK publication.

You can check out all the reviews on their website. It was interesting for me to read all of these. Since I use both a Mac and a PC, I could use any of these, but I have to figure out where I’d want to design more often to determine which one is best to buy (or I could use StitchFiddle anywhere).

If you have experience with any of these cross stitch design patterns I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo from Cross Stitch Professional Platinum, via Gathered]

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If you’ve been dreaming of making your own soap but feel intimidated by lye and lab goggles—breathe easy. This melt and pour soap recipe is beginner-approved, mum-tested, and totally lye-free. It’s one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into natural skincare crafting without needing a chemistry degree (or a hazmat suit!).

This tutorial walks you through a gorgeous base soap recipe and shows you how to customise it with essential oils, dried herbs, skin-loving add-ins, and creative molds. Whether you’re making handmade gifts, stocking your own bathroom, or just craving a cozy afternoon project, this one is a winner.

Why Choose Melt and Pour Soap?

Melt and pour soap bases are pre-made, which means the saponification process (that whole lye-and-fat chemistry bit) has already been done for you. All you have to do is melt it down, add your goodies, and pour it into a mold. The result? A professional-looking, totally customizable bar of soap without the fuss.

Benefits of Using Melt and Pour:

No lye handling
Ready in under 30 minutes
Great for kids, beginners, or busy mums
Takes beautifully to scents, colors, herbs, clays, and oils

Basic Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

500g melt and pour soap base (goat’s milk, shea butter, or clear glycerin)
1 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or castor oil for added nourishment)
10–20 drops essential oils (see scent ideas below)
1–2 tsp dried botanicals (optional: rose petals, lavender buds, calendula)
Silicone mold of choice
Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol (to remove bubbles)

Tools:

Heat-safe jug or double boiler
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Small spray bottle
Soap cutter or knife (if using a block base)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Base
Chop your melt and pour soap into small cubes. This helps it melt evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Melt Gently
Place cubes in a microwave-safe jug or double boiler. Heat in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until completely liquid. Avoid boiling.

Step 3: Customize Your Soap
Once melted, stir in your carrier oil, essential oils, and botanicals. Work quickly but gently—over-stirring creates bubbles.

Step 4: Pour Into Molds
Pour the liquid soap into your silicone molds. Spritz the tops with rubbing alcohol to pop bubbles and create a smooth finish.

Step 5: Let Set
Allow to cool and harden for at least 2 hours at room temperature (or pop in the fridge for a quicker set). Gently pop them out of the molds once solid.

Scent Blend Ideas for Essential Oil Soap

Mood	Blend Recipe
Relaxing Spa	10 drops lavender, 5 drops cedarwood, 3 drops ylang ylang
Zesty Wakeup	8 drops lemon, 6 drops peppermint, 4 drops rosemary
Skin Soothing	10 drops chamomile, 6 drops frankincense
Autumn Comfort	8 drops sweet orange, 4 drops cinnamon leaf, 2 drops clove

Add-In Options for Skin Nourishment

Oats: Add 1 tsp of finely ground oats for gentle exfoliation and calming properties.
Pink Clay or Bentonite: Add ½ tsp for a skin-purifying twist.
Dried flowers: Sprinkle a few petals in the mold for a pretty finish.
Activated charcoal: For a detox bar—use sparingly (¼ tsp per 500g base).

Storage Tips

Store your finished bars in a cool, dry place or wrap them in cling wrap to prevent sweating (glycerin bases tend to draw moisture from the air). Use within 3–6 months for best results.

FAQs – Melt and Pour Soap Troubleshooting

Why is my soap sweating?
That’s just glycerin doing its job—pulling moisture from the air. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container.

Can I use fresh fruit or juice?
Not recommended. Fresh ingredients can cause mold or spoilage. Stick to dried or powdered botanicals.

How do I color my soap naturally?
Try turmeric (yellow), spirulina (green), beetroot powder (pink), or cocoa powder (brown). Go light to avoid staining.

Once you try making melt and pour soap, there’s a good chance you’ll never go back to store-bought again. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly customizable. Best of all, you get to create something beautiful and useful with your own hands—whether it’s for self-care, gifting, or even starting a little soap side hustle.

So grab your jug, heat up that soap base, and let your creativity pour.

Want more melt and pour soap recipes? Try these:

Herbal Tea Soap Bars
Exfoliating Coffee Scrub Soap
Calming Chamomile Honey Bars
Turmeric and Clay Complexion Soap