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Knitting and crocheting are excellent ways of spending free time. Not only do they require creativity, but they can also produce beautiful products that could go on to become gifts for loved ones. However, knitting and crocheting can become complicated, particularly when it comes to designing patterns. This is where Knitbird comes in. It’s a software which enables you to design knitting and crochet patterns with ease.
Knitbird has numerous features that make it easier to design patterns. These include a stitch library, a user-friendly interface, and importing and exporting features. However, Knitbird is not the only software available on the market that can enable you to make knitting and crocheting patterns. There are multiple alternatives that you can consider. We will review the top nine alternatives to Knitbird for knitting and crochet patterns.
Video Tutorial:
What is Knitbird?
Knitbird is a crochet and knitting software that allows you to effortlessly design patterns. It was founded in 2015 and enables users to create different types of patterns, including cables, lace, and colorwork. The software has an easy-to-use interface, allowing beginners and advanced knitters and crocheters to design patterns seamlessly. The software’s key feature is its extensive library of stitches, which can be used to create a plethora of patterns.
Top Alternatives to Knitbird
Top 1: Stitch Fiddle
Stitch Fiddle is a web application that allows users to create knitting and crochet patterns quickly. It has a user-friendly interface, offers a range of stitch options, and has a free trial period. The software is easy to use and has a palette feature, which enables users to keep their frequently-used stitches easily accessible. Furthermore, Stitch Fiddle allows users to upload their own images to create patterns, offering an extra layer of customization.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Offers a range of stitch options and customization features
- Free trial period
Cons:
- Creating complicated designs with the free trial version can be challenging compared to the paid version of the software
Top 2: KnitBird Pro
KnitBird Pro is a software package that includes KnitBird Studio, KnitBird Stitch Designer, and KnitBird Print-A-Pattern. The software enables users to create patterns seamlessly and includes a range of features such as real-time stitch counting, customizable stitch settings, and a stitch library. The software is incredibly comprehensive, offering an impressive level of customization options.
Pros:
- Comprehensive
- Real-time stitch counting
- Customizable stitch settings
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other software packages
Top 3: StitchMastery
StitchMastery is a software package that enables users to create knitting designs. Its features include a library of stitch symbols, customizable font sizes, and multiple design templates. The software has a user-friendly interface and enables customizable charts. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced knitters and includes a free trial period.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Customizable charts
- Free trial period
Cons:
- The free trial period is six days, which could be considered short
Top 4: Knitting Chart Maker
Knitting Chart Maker is a web-based application that allows users to create knitting patterns easily. The software includes a range of pattern drafting tools, including stitch management, symbols, and grids. The software is easy to use, suitable for beginners and advanced knitters, and offers a wide range of stitch options. Knitting Chart Maker also has a free trial period.
Pros:
- Wide range of stitch options
- Free trial period
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as some other software packages
Top 5: Knit Companion
Knit Companion is a software package designed to enable users to create knitting and crochet patterns with ease. It offers a range of features, including customizable counters, highlighting, built-in error correction, and chart zooming. The software includes a vast pattern library and enables users to upload their patterns effortlessly.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Wide range of features
- Large pattern library
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other software packages
Top 6: Chart Minder
Chart Minder is software designed to assist users in creating knitting patterns. The software enables users to integrate images and text to create patterns and includes a range of customization features. The software is easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface, and enables users to organize their designs into categorized folders.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Easy to use
- Free trial period
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as some other software packages
Top 7: Inkscape
Inkscape is software that allows users to create images, including knitting patterns. The software is open source and has a range of features, including text tools, path tools, and object manipulation. Inkscape has a user-friendly interface, and the software is free to use.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Open source
- Comprehensive features
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for creating knitting patterns
Top 8: Intwined Pattern Studio
Intwined Pattern Studio is software designed specifically for knitting and crochet pattern design. The software includes a range of features, including a stitch library, stitch diagramming features, and a range of customization options. It is easy to use and has a free trial period.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Comprehensive features
- Free trial period
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other software packages
Top 9: Knit Wit Kreations
Knit Wit Kreations is software designed specifically for knitting and crochet pattern design. The software includes a range of features, including customizable stitch options, real-time stitch counting, and a range of export options. The software is easy to use and has a free trial period.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Comprehensive features
- Free trial period
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other software packages
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stitch Fiddle | Yes | From $4 per month | Easy | Good |
| KnitBird Pro | No | $139.95 | Intermediate | Poor |
| StitchMastery | Yes, six days | From £25 per year | Easy | Good |
| Knitting Chart Maker | Yes | Free | Easy | Good |
| Knit Companion | No | $9.99 per month | Easy | Poor |
| Chart Minder | Yes | From $9.99 per month | Easy | Good |
| Inkscape | Yes | Free | Intermediate | Good |
| Intwined Pattern Studio | Yes | $49.95 | Easy | Poor |
| Knit Wit Kreations | Yes | $79.95 | Easy | Poor |
Our Thoughts on Knitbird
Knitbird is software that offers a range of features that make it easier to create knitting and crochet patterns. Its primary feature is its extensive library of stitches, which provides users with an incredible level of customization. The software has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners and advanced knitters to use. However, the software doesn’t offer a free trial, making it challenging for those on a budget to try out before purchase. Furthermore, compared to other software, Knitbird is slightly more expensive.
FAQs about Knitbird
Q1: Can I use Knitbird for crocheting patterns?
A: Yes, Knitbird can be used for both crocheting and knitting patterns.
Q2: Is Knitbird suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, Knitbird is user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced knitters.
Q3: Can I try Knitbird before I purchase it?
A: Unfortunately, Knitbird does not offer a free trial, so you will need to purchase the software to try it.
Q4: How much does Knitbird cost?
A: Knitbird costs $139.95.
Q5: How does Knitbird compare to other software?
A: Knitbird is more expensive than some other software packages and doesn’t offer a free trial period.
In Conclusion
Knitting and crocheting patterns can be challenging to design, but software can make the process much easier. Knitbird offers extensive stitch libraries and an easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced knitters. However, Knitbird is slightly more expensive than some other software packages, which offer similar features. We have reviewed the top nine alternatives to Knitbird that you can consider when looking for knitting and crochet pattern design software.