Best list · 6 sites · updated Oct 2026
Decide first whether you need to digitise your own designs or just resize, merge and letter purchased designs. Editing-only software is cheaper; digitising is where prices rise.
| # | Site | Type | Pricing | Crafts | Free patterns | Beginners | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tool | Open source | Machine Embroidery | — | Experienced | Visit | |
| 2 | Tool | Paid | Machine Embroidery | — | Experienced | Visit | |
| 3 | Tool | Paid | Machine Embroidery | — | Yes | Visit | |
| 4 | Tool | Paid | Machine Embroidery | — | Experienced | Visit | |
| 5 | Tool | Open source | Sewing, Quilting, Machine Embroidery | — | Experienced | Visit | |
| 6 | Tool | Paid | Machine Embroidery | — | Experienced | Visit |
Free, open-source machine embroidery digitizing for Inkscape
Ink/Stitch is an open-source extension that turns Inkscape into machine embroidery digitising software. You draw vector shapes, assign stitch types and export to common machine formats. It is the leading free option for digitising your own designs.
Modular Windows embroidery editor and digitizer
Embird is Windows embroidery software sold as a base editor plus optional modules for digitising, fonts and cross-stitch. It reads and writes a long list of machine formats.
Modular embroidery software for Windows and Mac
Embrilliance is machine embroidery software sold in modules: Essentials for editing, merging and lettering, and add-ons such as StitchArtist for digitising. The same program runs on Windows and macOS. You buy only the modules you need.
Embroidery digitizing software from Wilcom for home embroiderers
Hatch is machine embroidery software made by Wilcom for home and small-business embroiderers. It covers digitising, editing, lettering and converting designs between machine formats. It comes in tiers, with a free trial.
Free vector editor crafters use for patterns and embroidery designs
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor. Sewists use it to draft or edit PDF patterns, quilters to draw templates and appliqué shapes, and machine embroiderers to digitise designs with the Ink/Stitch extension. It is not a craft program, but it is one of the most useful free tools for makers.
Professional embroidery software for commercial shops
Wilcom EmbroideryStudio is professional digitising software used by commercial embroidery businesses. Wilcom also makes the consumer-focused Hatch range. It is priced for businesses.
6 sites: Ink/Stitch, Embird, Embrilliance, Hatch Embroidery, Inkscape, Wilcom EmbroideryStudio.
Ink/Stitch, Inkscape are free or offer free patterns.