Cross-stitch by numbers
Cross-stitch by numbers - Play Online
Ever wanted to create embroidered art without buying a single needle? This browser-based color-by-number game puts you in front of a virtual embroidery hoop and asks you to fill numbered grids with colored stitches. Your goal is simple: match the thread color to the number on the canvas and watch black-and-white patterns transform into vibrant pixel art. It's relaxing, repetitive, and surprisingly addictive if you're into meditative gameplay.
Key Features
- Massive Pattern Library: Hundreds of embroidery designs spanning animals, nature, portraits, and abstract art—with new ones added regularly.
- Works Everywhere: Runs smoothly on PC, tablets, and phones without downloads. The Unity build is optimized for mobile browsers.
- Daily Challenges: Time-limited events and challenges keep you coming back even after you've cleared your favorite patterns.
- Collection System: Unlock themed sets and track your completed works in a personal gallery.
How to Play Cross-stitch by numbers
Getting started takes seconds, but finishing a complex design will test your patience.
Pick Your Pattern and Zoom In
You browse a gallery of circular icons—everything from pandas to flowers—and tap one to begin. Once the canvas loads, use your mouse wheel or pinch gestures to zoom into the grid. The left side shows your progress (colored X-shaped stitches), and the right side displays raw numbers waiting to be filled.
Match Numbers to Thread Colors
A color palette sits at the bottom of the screen. Tap a color (like "56"), then click or tap every cell marked with that number. The game fills them with cross-stitches automatically. There's no skill ceiling here—just methodical clicking. Use the hint button (magnifying glass icon) if you lose track of a number, though it likely costs you a reward ad or consumable.
Complete the Design and Move to the Next
Once every numbered cell is filled, the canvas reveals the full image. You unlock the next design in the category, and your completed work gets saved to the "My Works" tab. Rinse and repeat across hundreds of patterns. The progression loop is infinite—perfect for players who need a mindless, low-stakes grind.
Who is Cross-stitch by numbers for?
This is squarely aimed at casual players, especially those who already love coloring book apps or puzzle games like Nonograms. Perfect for anyone over 30 who wants a second-screen activity while watching TV or listening to podcasts. Kids can play it too—there's zero violence and the difficulty ramps slowly—but the slow pace might bore younger gamers who expect constant action. If you need twitch reflexes or competitive leaderboards, look elsewhere. This is about zoning out, not stressing out.
The Gameplay Vibe
It's pure meditation. No timers, no pressure, no fail states. The audio is minimal—soft background music that loops endlessly (you'll probably mute it after 20 minutes). Visually, the game leans heavily on AI-generated art for its pattern library, which is obvious once you notice the stylistic inconsistency: one icon looks like a realistic photo, the next is a cartoonish vector, and another is a dreamy, overlit painting. The stitching animation itself is satisfying—each filled cell makes a tiny "pop" sound—but the overall presentation feels low-budget. This isn't a high-fidelity experience; it's a functional wrapper around a proven mobile formula.
Technical Check: Saves & Performance
The game auto-saves your progress using browser cache, so you can close the tab and pick up where you left off—just don't clear your browsing data or you'll lose everything. Performance is solid even on older laptops and budget Android phones. The Unity WebGL build runs at a stable framerate because the game barely stresses your GPU—it's all static 2D assets and simple grid logic. Expect occasional ad interrupts if you spam the hint button or play long enough to trigger interstitials.
Quick Verdict: Pros & Cons
A dependable time-killer for fans of low-stress, repetitive puzzles. Just don't expect innovation.
- ✅ Pro: Instant playability—no tutorials, no account creation, just tap and go.
- ✅ Pro: Hundreds of patterns mean you won't run out of content anytime soon.
- ❌ Con: The AI-generated art feels soulless and inconsistent. Some patterns are gorgeous; others look like Midjourney rejects.
Controls
Simple and responsive. No complaints here—the controls do exactly what you'd expect.
- Desktop: Left-click to fill cells, mouse wheel to zoom, right-click and drag to pan the canvas.
- Mobile: Tap to stitch, pinch to zoom, swipe to move around the grid.
Release Date & Developer
Developed by Nightrix and released on November 13, 2024. It's built in Unity and clearly targets the hyper-casual mobile market that dominates browser game portals.
