Become a Virtual Handicrafter
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of learning a new hobby with the intent of using it to start a side business. I picked sewing and embroidery, and let’s just say my skills need some work before my creations hit a storefront. In the meantime, I’ll fuel my fantasy playing Stitch.
Lykke Studios’ Stitch. is the love child of embroidery and sudoku, minus the needles and math. Players must complete an embroidered image by tapping and dragging colorful lines of thread down a grid. The catch is that the rows and columns of the grid are demarcated by numbers. These numbers tell players what size each grouping of threads must be and clue players into their locations. It’s very simple gameplay, but at times, deceptively so. Groupings can fool players into thinking that the most obvious choice is the correct one, only to end up with one or two random, incomplete squares remaining.
Stitch. categorizes images based on ease of solving or subject. Hoops come in a variety of sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with difficulties ranging from Easy to Brain Twister. There is a wide range of design subjects including Sports, Transportation, Food & Drinks, and even Abstract. The game adds Hoops often, including the Weekly Hoop. As the name implies, the Weekly Hoop is only available for that week, unless completed. Completed Hoops are available to be replayed or used in the Free Stitch mode, which functions like a coloring book.
A Couple of Loose Threads
At its best, Stitch. feels meditative. Like any puzzle game that introduces difficulty, it risks breaking the spell during more challenging moments. However, the game does an excellent job of fostering a relaxing atmosphere by employing fulfilling gameplay and calming ambient music. With each puzzle, as the image started to take shape and the threads snapped into place, I felt satisfied. More often than naught, I found myself solving them without having to think about my moves. Early on, I thought the game might suffer for this simplicity. The easier puzzles felt too easy. But as I completed more complex Hoops, I began to stall. Some of the obvious choices turned out to be incorrect. I had to reexamine my strategy. Thankfully, unlike its material counterpart, stitches were easily reversed by tapping the undo button.
Just like my real-world attempts at sewing, I sometimes got in over my head. Assigned Hoop difficulties sometimes felt miscategorized. Some of the Hoops classified as Hard or Brain Twister proved less of a challenge, for me, personally. Additionally, some of the easier Hoops had me stumped in certain areas. Players looking for a quick game might find these miscategorizations bothersome, but most won’t notice them. I managed to solve the more challenging Hoops, but sometimes I had to set them down and come back later.
My only other criticism of Stitch. reflects more on me than the game’s development. I am competitive, and as such, I often wondered where my puzzle-solving abilities stood amongst my peers. While there is an overall ranking based on Achievements and Hoops completed, the game could benefit from a Timed mode. Personally, I would love to race against the clock to complete the images. However, the inclusion of such a mode would ruin the tranquility of the experience.
Sharper Image
While the genre of picture puzzle-solving games has plenty of competition, Stitch. manages to set itself apart with its threads. Grid-like puzzle games often yield blocky images once puzzles have been solved. Stitch. has no such problem. Hoop designs appear as completely empty, general shapes on the selection screen. Upon completion of the puzzle, the image appears as if it has been stitched by hand on an embroidery hoop. This threaded appearance, coupled with the reveal of the full-color image, lends a greater sense of accomplishment to the player. It also increases the likelihood of them sharing their completed puzzle with a friend, which is easily accomplished thanks to the Share button.
Images also feel worth sharing because of their inherent design. Animals, particularly the smaller designs, appear with adorable smiles or knowing eyes. The Sports designs have motion to them, and Location designs often feel like they’re stylized versions of a snapshot. Images also came alive with Free Stitch mode. In Free Stitch, players can color the images any way they choose, giving another layer to the shareability factor. The only limitation is the image boundaries and your imagination.
Fantastic Fibers
Stitch. is an addictive, satisfying and an overall meditative experience that offers players tons of choices and hours of puzzle-solving fun. Playing Stitch. has made me want to pick up my embroidery hoop and create my own designs again. Who knows? With this infusion of interest and confidence, my burgeoning side hustle may yet stand a chance.
