Cross Stitch Calculator: Fabric and Design Size

How the cross stitch fabric calculation works

A fabric’s count is the number of stitches that fit in one inch. On 14 count Aida, 14 stitches take up one inch. So to find the size of your design, divide the stitches by the count: 140 stitches on 14 count is exactly 10 in. Do this for the width and the height. Next, add your margin to all four sides. With 3 in margins, you add 6 in to each measurement.

In this example, the design is 10 x 14 3/8 in, and the fabric is 16 x 20 3/8 in. The tool rounds up to the next 1/8 in, which is the safe direction, and it uses the exact number internally. If you want centimeters, change the unit in the tool. A pattern may give a stitch count in its key or on its cover, so look there first. If it does not, count the squares on the chart.

What fabric count means

A higher count means smaller stitches and a smaller design. Aida usually comes in 11, 14, 16 and 18 count, with 14 being the most common choice for beginners, since its holes are easy to see. Evenweave and linen come in higher counts, such as 25, 28 and 32. A count of 18 makes a piece about three quarters of the size of the same piece on 14 count, with finer detail, but it can be harder on the eyes.

The chart under the tool shows the width of 100 stitches on each fabric, which is a handy way to compare. On 11 count, 100 stitches measure just over 9 in. On 28 count stitched over one thread, they measure about 3 1/2 in. If your finished piece needs to fit a specific frame, you can try different counts in the tool until you find one that fits, then pick the fabric to match.

Stitching over 1 or over 2

Aida has clear blocks, and you stitch over one block at a time. Evenweave and linen are woven with single threads, and you usually stitch over two threads at a time. That means you divide the count by two: 28 count over 2 gives 14 stitches per inch, the same size as 14 count Aida. This is why a pattern for 14 count can be stitched on 28 count evenweave without changing the design size.

Choose the over 2 option in the tool for this, and it will do that sum for you. Stitching over 1 on a high-count linen is also possible, and it can look beautiful on a very small piece, but it is much harder to see, and it takes patience. If you are trying linen for the first time, 28 count over 2 is a sensible place to begin. Use a magnifier or a good lamp to make it easier.

How much margin to leave

A margin of 3 in on each side is common, and it allows room for framing or mounting. A large piece, or anything that you plan to have professionally framed, may need 4 in or more. Ask your framer, if you are using one, since they often have a preferred minimum. Small ornaments and cards can use less, as long as the fabric still fits comfortably in your hoop.

Your stitching tool makes a difference too. Hoops need room to grip outside the design, and a scroll frame needs extra fabric at the top and bottom to attach to its rollers. If you are unsure, add some extra. A larger piece costs a little more, while a piece that is too small may leave you with no way to frame the finished work. You can cut off any excess once you are done.

Buying and preparing your fabric

Buy your fabric after working out the size, and buy it all at once, as dye lots and hand-dyed fabrics can vary. Fabrics often come in precut sizes, or from a roll, so check what fits. Before you start, find the center of the fabric by folding it in quarters, and start stitching there. This way, your design stays centered, even if your count was slightly off.

Protect the edges too. Aida and evenweave fray easily as you handle them, so run a line of masking tape around the edges, sew a line of zigzag stitching, or use a fray-stopping liquid. Your fabric will be handled for many hours, so wash your hands before you stitch, and store it in a clean bag between sessions. For help with thread, try our cross stitch floss calculator next.

Common cross stitch sizing mistakes

The most common mistake is using a count from the pattern without checking it against the fabric you bought. If a pattern is written for 14 count and you stitch on 18 count, it will come out smaller than the picture shows, and that can change the frame you need. Another frequent error is confusing evenweave counts with Aida counts. A 28 count evenweave is not the same as 28 count Aida, because you normally stitch over two threads on an evenweave. This halves the stitches per inch and doubles the size of the design.

Margins are often underestimated too. A piece that looks fine on the table may have too little fabric to wrap around a mat or a frame. It is also easy to forget that a hoop needs space to grip outside the design, and that fabric shrinks a little with handling and washing. Finally, check that your chart’s stitch count covers the full design, and not only the main motif. A border or a line of text may add a few rows, and those small additions can push the final size beyond what you had planned for.