How to use the cross stitch fabric calculator
- Enter the design’s width and height in stitches — usually printed on the pattern.
- Choose your fabric. Evenweave and linen are normally stitched over two threads.
- Set a margin for each side for hooping, framing and finishing.
- Read the design size, the fabric size to cut and the smallest standard piece that works.
The formulas
Stitches per inch = Fabric count ÷ Threads stitched over Design width = Stitches wide ÷ Stitches per inch Design height = Stitches high ÷ Stitches per inch Fabric to cut = Design size + 2 × Margin (in each direction)
Worked example
A pattern 140 stitches wide and 100 high on 14-count Aida with a 3-inch margin:
- Design = 140 ÷ 14 = 10 in wide, 100 ÷ 14 = 7.14 in high (25.4 × 18.1 cm)
- Fabric = 10 + 6 = 16 in by 7.14 + 6 = 13.14 in
- A fat quarter (18 × 22 in) is enough
The same design on 18-count Aida would be only 7.8 × 5.6 inches; on 11-count it would be 12.7 × 9.1 inches.
Fabric counts compared
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Stitches per cm | Typical floss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 11 | 4.3 | 3 strands |
| 14-count Aida | 14 | 5.5 | 2 strands |
| 16-count Aida | 16 | 6.3 | 2 strands |
| 18-count Aida | 18 | 7.1 | 1–2 strands |
| 28-count evenweave over 2 | 14 | 5.5 | 2 strands |
| 32-count linen over 2 | 16 | 6.3 | 2 strands |
| 36-count linen over 2 | 18 | 7.1 | 1–2 strands |
Standard fabric pieces
| Piece | Size |
|---|---|
| Fat eighth | 9 × 22 in (or 18 × 11 in) |
| Fat quarter | 18 × 22 in |
| Half yard | 18 × 44 in or more, depending on the bolt |
| One yard | 36 × 44 in or more |
Widths vary by brand: Aida is often sold 43 or 60 inches wide, so check the shop listing.
Tips for a neat finish
- Find the centre by folding the fabric in half both ways, and start stitching from the middle of the pattern.
- Overcast or tape the edges so they don’t fray while you work.
- Choose the margin by finish: framing needs room for lacing or mounting; ornaments and cards need less.
- Pre-wash coloured fabric only if the manufacturer recommends it; most Aida is used as bought.
- Use a hoop or Q-snap a little larger than the area you are working on, and remove it when you stop to avoid hoop marks.
Converting a design between counts
Want a design bigger or smaller without changing the pattern? Change the fabric count. Moving from 14-count to 11-count makes the design about 27% larger; moving to 18-count makes it about 22% smaller. The table in the results shows the design and cut size on six common fabrics at once, so you can pick the count that suits your frame. Remember that finer fabrics need finer needles (size 26 or 28 for 18-count and linen) and fewer strands of floss.