Cross Stitch Calculator
To size cross stitch fabric, divide the stitch count by the fabric count to get the design size in inches, then add margin on every side. A 140 by 200 stitch design on 14 count Aida is about 10 by 14.3 inches, and needs roughly 16 by 20.5 inches of fabric with 3 inch margins.
How the sizes are worked out
- Stitches per inch = fabric count ÷ threads stitched over. Aida is stitched over one thread, so 14 count gives 14. Evenweave and linen are usually stitched over two threads, so 28 count gives 14.
- Design width (in) = stitches wide ÷ stitches per inch. Do the same for height. Multiply by 2.54 for centimeters.
- Fabric to cut = design size + 2 × margin, rounded up to the next 0.5 in on each side.
- Fat quarter check: a fat quarter is about 18 × 21 in. The design plus margins must fit in either direction.
Worked example
140 × 200 stitches on 14 count Aida with a 3 in margin: 140 ÷ 14 = 10.0 in and 200 ÷ 14 = 14.3 in, so the design is 10.0 × 14.3 in (25.4 × 36.3 cm). Add 2 × 3 in: 16.0 × 20.3 in, so cut 16 × 20.5 in (40.6 × 52.1 cm). The same design on 28 count evenweave stitched over two gives identical sizes. On 11 count the width becomes 12.7 in, and on 18 count it is 7.8 in.
Fabric counts, needles and floss
Needle and strand choices vary with the fabric and your own taste. Treat this table as a good starting point.
| Fabric | Count | Stitches per inch | Tapestry needle | Floss strands (of 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aida | 11 | 11 | 22 | 3 |
| Aida | 14 | 14 | 24 | 2 |
| Aida | 16 | 16 | 24 or 26 | 2 |
| Aida | 18 | 18 | 26 | 1 or 2 |
| Aida | 22 | 22 | 26 or 28 | 1 |
| Evenweave / linen (over two) | 28 | 14 | 24 or 26 | 2 |
| Evenweave / linen (over two) | 32 | 16 | 26 or 28 | 1 or 2 |
What is Aida?
Aida is a woven cotton fabric made for counted cross stitch. Its threads are grouped into small squares with visible holes, so each stitch covers one square. The count is the number of squares per inch. Higher counts give smaller stitches and a finer look.
How to calculate cross stitch fabric size
- Find the stitch count of your chart, width and height.
- Pick the fabric count you plan to use.
- Divide each stitch count by the stitches per inch to get the design size.
- Add the margin to both sides of each measurement.
- Round up to the next half inch and buy that size or larger.
Fat quarter note
A fat quarter is a half yard cut in half again, about 18 × 21 in. It is a handy size for small projects. If you want to compare fat quarters, eighths and yards, see the fat quarter and yardage conversions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate the fabric size for cross stitch?
Divide the stitch count by the fabric count to get the design size in inches, for width and height separately. Then add a margin to every side, commonly 3 inches, for framing and handling. A 140 by 200 stitch design on 14 count is about 10 by 14.3 inches, so cut roughly 16 by 20.5 inches.
What is Aida?
Aida is a woven cotton fabric made for counted cross stitch. Its threads are grouped into a grid of small squares with visible holes, so each stitch covers one square. It comes in counts such as 11, 14 and 18, where the count is the number of squares per inch. Higher counts mean smaller stitches.
What size needle for 14 count Aida?
Use a size 24 tapestry needle for 14 count Aida. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and a large eye, so they pass through the holes without splitting the fabric threads. For finer fabric choose a higher number, such as 26 for 18 count. The table on this page covers the common fabric counts.
How does fabric count change the size of a design?
Count is the number of stitches per inch, so a higher count makes the same pattern smaller. A 140 stitch width is 12.7 inches on 11 count, 10 inches on 14 count and 7.8 inches on 18 count. Evenweave and linen are stitched over two threads, so a 28 count fabric stitches like 14 count.
Will my design fit on a fat quarter?
A fat quarter measures about 18 by 21 inches. With 3 inch margins that leaves a design area of 12 by 15 inches, which is 168 by 210 stitches on 14 count. Enter your stitch count and the calculator tells you whether it fits a fat quarter in either direction, and which count would work if it does not.
How much extra fabric should I leave around the design?
Three inches on every side is a common default. It leaves room to hoop or frame the piece and to finish the edges. Use less for a small ornament or when stitching on a scroll frame, and more for a wide mat or a mounted finish. The margin is a setting in the calculator, so you can change it.