Cross-Stitch Fabric Size Calculator
Turn a stitch count and fabric count into the finished design size and the fabric size to cut, with margin included.
How it works
Effective count = fabric count ÷ stitches-over · Design size = stitch count ÷ effective count · Cut size = design size + 2 × margin (each dimension)
Fabric "count" is how many stitches land in an inch, so dividing the stitch count by the count gives the finished size directly. Aida is stitched one square per hole (over 1), but linen and evenweave are worked over two threads, which halves the effective count and doubles the finished size for the same fabric. Always add a margin on every side — most stitchers leave about 3 inches so the piece can be hooped, framed or mounted.
Worked example
A 140 × 180 stitch design on 14-count Aida over 1: effective count 14, so 140 ÷ 14 = 10" wide and 180 ÷ 14 = 12.86" tall. Adding 3" margins on all sides means cutting a 16" × 18.9" piece.
Frequently asked questions
What changes for linen or evenweave?
They are usually stitched over two threads, so a 28-count linen behaves like 14 stitches per inch. Choose "over 2" and the calculator halves the effective count, giving the same finished size as 14-count Aida.
How much margin should I leave?
About 3 inches per side is standard so you can hoop and frame the piece. Small ornaments can use 2 inches; large pieces that will be stretched over bars may want 4 or more.
Does higher count make the design bigger or smaller?
Smaller. A higher count packs more stitches into each inch, so the same pattern shrinks — the same design is much smaller on 18-count than on 11-count.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.