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Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator

Calculate exact fabric size needed for your cross stitch project. Enter pattern dimensions and select fabric count to get finished size with margins.

Calculate Fabric Size

Pattern Size (in stitches)

Recommended: 3-4 inches for framing

🧵 Design Size

Width
10.0
inches
Height
10.0
inches

📐 Fabric Needed (with margins)

Width
16.0
inches
Height
16.0
inches
Fabric Count
14 Count Aida
Most popular, standard projects
Total Stitches
19,600
~157 hours

💡 Recommendations

  • ✅ 3-4 inch margins are perfect for standard framing and finishing.
  • ⭐ 14 count is the most popular choice - good balance of detail and ease.
  • 🗓️ Large project - may take several weeks to months to complete.

Related Calculators

Fabric Count Comparison

Fabric TypeStitches/Inch100×100 DesignBest For
11 Count Aida119.1" × 9.1"Beginners, kids, quick projects
14 Count Aida147.1" × 7.1"Most popular, standard size
16 Count Aida166.25" × 6.25"Detailed work, smaller projects
18 Count Aida185.6" × 5.6"Fine detail, miniatures
22 Count Hardanger224.5" × 4.5"Very fine work, advanced
28 Count (over 2)147.1" × 7.1"Smooth finish, heirloom quality

Note: Higher count = smaller finished size. 28 count worked over 2 threads equals 14 count in size.

How to Calculate Fabric Size

📐 Basic Formula

Fabric Size = (Pattern Stitches ÷ Fabric Count) + (Margin × 2)

Step-by-step:
1. Find pattern dimensions in stitches (from chart)
2. Choose your fabric count (11, 14, 16, 18, etc.)
3. Divide pattern stitches by fabric count = design size
4. Add margins (3-4 inches on each side) = total fabric needed

Example:
Pattern: 140 × 140 stitches
Fabric: 14 count Aida
Margin: 3 inches
Width: (140 ÷ 14) + (3 × 2) = 10" + 6" = 16"
Height: (140 ÷ 14) + (3 × 2) = 10" + 6" = 16"
Buy: 16" × 16" fabric
📏 Why Margins Matter

• Framing hardware needs 1-2"
• Lacing over board needs 2-3"
• Hoop mounting needs 2"
• Safety for cutting/handling

📊 Margin Guidelines

Small projects: 2-3 inches
Medium projects: 3-4 inches
Large projects: 4-5 inches
Professional framing: 5-6 inches

Common Project Sizes

🎁 Small Projects (under 10,000 stitches)

Examples: Ornaments, bookmarks, small samplers, gift tags

• 50×50 on 14ct = 3.6" + margins
• 100×100 on 14ct = 7.1" + margins
• 75×100 on 16ct = 4.7"×6.25" + margins
• Time: 20-80 hours

🖼️ Medium Projects (10,000-50,000 stitches)

Examples: Standard samplers, wall art, portraits, quotes

• 140×140 on 14ct = 10" + margins
• 200×150 on 14ct = 14.3"×10.7" + margins
• 150×200 on 16ct = 9.4"×12.5" + margins
• Time: 80-400 hours (2-6 months)

🏆 Large Projects (50,000+ stitches)

Examples: Epic landscapes, detailed portraits, samplers

• 300×300 on 14ct = 21.4" + margins
• 400×300 on 16ct = 25"×18.75" + margins
• 250×350 on 18ct = 13.9"×19.4" + margins
• Time: 400-2000+ hours (6-24+ months)

Fabric Types & Uses

🟦 Aida Cloth

Description: Blockweave fabric with visible squares, easy to count

Pros: Beginner-friendly, clear holes, consistent stitches, widely available
Cons: Stiff texture, shows fabric on lower counts, limited premium options
Counts: 11, 14 (most popular), 16, 18, 20
Colors: White, ivory, black, pastels, bold colors
Best for: Beginners, geometric patterns, samplers, quick projects

🧵 Evenweave Fabric

Description: Smooth cotton fabric, work over 2 threads

Pros: Smooth finish, flexible, hides fabric well, many color options
Cons: Must count threads (no visible holes), slightly irregular
Counts: 25, 27, 28 (popular), 32
Colors: Wide range including hand-dyed specialty fabrics
Best for: Intermediate stitchers, realistic designs, smooth backgrounds

🎨 Linen Fabric

Description: Natural fiber, luxurious finish, work over 2 threads

Pros: Heirloom quality, beautiful drape, ages well, premium look
Cons: Expensive ($20-40/piece), irregular weave, requires experience, limited colors
Counts: 28, 32, 36, 40 (very fine)
Colors: Natural tones (cream, flax, gray), some dyed options
Best for: Advanced stitchers, heirloom pieces, historical reproductions, gifts

✨ Specialty Fabrics

Types: Hardanger, waste canvas, perforated paper, plastic canvas

Hardanger: 22 count for fine work and pulled thread embroidery
Waste Canvas: Temporary grid for stitching on clothing, towels
Perforated Paper: Stiff cards for ornaments, bookmarks (14 count)
Plastic Canvas: Rigid sheets for 3D projects, beginner crafts (7-14 count)

Finishing & Framing Tips

1
Wash & Press

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp (face down on towel).

2
Block the Piece

Pin damp fabric to blocking board, square corners with ruler. Let air dry completely (24 hours). Ensures straight edges for framing.

3
Mount on Board

Use acid-free foam core or mat board. Lace fabric edges with strong thread or use mounting tape. Keep design centered with even margins.

4
Choose Frame Size

Frame should show design + 1-2 inch mat on all sides. Standard frames: 8×10, 11×14, 16×20. Custom framing for odd sizes. UV glass protects colors from fading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate fabric size for cross stitch?
Formula: (Pattern stitches ÷ Fabric count) + Margins = Fabric size. Example: 140×140 stitch pattern on 14-count Aida: (140 ÷ 14) + (3" margin × 2 sides) = 10" + 6" = 16" square fabric. Pattern stitches = from your chart. Fabric count = stitches per inch (11, 14, 16, 18, 22, 28). Margins = 3-4 inches recommended for framing. Higher count = smaller finished size. Always round up to nearest inch and add 10% safety margin for mistakes.
What fabric count should I use for cross stitch?
11 Count Aida: Beginner-friendly, large holes, fast stitching. Good for: kids projects, quick gifts, bold designs. 14 Count Aida: Most popular, standard size stitches. Good for: general projects, balanced detail/speed. 16 Count Aida: Smaller stitches, more detail. Good for: detailed patterns, intermediate stitchers. 18 Count Aida: Fine work, slow stitching. Good for: miniatures, delicate designs. 22-28 Count: Expert level, tiny stitches. 28 count worked over 2 threads = 14 stitches/inch. Good for: heirloom pieces, advanced stitchers. Most patterns designed for 14 count - easiest to find supplies.
How much margin should I leave around my cross stitch?
Minimum margin: 2 inches (bare minimum for framing). Standard margin: 3-4 inches (recommended for most projects). Large margin: 5-6 inches (for professional framing, stretching over bars). Hoop finishing: 2-3 inches (enough to fit in hoop frame). Why margins matter: Allows fabric to be gripped during stitching without damage. Provides area for framing/mounting hardware. Room for lacing over mounting board. Prevents design from being cut during finishing. Pro tip: Mark center of fabric with basting stitch before starting - helps keep design centered with even margins.
Can I use different fabric counts for the same pattern?
Yes! Same pattern on different counts creates different sizes. Example: 140×140 stitch pattern: 11 count = 12.7" × 12.7" design. 14 count = 10" × 10" design. 16 count = 8.75" × 8.75" design. 18 count = 7.8" × 7.8" design. 28 count (over 2) = 10" × 10" design (same as 14). Higher count = smaller finished piece. Lower count = larger, faster to stitch. Considerations: Thread coverage (lower counts may show fabric). Floss strands (adjust for count - 2 strands for 14, 1 strand for 18+). Pattern clarity (some designs better on specific counts). Always recalculate fabric size when changing count!
What is the difference between Aida and evenweave fabric?
Aida: Blockweave fabric with visible squares/holes. Counts: 11, 14, 16, 18 most common. Pros: Easy to see holes, beginner-friendly, consistent stitch size, no counting threads. Cons: Shows fabric between stitches on lower counts, stiff texture, limited color options. Best for: Beginners, geometric patterns, standard projects. Evenweave/Linen: Smooth fabric, count threads to stitch. Worked over 2 threads. Counts: 22, 25, 28, 32, 36, 40. Pros: Smooth finish, hides fabric better, luxurious look, many colors. Cons: Requires counting threads, irregular weave (natural variations), more expensive. Best for: Advanced stitchers, heirloom pieces, realistic designs. 28 count evenweave over 2 threads = same size as 14 count Aida (14 stitches/inch).
How long does a cross stitch project take?
Time varies by: Stitch count (main factor). Skill level (beginners slower). Pattern complexity (color changes, fractionals). Available time (hours per day). Average speed: Beginner: 50-75 stitches/hour. Intermediate: 100-150 stitches/hour. Advanced: 150-250 stitches/hour. Time estimates: Small (2,500 stitches): 20-50 hours = 1-2 weeks casual stitching. Medium (10,000 stitches): 65-200 hours = 1-3 months. Large (50,000 stitches): 200-1000 hours = 3-12 months. Epic (100,000+ stitches): 650-2000 hours = 1-3+ years. Factors that slow down: Confetti stitching (scattered single stitches). Frequent color changes. Fractional/specialty stitches. Complex backstitching. Pro tip: Grid your fabric every 10 stitches for faster counting and fewer mistakes.
Where can I buy cross stitch fabric and what sizes are available?
Pre-cut fabric sizes (standard Aida): 9" × 12" (small projects, ornaments). 12" × 18" (medium projects). 14" × 18" (standard size). 18" × 21" (large projects). 18" × 27", 20" × 24" (extra large). By the yard: Width: 60" standard (most Aida). Length: Buy by yard (36" increments). Best for: Large projects, multiple small projects, custom sizes. Where to buy: Craft stores: Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby (limited selection). Online: DMC, Zweigart (premium), 123Stitch, Stitchery (huge selection). Amazon: Convenient but check reviews for quality. Etsy: Hand-dyed, specialty fabrics. Colors available: White (most common, easiest). Cream/Ecru (vintage look). Pastels (baby projects). Bold colors (modern designs). Black (dramatic contrast). Hand-dyed (unique, expensive). Price range: Economy Aida: $5-10 per pre-cut. Premium Zweigart: $10-20 per pre-cut. Linen/evenweave: $15-30+ per pre-cut. Hand-dyed: $20-40 per pre-cut.