Cross-Stitch Size Calculator: Finished Size and Fabric
Enter your pattern's stitch count and your fabric count to see the finished size in inches and centimeters, plus how much fabric to cut so there is room to frame or hoop it.
This tool runs in your browser, so you need JavaScript on to use the calculator. Everything below is the guide that goes with it.
How to use the cross-stitch size calculator
Understanding the finished size of your cross-stitch project is straightforward once you know two key pieces of information: the total stitch count of your design and the fabric count you're using. The fabric count refers to how many stitches per inch (or centimetre) the fabric has. To find your finished size, simply divide the total stitch count of your pattern by the fabric count. For example, if your pattern is 140 stitches wide and you're stitching on 14-count Aida fabric, your finished piece will be 10 inches wide (140 stitches / 14 stitches per inch = 10 inches).
This calculation applies to both the width and height of your design. So, if your pattern is 140 stitches wide by 200 stitches high on 14-count Aida, it will be 10 inches wide by approximately 14.3 inches high. It's a fundamental step in planning your project, helping you visualize the final outcome and choose the right fabric piece.
It's important to remember that a higher fabric count means smaller stitches. For instance, if you stitch the same 140-stitch wide pattern on 18-count Aida instead of 14-count, the finished width will be smaller (140 / 18 ≈ 7.8 inches). This is because 18-count fabric has more stitches packed into each inch, resulting in a more detailed but physically smaller finished piece. Conversely, a lower count fabric (like 11-count) will result in a larger finished design with bigger stitches.
When selecting your Aida fabric, common counts like 11, 14, 16, 18, and 22 are popular choices. Beginners often find 14-count Aida a good starting point as the holes are easy to see and the stitches are a manageable size. Higher counts like 18 or 22 result in finer detail and a smaller finished piece, while lower counts like 11 create a larger, more pronounced stitch. Your choice will depend on the desired look and the level of detail in your pattern.
Beyond Aida, other fabrics like evenweave (such as 28-count linen or Lugana) are also excellent for cross-stitch. A key difference with evenweave is that it's typically stitched 'over two threads.' This means each cross-stitch covers two fabric threads in both width and height. When stitching over two threads on 28-count evenweave, it behaves exactly like 14-count Aida for calculation purposes, as you are effectively making 14 stitches per inch. Always check if a pattern specifies stitching over one or two threads when using evenweave.
Finally, when creating a cross-stitch pattern from a photo using a tool like Stitchpatt, the 'grid width' you choose directly impacts the pattern's stitch count. A wider grid will generate more stitches across the design, allowing for greater detail and a more faithful representation of your original photo. However, more stitches also mean a larger finished piece (for a given fabric count) and a longer time to complete your project. Balancing detail with project size and time is an important decision.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the size of a cross-stitch pattern?
To find the finished size of your cross-stitch pattern, you'll need two numbers: the pattern's total stitch count (width and height) and your fabric's count (stitches per inch). Simply divide the stitch count by the fabric count. For example, a pattern that is 140 stitches wide on 14-count Aida will result in a finished piece 10 inches wide (140 / 14 = 10).
Which aida count should a beginner choose?
For beginners, 14-count Aida is often recommended. It strikes a good balance, as the holes are relatively easy to see, making it simpler to place your stitches accurately. The resulting stitch size is also comfortable to work with. As you gain confidence, you might explore higher counts for more detailed projects or lower counts for a bolder look.
How much extra fabric do I need around the design?
It's crucial to leave a generous margin of extra fabric around your cross-stitch design. We recommend adding about 2 to 3 inches of blank fabric on every side of your stitched area. This extra margin is essential for comfortably hooping your project while stitching and provides enough material for future framing, preventing any edges from being cut off.
How does 28-count evenweave change the calculation?
Evenweave fabrics like 28-count linen are typically stitched 'over two threads.' This means that each cross-stitch covers two fabric threads both horizontally and vertically. When stitched this way, 28-count evenweave behaves exactly like 14-count Aida for calculation purposes, effectively giving you 14 stitches per inch. Always confirm if your pattern expects stitching over one or two threads.
How do I find the stitch count of a photo pattern?
When you use Stitchpatt to turn a photo into a cross-stitch pattern, you choose the grid width (in stitches) for your pattern. This chosen width determines the total stitch count for your design. The height will then be automatically calculated to maintain the correct proportions of your original photo.
Related tools and guides
Want a chart from a photo? Try the crochet pattern maker or the cross-stitch pattern maker.