How the calculator works
Cross stitch fabric is described by its count: the number of Aida squares, or evenweave or linen threads, in one inch. The design size follows from how many stitches fit in that inch.
- Stitches per inch = the count for Aida. For evenweave and linen stitched over two threads it is the count ÷ 2, and over one thread it is the count itself.
- Design size = stitches ÷ stitches per inch, for the width and the height.
- Fabric to cut = design size + 2 × the margin, rounded up to the next ½ inch (or whole centimeter).
The stitch counts come from your pattern, which usually prints them as something like "120w × 90h". Use the full width and height of the design area, including any unstitched background inside it.
Cross stitch fabric chart
Finished size of a 100 × 100 stitch design on each fabric, and the square of fabric to cut with 3-inch margins.
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Design size | Fabric to cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 11 | 9.09 in (23.1 cm) | 15 ½ in (39 cm) |
| 14-count Aida | 14 | 7.14 in (18.1 cm) | 13 ½ in (34 cm) |
| 16-count Aida | 16 | 6.25 in (15.9 cm) | 12 ½ in (32 cm) |
| 18-count Aida | 18 | 5.56 in (14.1 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) |
| 20-count Aida | 20 | 5 in (12.7 cm) | 11 in (28 cm) |
| 25-count evenweave or linen, over two | 12.5 | 8 in (20.3 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) |
| 28-count evenweave or linen, over two | 14 | 7.14 in (18.1 cm) | 13 ½ in (34 cm) |
| 32-count evenweave or linen, over two | 16 | 6.25 in (15.9 cm) | 12 ½ in (32 cm) |
| 36-count evenweave or linen, over two | 18 | 5.56 in (14.1 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) |
| 40-count evenweave or linen, over two | 20 | 5 in (12.7 cm) | 11 in (28 cm) |
For a design of another size, scale the design column: 200 stitches on 14-count is twice 7.14, or 14.29 inches. Then add the margins again.
Example: a 120 × 90 stitch design on 14-count Aida
- Stitches per inch: 14-count Aida gives 14.
- Design size: 120 ÷ 14 = 8.57 inches wide, 90 ÷ 14 = 6.43 inches high.
- Add 3 inches all round: 8.57 + 6 = 14.57 inches by 6.43 + 6 = 12.43 inches.
- Round up: cut 15 × 12 ½ inches (38 × 32 cm).
Switch to 32-count linen over two and the design shrinks to 7.5 × 5.63 inches. The fabric drops to 13 ½ × 12 inches (35 × 30 cm). On 18-count Aida it is 6.67 × 5 inches, cut at 13 × 11 inches.
Stitching a pattern on a different count
A chart works on any count. The number of stitches stays the same; only the finished size changes. Moving from 14-count to 18-count shrinks the design to 14 ÷ 18, about four fifths of the size, and moving to 11-count enlarges it.
Change the floss as well, so the crosses cover the fabric. A common starting point is three strands on 11-count, two on 14- and 16-count and on 28- or 32-count over two, and one or two on 18-count. Practice varies with the look you want, so stitch a few crosses in a corner of the margin before you commit.
Tips
- Count your fabric if the label is gone. Lay a ruler on it and count the squares or threads in one inch. Count over two or three inches and divide for a better average.
- Linen is not perfectly even. Its threads vary in thickness, so a design on linen can finish slightly larger or smaller than the calculation in one direction. The margin absorbs it.
- Mind the hoop or frame. The fabric has to reach past a hoop, Q-snap or scroll frame on every side. A design that fills a small hoop needs either a bigger piece of fabric or a frame you can move.
- Finish the edges before you start. Overcast, zigzag or tape the raw edges so they don't fray while you stitch. Leave the margin intact until the piece is framed.
- Cut the fabric with the grain. Keep the cut edges along a row of holes or threads so the design sits square on the fabric.
- Plan for the finish. A pillow, a bag or a quilt block needs seam allowances on top of the design instead of framing margins. Set the margin to what the finishing pattern asks for.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out the finished size of a cross stitch design?
Divide the number of stitches by the stitches per inch of your fabric. On Aida that is the count, so 100 stitches on 14-count Aida finish at 7.14 inches. On evenweave or linen stitched over two threads, halve the count first, so 28-count over two is also 14 stitches per inch.
How much fabric do I need for a cross stitch?
The design size plus a margin on every side. Three inches per side is the common allowance for a piece you will frame, which adds 6 inches to the width and the height. A 100 × 100 stitch design on 14-count Aida needs a piece about 13 ½ inches square.
What does 28-count over two mean?
The fabric has 28 threads per inch, and each cross covers two threads each way, giving 14 stitches per inch. A design stitched on 28-count evenweave over two comes out the same size as on 14-count Aida.
What count Aida is best for beginners?
Most beginner kits use 14-count Aida, and it is an easy count to see and stitch. 11-count has bigger holes and makes a larger design. 16- and 18-count make finer, smaller work and need more light and patience.
How much margin should I leave for framing?
Three inches on each side is the usual advice. Framers need spare fabric to stretch and lace or pin the work around a mounting board, and a wide mat covers some of the edge. For cards, ornaments and small finishes, 1 to 2 inches is enough. Ask your framer if you are unsure.
Last updated October 17, 2026.