Start with stitches
Find your pattern’s width and height in stitches. On 14-count Aida, 140 stitches make a 10-inch design.
A LITTLE CREATIVE HELP, FROM PAINT ME LIKE
Cross stitch calculator
A perfect fit, before your first stitch. Find your finished design size, work out how much fabric you need, and compare fabric counts in seconds.
Free to use.
No signup. Just stitch.
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Your project, sized up
Enter whole-number stitch dimensions from 1 to 10,000, a fabric count from 1 to 100, and a margin from 0 to 25 in (63.5 cm).
Finished design
10 × 8 inThe stitched area onlyFabric needed
16 × 14 inIncluding your extra fabricStitched area3 in on each side
Layout illustration, not a printable stitching pattern.
A little room to work.
Cut at least 16 × 14 in. Rounded up to the next whole unit so you never cut short.
SAME PATTERN, A DIFFERENT SIZE
Find your favorite fit.
A higher fabric count makes a smaller design. Compare your pattern before choosing your fabric.
| Fabric count | Finished design | Fabric needed |
|---|
LESS MATH, MORE MAKING
How to calculate cross stitch size
Choose your fabric
Divide stitches by fabric count. For linen or evenweave stitched over two threads, multiply the stitch count by two first.
Leave a little extra
Add your margin twice to each dimension, once for each edge. A 10 × 8 in design with 3 in on every side needs 16 × 14 in of fabric.
Design size (inches) = stitches × threads stitched over ÷ fabric count
BEFORE YOUR FIRST STITCH
A few common questions
A little know-how for your next project.
What does fabric count mean?
Fabric count tells you how many squares or threads fit in one inch. Aida has a clear square grid, so 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch. Linen and evenweave are counted in threads per inch.
What does stitching “over two” mean?
Each cross stitch spans two fabric threads instead of one. For example, 28-count linen stitched over two has 14 stitches per inch, the same design size as 14-count Aida. This is different from how many strands of floss you use in your needle.
How much extra fabric should I leave?
Three inches (7.62 cm) on each side is a useful starting point for framing. Your hoop, frame, sewing allowance, or finishing method may need more or less. The calculator adds your chosen margin to all four sides.
Will changing fabric count change my pattern?
The number of stitches stays the same. A higher effective stitch count makes the finished design smaller, while a lower count makes it larger. Your fabric count and whether you stitch over one or two determine the final size.
Can I save or print my measurements?
Yes. Choose “Print / save as PDF” to open a clean project summary, then print it or choose your browser’s Save as PDF option. You can also copy the measurements to your notes.
Can I order a complete custom cross-stitch kit?
Yes. Start with a favorite photo and create your own project with our custom cross-stitch kit. Choose your kit options on the product page. Calculator settings are for planning and are not automatically added to a kit order.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
