How to Calculate Fabric Size for Cross Stitch: The Complete Guide
One of the most frustrating cross stitch mistakes is running out of fabric before you finish your project. You have invested hours of stitching, only to discover there is not enough margin for framing - or worse, the design simply does not fit.
The good news is this problem is completely preventable. With a simple formula and a few minutes of planning, you can calculate the exact fabric size you need for any project. Let me show you how.
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If you prefer, use our free calculator to get instant results.
Open Fabric CalculatorThe Basic Formula
Calculating fabric size comes down to one simple formula:
Fabric Size Formula
Calculate separately for width and height
Let me break this down:
- Stitch Count - The number of stitches in your pattern (width x height)
- Fabric Count - How many stitches fit in one inch of fabric
- Margin - Extra fabric for framing and handling (usually 6 to 8 inches / 15 to 20 cm total)
Step by Step Calculation
Find Your Stitch Count
Look at your pattern for the design dimensions. This is usually listed as "stitch count" or "design size" - for example, "150w x 200h" means 150 stitches wide and 200 stitches tall.
Know Your Fabric Count
Check what fabric you plan to use. The "count" tells you how many stitches fit per inch. For example, 14-count Aida has 14 stitches per inch. If stitching over 2 on linen, divide the count by 2.
Calculate Design Size
Divide stitch count by fabric count for both width and height. This gives you the finished design size in inches.
Add Margins
Add 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) on each side for framing. This means adding 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to both width and height totals.
Example Calculations
Example 1: Small Pattern on 14 Count Aida
Pattern: 70 x 90 stitches
Fabric: 14 count Aida
Width: 70 ÷ 14 = 5 inches (12.7 cm) Height: 90 ÷ 14 = 6.4 inches (16.3 cm) Add margins: 5 + 6 = 11 inches (28 cm) wide Add margins: 6.4 + 6 = 12.4 inches (31.5 cm) tallResult: You need fabric at least 11 x 13 inches (28 x 33 cm)
Example 2: Large Pattern on 18 Count Aida
Pattern: 250 x 300 stitches
Fabric: 18 count Aida
Width: 250 ÷ 18 = 13.9 inches (35.3 cm) Height: 300 ÷ 18 = 16.7 inches (42.4 cm) Add margins (4" each side): 13.9 + 8 = 21.9 inches (55.6 cm) Add margins: 16.7 + 8 = 24.7 inches (62.7 cm)Result: You need fabric at least 22 x 25 inches (56 x 64 cm)
Example 3: Pattern on 28 Count Linen (Over 2)
Pattern: 140 x 180 stitches
Fabric: 28 count linen, stitched over 2 threads
Effective count: 28 ÷ 2 = 14 stitches per inch Width: 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches (25.4 cm) Height: 180 ÷ 14 = 12.9 inches (32.8 cm) Add margins: 10 + 6 = 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide Add margins: 12.9 + 6 = 18.9 inches (48 cm) tallResult: You need fabric at least 16 x 19 inches (41 x 48 cm)
Understanding Fabric Counts
The fabric count directly affects your finished size. Here is how common fabric counts compare:
| Fabric | Count | Stitches per Inch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aida 11 | 11-count | 11 | Beginners, large designs |
| Aida 14 | 14-count | 14 | Most popular, general use |
| Aida 16 | 16-count | 16 | More detail, medium projects |
| Aida 18 | 18-count | 18 | Fine detail, smaller finish |
| Linen 28 (over 2) | 28-count | 14 | Same as 14-count, softer look |
| Linen 32 (over 2) | 32-count | 16 | Same as 16-count, elegant finish |
| Linen 36 (over 2) | 36-count | 18 | Same as 18-count, fine detail |
| Linen 40 (over 2) | 40-count | 20 | Very fine, heirloom pieces |
Higher Count = Smaller Finish
The same pattern stitched on 18-count will be significantly smaller than on 14-count. If you want a bigger finished piece, use lower count fabric. For more detail in the same size, use higher count.
Quick Reference: Size Comparison
Here is how a 140 x 140 stitch pattern looks on different fabric counts:
140 x 140 Stitches On Different Counts
How Much Margin Do You Need?
The margin depends on how you plan to finish your piece:
| Finishing Method | Margin Per Side | Total to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery hoop display | 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) | 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) |
| Basic frame at home | 3 inches (8 cm) | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Professional framing | 4 inches (10 cm) | 8 inches (20 cm) |
| Pillow or finishing | 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) | 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) |
| Large or valuable piece | 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) | 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) |
When in Doubt, Add More
Fabric is relatively inexpensive compared to your time. It is always better to have extra margin than to run out. You can trim excess, but you cannot add more fabric later.
What About "Over 2" on Linen?
When stitching on linen or evenweave "over 2 threads," each cross stitch spans 2 fabric threads instead of 1. This effectively halves your stitch count per inch.
To calculate:
- Take your linen count (e.g., 32-count)
- Divide by 2 (32 ÷ 2 = 16)
- Use this number as your effective fabric count
So 32-count linen stitched over 2 gives you the same finished size as 16-count Aida.
Over 1 vs Over 2
Some patterns specify "over 1" on high-count linen for very fine detail. In this case, use the full fabric count in your calculation. Check your pattern instructions!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forgetting to Add Margins
The design size is not the fabric size! Always add at least 3 inches (8 cm) per side for handling and framing.
2. Confusing Thread Count with Stitch Count
On evenweave and linen, thread count is not the same as stitch count when stitching over 2. Remember to divide by 2.
3. Not Accounting for Fabric Shrinkage
If you plan to wash your fabric before stitching (recommended for linen), it may shrink slightly. Add a little extra to be safe.
4. Cutting Before Calculating
Always calculate first, then cut. Never assume a piece of fabric is "probably big enough."
Let Us Do the Math for You
Our free fabric calculator handles all these calculations instantly. Just enter your pattern size and fabric count.
Try the Free CalculatorBuying Pre-Cut Fabric
If you are buying pre-cut fabric pieces (fat quarters, standard cuts), here are common sizes:
- Fat Quarter: approximately 18 x 21 inches (46 x 53 cm)
- Fat Eighth: approximately 9 x 21 inches (23 x 53 cm)
- Standard cuts: often 12x12, 12x18, or 15x18 inches (30x30, 30x46, or 38x46 cm)
Calculate your needed size first, then choose the pre-cut that fits with adequate margins.
Summary
Calculating fabric size is straightforward once you know the formula:
- Find your pattern's stitch count (width x height)
- Divide by your fabric count (remember: linen over 2 = count ÷ 2)
- Add 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) total for margins
- Round up to the nearest inch or centimeter
Taking five minutes to calculate before you start can save hours of frustration and prevent the heartbreak of running out of fabric on a project you love.
Happy stitching!
- Marieta
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