SMALL TOOLS FOR SLOW MAKING
A little planning.
More stitching.
Find the right piece of fabric for the project in your head.
A few measurements, a little breathing room, and you’re ready.
Cross stitch fabric calculator · Aida, linen & evenweave · inches or centimetres
Let’s size your fabric.
Proportional layout · not a pattern or cutting template
Cut dimensions are rounded up to the nearest 0.01 in.
SAME IDEA, DIFFERENT SCALE
What if you changed the count?
Higher counts make a smaller stitched piece.
Your border stays the same.
| Fabric count | Stitched area | Fabric to cut | Select fabric count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 count | 12.73 × 10.18 in | 18.73 × 16.19 in | Example |
| 14 count | 10 × 8 in | 16 × 14 in | Selected |
| 16 count | 8.75 × 7 in | 14.75 × 13 in | Example |
| 18 count | 7.78 × 6.22 in | 13.78 × 12.23 in | Example |
| 28 count | 5 × 4 in | 11 × 10 in | Example |
| 32 count | 4.38 × 3.5 in | 10.38 × 9.5 in | Example |
A FEW FIELD NOTES
Measure twice.
Settle in.
The small details that make
a project fit just right.
01 What does fabric count mean?
Fabric count is the number of threads or blocks in one inch. On 14-count Aida, a row of 14 full cross stitches measures one inch. Higher counts make the same chart smaller. On linen or evenweave stitched over two threads, divide the fabric count by two: 28-count over two has the same stitch density as 14-count Aida.
02 How is fabric size calculated?
Divide the chart’s stitch count by the effective stitches per inch, then add your border twice—once for each side. For example, 140 × 112 stitches on 14-count Aida makes a 10 × 8 inch design. A 3-inch border all around calls for at least 16 × 14 inches of fabric. Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimetres.
03 How much border should I leave?
The right border depends on your finishing method. The example starts at 3 inches on each side, but a frame, hoop or sewing allowance may need something different. Check with your framer or finishing instructions before cutting. These calculations do not include shrinkage or uneven fabric edges.
04 Can I use a piece I already own?
Choose “I have fabric”, enter its dimensions and the border you want to keep. The calculator subtracts the border on both sides and rounds down to whole stitches. Check the actual count of your fabric, and measure the usable area after washing if you plan to prewash it.
Further reading: Yarn Tree’s stitch-count reference ↗
THE CALCULATION, SIMPLY
How much fabric do you need?
For each dimension: fabric size in inches = chart stitches ÷ (fabric count ÷ threads stitched over) + 2 × border in inches. Multiply by 2.54 to convert inches to centimetres. For an existing piece of fabric, subtract both borders, multiply by the effective stitch count, and round down to whole stitches.
For a 140 × 112 stitch chart on 14-count Aida, the design measures 10 × 8 inches. With a 3-inch border on each side, cut at least 16 × 14 inches (40.64 × 35.56 cm). The same chart on 28-count linen stitched over two has the same dimensions.
Less figuring.
More making something you love.