Border
The border is the visible breathing room between your stitches and the frame, hoop, or finished edge. Two inches per side is a practical starting point for many framed pieces.
Cross stitch calculator
Enter your pattern size, fabric count, and margins to instantly calculate the exact stitched area and fabric size in inches and centimetres.
The recommended cut is always rounded up, so you do not accidentally cut your fabric too small.
Calculate your cross stitch fabric size
Transparent calculation
How the cross stitch calculator works
Nothing is estimated in the size calculation. Every result follows the same fabric-count formulas.
1
Find the effective fabric count
effective count = fabric count ÷ threads per stitch
On 28-count linen worked over two threads, the effective count is 14 stitches per inch.
2
Calculate the exact stitched area
stitched size = stitch count ÷ effective count
A 140 × 100 stitch design on 14 effective count is exactly 10.00 × 7.14 inches.
3
Add fabric on all four sides
fabric size = stitched size + 2 × (border + finishing)
A 2-inch border and 1-inch finishing allowance add 6 inches to both dimensions.
4
Convert and round the recommended cut up
centimetres = inches × 2.54
Exact results keep two decimals. The cut size rounds up to 0.5 inch or 1 centimetre, never down.
Fabric count guide
Common cross stitch fabric counts
Fabric count is the number of fabric threads or Aida squares per inch. Higher counts create smaller stitches and a smaller finished design.
| Fabric count | 140 stitches over 1 | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 count | 23.33 in / 59.27 cm | Large, easy-to-see stitches |
| 8 count | 17.50 in / 44.45 cm | Children and quick projects |
| 10 count | 14.00 in / 35.56 cm | Large-count Aida |
| 11 count | 12.73 in / 32.33 cm | Beginner-friendly Aida |
| 12 count | 11.67 in / 29.63 cm | Large, defined stitches |
| 14 count | 10.00 in / 25.40 cm | Most common Aida count |
| 16 count | 8.75 in / 22.23 cm | Balanced detail and coverage |
| 18 count | 7.78 in / 19.76 cm | Finer details and portraits |
| 20 count | 7.00 in / 17.78 cm | Fine Aida or evenweave |
| 22 count | 6.36 in / 16.16 cm | Detailed compact designs |
| 25 count | 5.60 in / 14.22 cm | Evenweave, often over 2 |
| 28 count | 5.00 in / 12.70 cm | Linen or evenweave, often over 2 |
| 32 count | 4.38 in / 11.11 cm | Fine linen, often over 2 |
| 36 count | 3.89 in / 9.88 cm | Experienced stitchers |
| 40 count | 3.50 in / 8.89 cm | Very fine linen |
When stitching over two threads, halve the listed fabric count. For example, 28 count over 2 gives the same finished size as 14 count over 1.
Plan with confidence
Border, finishing, needle, and floss
Finishing allowance
This is working fabric for lacing, mounting, hemming, or sewing. Keep it separate from the visible border so your finishing method never consumes the spacing you planned.
Needle and strands
The recommendations are guidelines based on fabric density. Thread type, desired coverage, and your pattern designer's instructions always take priority.
Questions, answered
Cross stitch calculator FAQ
How do I calculate the finished size of a cross stitch pattern?
Divide the number of stitches by the effective fabric count. For example, 140 stitches on 14-count Aida is 10 inches wide. Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimetres.
What does stitching over two threads mean?
On evenweave or linen, a cross stitch often spans two fabric threads. Divide the fabric count by two before calculating size, so 28-count fabric stitched over two has an effective count of 14 stitches per inch.
What is the difference between border and finishing allowance?
Border is the visible space between the stitched design and its frame or finished edge. Finishing allowance is extra fabric used for mounting, framing, hemming, or sewing. Both amounts are added on every side.
Why is the recommended fabric cut larger than the exact fabric size?
Fabric is easier to measure and cut in practical increments. The calculator rounds each exact dimension up to the next half inch or whole centimetre, so the recommendation never leaves you short.
How many floss strands and what needle size should I use?
The calculator gives a starting guideline based on fabric count and stitch density. Two strands with a size 24 tapestry needle is common on 14-count Aida, but coverage preference, thread type, and pattern instructions should take priority.
Turn your dimensions into a pattern
StitchCraft creates cross stitch patterns from your photos with real DMC colors, progress tracking, and print-ready PDF charts. It is free to start on iPhone and iPad.
Download StitchCraft