How much fabric do I need for cross-stitch?

Quick answer: divide your pattern’s stitch count by your fabric count to get the stitched size in inches, then add a margin on every side for hooping and framing. A 140 by 98 stitch design on 14-count aida works out to a 10 by 7 inch stitched area, so with a 3-inch margin per side you would cut a 16 by 13 inch piece of fabric. The calculator above does this for you instantly, for any count.

The three numbers that decide your fabric size

Stitch count is how many stitches wide and tall your design is. Most patterns list it, usually as something like “140w x 98h.” If yours does not, count the squares on the chart.

Fabric count is how many stitches fit into one inch of fabric. A 14-count aida holds 14 stitches per inch, an 18-count holds 18. The higher the count, the smaller each stitch and the smaller your finished piece. Evenweave and linen are usually stitched “over two,” which effectively halves the count, so 28-count linen over two behaves like 14-count aida.

Margin is the extra fabric around your design for mounting in a hoop or frame and for lacing or stretching when you finish. Three inches per side is the common rule of thumb, which adds 6 inches to both the width and the height. Smaller pieces can use less, large samplers sometimes want more.

The formula, step by step

Say your pattern is 140 wide by 98 high on 14-count aida.

Step 1, stitched size: 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches wide, and 98 ÷ 14 = 7 inches tall. Your design will be 10 by 7 inches.

Step 2, add margin: with 3 inches per side you add 6 inches to each dimension. 10 + 6 = 16 inches wide, 7 + 6 = 13 inches tall. Cut your fabric to 16 by 13 inches.

How fabric count changes the finished size

The same 140 by 98 pattern looks very different depending on the count you choose:

If you have a frame in mind, work backwards: pick the count that lands your stitched design comfortably inside the opening with room for a mat. The Fit to Frame tab above does this for you.

Quick reference: fabric to cut by pattern size (14-count, 3-inch margin)

A few things that trip people up

Over one versus over two. On evenweave and linen, stitching over two threads is standard, so a 28-count linen gives you a 14-count result. Use the effective count in the formula, not the raw fabric count. The Over 1 / Over 2 toggle above handles this.

Margins for big projects. The 3-inch rule is a minimum. On a large sampler mounted on stretcher bars, you may want 4 to 5 inches per side so you have enough to grip and lace.

Rounding. When the math gives an odd number, round up. Spare fabric is never the problem, running short is.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra fabric do I need for framing?
Add at least 3 inches on each side of your design, which is 6 inches total on both width and height. For a scroll frame or a wide mat, go with 4 inches per side.

Can I use this for evenweave or linen?
Yes. Evenweave and linen are usually stitched over two threads, so enter the effective count: 28-count over two behaves like 14, 32-count like 16, and 36-count like 18.

What is the difference between 14-count and 18-count?
14-count has 14 stitches per inch with larger, easier-to-see stitches. 18-count has 18 per inch, finer detail and a smaller finished piece. The same 100 by 100 design is about 7.1 inches on 14-count but only 5.6 inches on 18-count.

How much fabric for a 100 by 100 pattern?
On 14-count aida the design is about 7.1 by 7.1 inches. Add a 3-inch margin per side and you cut roughly 13 by 13 inches. On 18-count the same design is about 5.6 inches, so a smaller cut.

Do fractional stitches change the size?
No. Quarter, half, and three-quarter stitches add detail within the grid but do not change the overall dimensions. A 100 by 100 pattern is still 100 by 100.

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