How to work out cross-stitch fabric size
Fabric count is the number of stitches that fit in one inch. Divide the design's stitch count by it to get the finished size, then add a margin on every side for framing or a hoop. On evenweave and linen each stitch usually covers two threads, so a 28-count fabric stitched over two gives 14 stitches per inch, the same as 14-count Aida.
Example. A design 150 stitches wide and 100 high on 14-count Aida is 150 ÷ 14 = 10.7 in by 100 ÷ 14 = 7.1 in. With 3 in of margin all round, cut the fabric 16 3/4 × 13 1/4 in.
Fabric counts compared
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Per cm | 100 stitches measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 11 | 4.3 | 9.1 in · 23.1 cm |
| 14-count Aida, 28-count over 2 | 14 | 5.5 | 7.1 in · 18.1 cm |
| 16-count Aida, 32-count over 2 | 16 | 6.3 | 6.3 in · 15.9 cm |
| 18-count Aida, 36-count over 2 | 18 | 7.1 | 5.6 in · 14.1 cm |
| 25-count evenweave over 2 | 12.5 | 4.9 | 8 in · 20.3 cm |
How much floss you need
A skein of six-strand cotton floss holds about 8 m or 8.7 yd. With two strands in the needle, one skein covers roughly these numbers of full cross stitches:
| Fabric | Full stitches per skein, 2 strands |
|---|---|
| 11-count | 850–950 |
| 14-count | 1,050–1,200 |
| 16-count | 1,200–1,350 |
| 18-count | 1,350–1,500 |
Stitching with three strands uses about half as much again, and one strand about half. The calculator adds 15% for starting and ending threads. Buy colors with many stitches from the same dye lot.
Source: Cross Stitch Style Arte, thread estimates. Checked October 2026.
Questions
How do I calculate the size of a cross-stitch design?
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. A design 140 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is 10 in wide. On evenweave stitched over two threads, divide the count by two first, so 28-count over two also gives 14 stitches per inch.
How much fabric do I need for cross-stitch?
The design size plus a margin on every side. For framing, 3 in on each side is common, so add 6 in to both the width and the height. For a hoop or a small ornament, 2 in on each side is usually enough.
What is the difference between 14-count and 18-count Aida?
14-count has 14 stitches per inch and 18-count has 18, so the same design comes out about 22% smaller on 18-count. Smaller stitches look finer but are harder to see, and they usually take fewer strands of floss.
How many stitches does one skein of floss make?
Roughly 1,050 to 1,200 full cross stitches on 14-count Aida with two strands, a little more on finer fabric and less on 11-count. Three strands use about half as much again.
What does stitching over two mean?
On evenweave and linen each cross stitch covers two threads across and two down. It halves the number of stitches per inch, so 32-count over two works like 16-count Aida.
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