Cross-Stitch Fabric Size Calculator

How to use our Cross-Stitch Fabric Calculator

Cut the fabric right the first time—no guessing, no wasted material.

One of the biggest challenges in cross-stitching is making sure you have enough fabric for your design—plus some extra margin for framing or finishing. A cross-stitch fabric calculator takes the guesswork out of it by telling you exactly how large a piece you need, based on your stitch-count, fabric-count and finishing allowances.

With the right tool, you can go into your next project with confidence: enter a few numbers, get the correct measurements, and start stitching without worry.

Here’s how it works, why it’s useful, and how to get the most from it.

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What Is a Cross-Stitch Fabric Size Calculator?

A fabric calculator for cross-stitch helps you determine the correct size of cloth needed for your design—not just the stitched area, but the full piece including borders. It considers the number of stitches in your pattern, the fabric count (how many stitches/threads fit in one inch), and how much extra fabric you’ll need to finish (border, framing, hemming).

Why it matters

When you begin a project, one of the first steps is simple: make sure your fabric is large enough. Whether you’re using 14-count Aida, 28-count linen, or something else, the size of your stitched design changes dramatically depending on fabric count and finishing margin. The right calculator helps you skip the trial-and-error, skip running out of fabric halfway, and frame or finish your piece neatly.

How the Calculator Works

At its core the calculator uses three inputs:

  1. Stitch dimensions – how many stitches wide and tall your pattern is.

  2. Fabric count – the number of stitches (or threads) per inch of fabric.

  3. Margin allowance – extra fabric around the design for framing or finishing.

Here’s the basic process:

  • Divide the stitch width (and height) by the fabric count to get the stitched size (in inches or cm).

  • Add the margin allowance on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).

  • So you wind up with the total fabric size you need to cut or buy.

Example:
If your pattern is 120 × 150 stitches, on 14-count Aida, with 3″ margin on each side:

  • Stitched width = 120 ÷ 14 ≈ 8.6″

  • Add 3″ left + 3″ right = 14.6″ total width

  • And similar for height → gives you your full cut size.

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Step-by-Step: Use It in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1 – Enter the Pattern’s Stitch Count

Locate the stitch count on your chart (for example “120 × 150”). Always use the stitch count—not the finished size listed (which depends on the fabric). Enter the width and height into the calculator.

Step 2 – Choose the Fabric Count

Select how many stitches or threads fit into one inch. Common counts include:

  • 14-count Aida

  • 16, 18-count Aida

  • 28-count evenweave or linen (often stitched over 2 threads)
    If you’re unsure of the count, check your pattern or fabric label.

Step 3 – Add Your Border/Finishing Margin

Decide how much extra fabric you want around the design. This margin allows for framing, hooping, or finishing. A good guideline is 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) per side, though you might choose more for large or decorative pieces. Enter your margin into the calculator.

Step 4 – Calculate and Get the Fabric Size

Click calculate: you’ll see:

  • Stitched size (how large your design will be)

  • Cut fabric size (including the margins)
    Use these figures when buying fabric or cutting from your stash.

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The Benefits of Using a Fabric Calculator

Here’s what you gain:

  • No more guessing about how much fabric to buy.

  • Minimise the risk of running out of fabric mid-project.

  • Better alignment with frames and hoops—ensures your design fits.

  • Helps with cost and supply planning (you’ll know how much cloth and floss you’ll need).

  • Lets you start stitching sooner, with confidence and clarity.

Pro Tips & Best Practices

Round Up the Measurements

Even if your calculated size is 10.4″ × 12.8″, round up to 11″ × 13″. That extra bit of fabric makes framing and handling easier, and avoids finishing mistakes.

Find the Center of the Fabric

Fold the fabric in half both ways and mark the center. Aligning your chart’s center with this fabric center keeps margins balanced and avoids crowding one side.

Know Your Fabric Type & Over

  • Aida: You’re stitching over 1 square.

  • Evenweave/Linen: Commonly stitched over 2 threads (which halves your effective count per inch). If in doubt, count how many stitches fit an inch—this verifies your effective count.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to add margin: then your design ends up too close to the edge.

  • Using the wrong fabric count: e.g., entering 28-count when you’re stitching over 2 leads to mis-sized design.

  • Ignoring finishing/hoop allowance: without margin you may not have enough usable fabric for framing

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my fabric count?
Look at the packaging—e.g., “14-count Aida”. Or measure one inch of fabric and count holes/threads. That number is your fabric count.

How much extra margin should I add?
Generally 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) per side is recommended. Adjust depending on hoop size, frame depth or finishing method.

Can I use the calculator with evenweave or linen?
Yes! Just make sure you input the correct count (for example 28-count linen over 2 threads effectively becomes 14 stitches per inch) and set your “over” accordingly.

What does “14 count Aida” mean?
It means there are 14 holes/stitches per inch. Each stitch on that fabric covers ~1/14″, so the higher the count, the smaller the stitches and overall size.

Check out our Handy Guides page for more useful information.

Final Thoughts

A reliable cross-stitch size fabric calculator is one of the most useful tools you can have when planning an embroidery project. Instead of guessing and crossing your fingers, you can cut confidently, buy correctly, and begin stitching without worry.

Remember:

  • Start with your stitch count

  • Choose the right fabric count

  • Add margin for finishing

  • Round up your cut size

Ready to get started? Grab your pattern details let’s stitch!

Cross-Stitch Fabric Size Calculator

Easily check that your fabric is large enough for your cross-stitch design. Perfect for converting between stitch counts and fabric sizes with this simple, accurate calculator.

Enter your pattern stitch count and fabric details. The tool calculates the design size and the cut fabric size including margins.

Minimum margin applied: 2″ per side (or 5 cm when using cm). This can be increased uniformly by changing the Uniform Margin. Use the "advanced per-side margins" toggle to adjust this if you need custom sizes for height and width.

Pattern

Fabric

Aida counts (14, 16, 18…) mean stitches per inch. Linen/evenweave counts (28, 32, 36…) are threads per inch.

Fabric Count (per inch)

Common counts: 14 ct Aida • 28 ct / 32 ct evenweave (over 2).

Stitching & Rounding

For linen/evenweave, most patterns are worked over 2 threads. Aida is over 1 square (locked).

Margins (each edge)

ⓘ
Finishing/framing allowance per side. Minimum applies automatically.
© Simone Balman — www.simonebalman.com

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