Cross stitch fabric calculator
Cut the fabric 13.14 in wide by 11.71 in high. The stitched design measures 7.14 in by 5.71 in, and with its unstitched border it fills a frame opening of 9.14 in by 7.71 in.
Result
Fabric to cut, width
in
Fabric to cut, height
in
Stitched design, width
in
Stitched design, height
in
Frame opening, width
in
Frame opening, height
in
How it works
A cross stitch pattern is sized in stitches, and the fabric decides how big a stitch is. Divide the stitches by the stitches per inch and you have the design size: that is all a cross stitch design size calculator does. On Aida one stitch covers one square, so the fabric count is the stitches per inch. On evenweave and linen a stitch usually crosses two threads, so the count is halved first. The fabric has to be bigger than the design twice over. Some of it stays visible around the stitching inside the frame or mat, and some disappears behind the frame, into the hoop or around the mounting board. This cross stitch fabric size calculator keeps the two apart, so it also answers the cross stitch frame size question: the frame opening is the design plus the border you want to see. How much Aida you need, and what size fabric to buy for a cross stitch pattern, is the opening plus the finishing allowance on every side.
Formula
stitches per inch = fabric count ÷ threads per stitch (1 on Aida, 2 on evenweave and linen). design size = stitches ÷ stitches per inch. frame opening = design size + 2 × unstitched border. fabric to cut = frame opening + 2 × finishing allowance, rounded up only if you ask. A count per centimeter works the same way, in centimeters; 1 in = 2.54 cm.
Worked example
The calculator opens with this example; the result above is computed from it.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Stitches across | 100 |
| Stitches down | 80 |
| Fabric count | 14 |
| Each stitch covers | One square or thread (Aida) |
| Unstitched border on each side | 1 in |
| Finishing allowance on each side | 2 in |
| The fabric count is given | Per inch |
| Round the fabric up to | No rounding |
| Fabric to cut, width | 13.14 in |
| Fabric to cut, height | 11.71 in |
| Stitched design, width | 7.14 in |
| Stitched design, height | 5.71 in |
| Frame opening, width | 9.14 in |
| Frame opening, height | 7.71 in |
Common cases
| Case | Starting values | Fabric to cut, width | Fabric to cut, height | Stitched design, width | Stitched design, height | Frame opening, width | Frame opening, height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sampler on fourteen count Aida | Stitches across 100; Stitches down 80; Fabric count 14; Unstitched border on each side 1 in; Finishing allowance on each side 2 in | 13.14 in | 11.71 in | 7.14 in | 5.71 in | 9.14 in | 7.71 in |
| Sampler on twenty-eight count linen over two | Stitches across 140; Stitches down 180; Fabric count 28; Unstitched border on each side 1.5 in; Finishing allowance on each side 2 in | 17 in | 19.86 in | 10.00 in | 12.86 in | 13.00 in | 15.86 in |
| Small motif for a card on sixteen count | Stitches across 42; Stitches down 42; Fabric count 16; Unstitched border on each side 0.5 in; Finishing allowance on each side 1 in | 5 5/8 in | 5 5/8 in | 2.63 in | 2.63 in | 3.62 in | 3.62 in |
| Full coverage piece on eighteen count | Stitches across 250; Stitches down 350; Fabric count 18; Unstitched border on each side 0 in; Finishing allowance on each side 3 in | 19.89 in | 25.44 in | 13.89 in | 19.44 in | 13.89 in | 19.44 in |
| Large stitches on eleven count Aida | Stitches across 60; Stitches down 90; Fabric count 11; Unstitched border on each side 1 in; Finishing allowance on each side 2 in | 11.45 in | 14.18 in | 5.45 in | 8.18 in | 7.45 in | 10.18 in |
Questions and answers
How much Aida do I need for a cross stitch pattern?
For a pattern of 100 by 80 stitches on 14 count Aida, the design measures 7.14 in by 5.71 in. With 1 in of unstitched border and 2 in for finishing on every side, cut the fabric 13.14 in by 11.71 in.
How big is a cross stitch design on linen stitched over two?
Over two threads, 28 count linen gives half that many stitches per inch. A pattern of 140 by 180 stitches then measures 10.00 in by 12.86 in, and the fabric to cut is 17 in by 19.86 in.
What size frame or opening does a cross stitch need?
The opening is the stitched design plus the border you leave unstitched. For 42 by 42 stitches on 16 count with 0.5 in of border on each side, the opening is 3.62 in by 3.62 in.
Assumptions and limits
- The fabric count is taken as exact. Woven fabric varies a little, and linen more than Aida: on a large piece, measure a few inches of your own fabric and count the threads.
- Over two threads halves the count. A design stitched over one thread of evenweave uses the full count.
- Border and allowance are added on all four sides. The frame opening is the design plus the border only.
- Cut generously if the fabric frays or you will wash it. A piece that is too large can be trimmed; one that is too small cannot be saved.
The result is an estimate for planning, not professional advice.
Sources
- Yarn Tree: stitch calculator chart (design size by stitch count and fabric count; allow an unstitched border plus about 2 in on all sides for finishing)retrieved 2026-10-13
- Omni Calculator: cross stitch (worked example with a 3 in border; divide stitches by the fabric count)retrieved 2026-10-13
- Needlework Tips and Techniques: cross stitch calculator (worked example in inches and centimeters; over two halves the count)retrieved 2026-10-13
- Stitched Modern: what does cross stitch fabric count meanretrieved 2026-10-13
Last updated:
Method in depth: Design size and fabric to cut
Cite this page: Stitch Count, “Cross stitch fabric calculator”, https://stitch-count.pages.dev/fabric/cross-stitch-fabric-calculator/ (updated 13 October 2026).
Found a mistake? Email handycalc.sites+stitchcount@gmail.com.