Cross Stitch Calculator

Divide your pattern dimensions (in stitches) by the fabric count to get the design size in inches, then add margin on all sides. A standard framing margin is 3 inches per side. For example, a 150×200 stitch pattern on 14-count Aida measures approximately 10.7×14.3 inches, so you would need fabric at least 16.7×20.3 inches. Always round up to the nearest available fabric size when purchasing.

Aida is a block-weave fabric with clearly visible holes, making it ideal for beginners. Evenweave and linen have a regular over-under thread pattern and are typically stitched "over two" threads, meaning you skip every other hole. A 28-count evenweave stitched over two is equivalent to 14-count Aida in finished size. Evenweave gives a softer drape and finer appearance, which many experienced stitchers prefer for detailed designs and projects that won't be framed.

The number of skeins depends on your total stitch count, number of strands used, fabric count, and design coverage. A single standard DMC skein (8.7 yards) typically covers 400-700 full cross stitches on 14-count Aida with 2 strands, depending on how neatly you stitch on the back. Our calculator provides a conservative estimate. Always buy an extra skein of your most-used colors to avoid dye lot differences from separate purchases.

Time varies enormously based on skill level, fabric count, and pattern complexity. An experienced stitcher averages about 1,500 full cross stitches per hour on 14-count Aida. A 150×200 pattern at 70% coverage contains approximately 21,000 stitches, translating to about 14 hours of pure stitching time. Add 15-25% for thread changes, backstitching, and breaks. New stitchers should expect roughly half the experienced pace.

14-count Aida is the most popular for general cross stitch projects and works well for most patterns. Use 11-count for larger, bolder designs or if you have vision difficulties. Choose 16 or 18-count for more detailed patterns with finer results. Counts of 25 and above (evenweave/linen over two) produce professional-quality results favored for heirloom pieces. Higher counts require better lighting and possibly magnification but produce exquisitely detailed finished pieces.

To convert a design from one fabric count to another, the stitch count stays the same but the finished size changes. Multiply the finished size by the ratio of old count to new count. For instance, a design that is 10 inches wide on 14-count becomes 10 × (14/18) = 7.78 inches on 18-count. This calculator lets you instantly see the finished size on any fabric count by simply changing the fabric count selection.

The standard recommendation is 2 strands for cross stitches on 14 and 16-count Aida, which provides good coverage without excessive bulk. Use 3 strands on 11-count Aida for fuller coverage. For 18-count and higher, 1-2 strands work best. Backstitching typically uses 1 strand regardless of fabric count. French knots commonly use 2-3 strands depending on the desired knot size. Always stitch a small test area first to check coverage.

Stitching "over two" means your needle goes over two fabric threads for each stitch rather than one. This technique is standard for evenweave and linen fabrics. A 28-count evenweave stitched over two produces the same stitch density as 14-count Aida. You can also stitch "over one" on evenweave for extremely fine detail at the full thread count, but this requires very sharp needles and good eyesight. Over-two stitching is the default for fabric counts of 25 and above.

To convert, divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches. For example, a 25cm × 35cm design is approximately 9.8 × 13.8 inches. Then add your margin (typically 3 inches per side for framing). You can also work directly in metric: fabric count is sometimes listed as "stitches per 10cm" in European kits — divide by 10 for stitches per centimeter, or divide by 2.54 for the equivalent stitches per inch.