Cross Stitch Calculator
Calculate cross-stitch design size, cut fabric dimensions and total stitch count from fabric count and margin.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Cross stitch fabric is sold by count — how many squares fit in one inch — so a design of 140 stitches fits very differently on 14 count Aida than on 18 count. Cutting the fabric after working out the margins avoids the classic problem of running out of border for framing.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Design width in stitches 140 · Design height in stitches 100 · Fabric count (stitches per inch) 14 count Aida (stitches/in) · Stitch over how many fabric threads? Over 1 fabric thread · Margin to add on each side 3 in Design width 10.00 in · Design height 7.14 in · Fabric to cut (width) 16.0 in · Fabric to cut (height) 13.1 in · Total stitches 14,000
Method and assumptions
Wd = D_w ÷ (C ÷ k); S = D_w × D_h Design size = stitch count ÷ effective fabric count (C ÷ k). Cut size = design size + 2 × margin. Thread quantity is not estimated. Cross stitch fabric is sold by count — how many squares fit in one inch — so a design of 140 stitches fits very differently on 14 count Aida than on 18 count. Cutting the fabric after working out the margins avoids the classic problem of running out of border for framing. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Data sources
Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
Wd = D_w ÷ (C ÷ k); S = D_w × D_h
- D_w
- Design width (stitches)
- D_h
- Design height (stitches)
- C
- Fabric count (stitches/in)
- k
- 1, or 2 over two threads
- m
- Margin per side (in)
Design size = stitch count ÷ effective fabric count (C ÷ k). Cut size = design size + 2 × margin. Thread quantity is not estimated.
Frequently asked questions
How does fabric count affect finished size?
Design stitches divided by effective fabric count gives the stitched dimensions. A 140-stitch design on 14-count Aida is 10 inches wide over one fabric thread; stitching over two fabric threads halves the effective count and doubles the dimension. The entered margin is added on both sides for the cut size. Skeins are not estimated because floss use varies with strands, coverage, fabric and design.
Which inputs and limits apply to Cross Stitch Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Design width in stitches: 1–1,000; Design height in stitches: 1–1,000; Margin to add on each side: 0–12 in Wd = D_w ÷ (C ÷ k); S = D_w × D_h Design size = stitch count ÷ effective fabric count (C ÷ k). Cut size = design size + 2 × margin. Thread quantity is not estimated. Cross stitch fabric is sold by count — how many squares fit in one inch — so a design of 140 stitches fits very differently on 14 count Aida than on 18 count. Cutting the fabric after working out the margins avoids the classic problem of running out of border for framing. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
What is a complete worked example for Design width in stitches = 140; Design height in stitches = 100?
Inputs: Design width in stitches = 140; Design height in stitches = 100; Fabric count (stitches per inch) = 14 count Aida (stitches/in); Stitch over how many fabric threads? = Over 1 fabric thread; Margin to add on each side = 3 in. Calculation: Wd = D_w ÷ (C ÷ k); S = D_w × D_h. Results: Design width = 10.00 in; Design height = 7.14 in; Fabric to cut (width) = 16.0 in; Fabric to cut (height) = 13.1 in; Total stitches = 14,000.