Helpful Toolbox

Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator

Find out exactly how much Aida, evenweave or linen your next cross stitch pattern needs — no more guessing at the fabric shop.

📖 How it works & FAQ
Stitched design area
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Total fabric to buy (with margin)
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Work out your fabric size before you cut

Running out of fabric halfway through a project — or wasting an expensive fat quarter of hand-dyed linen — is every stitcher's nightmare. This calculator turns your pattern's stitch count into the finished design size and the total piece of fabric you should buy, so you can shop with confidence. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved.

How the math works

Every fabric has a count — the number of threads (or holes) per inch. On Aida you stitch over one square, so the stitches-per-inch equals the count. On evenweave and linen you usually stitch over two threads, which halves the effective count. The design size is simply your stitch count divided by that effective count: inches = stitches × over ÷ count. We then add your chosen margin to all four sides so you have room to hoop, frame or finish.

How to use it

  1. Enter your pattern's stitch count width and height (these are on the chart, not the finished inches).
  2. Type your fabric count — for example 14 for 14-count Aida or 28 for 28-count linen.
  3. Choose stitches-over: 1 for Aida, 2 for evenweave and linen worked over two.
  4. Set a margin per side (3 inches is a safe default for framing; use 2 for hoops).
  5. Read the stitched design area and the total fabric size in both inches and centimetres.

FAQ

What margin should I use?
Three inches per side suits most framed and finished pieces. Drop to 2 inches for small hoops, or add more if a framer needs extra to stretch.
Why does linen use "stitches over 2"?
Linen and evenweave threads are uneven, so stitchers cross over two threads for a smooth result. That makes 28-count linen work up at the same size as 14-count Aida.
Does count include the margin?
No. The design area is the stitched part only; the total fabric adds your margin on all four sides.
Are these numbers exact?
They are close estimates. Fabric counts vary slightly and you may want to round up to the nearest inch when buying, so treat the result as a buying guide.