Helpful Toolbox

Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator

Enter your stitch count and fabric, and see exactly how big a piece of Aida or evenweave to cut.

📖 How it works & FAQ

Why fabric size matters

Running out of fabric halfway through a project is every stitcher's nightmare, and cutting a giant piece "just to be safe" wastes expensive Aida and linen. This calculator turns your pattern's stitch count into the exact finished design size and the size of the piece you should cut, so you buy and trim with confidence. It assumes square stitches, so the width and height come straight from your grid.

Aida vs evenweave (stitches over)

The big variable is how many fabric threads each stitch covers. On Aida you stitch over 1 block, so a 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch. On evenweave and linen you usually stitch over 2 threads, so 28-count linen also gives 14 stitches per inch — the same finished size as 14 Aida. That is why the "stitched over" setting matters: it divides your fabric count to find the true stitches per inch.

Margins and framing

The default 3" margin on every side leaves room to grip the fabric in a hoop or frame, mount it, and frame the finished piece. Drop it to 2" for small ornaments, or raise it to 4"+ if you plan to lace over a mount board. These numbers are helpful estimates — always round up when buying fabric.

How to use it

  1. Enter your pattern's stitch count as width and height.
  2. Type your fabric count (the holes or threads per inch).
  3. Choose whether you stitch over 1 thread (Aida) or 2 (evenweave/linen).
  4. Set the margin you want on each side, then read the design size and the fabric-to-cut size.

FAQ

What is "stitches over"?
It is how many fabric threads each cross stitch spans. Aida is over 1; most evenweave and linen is stitched over 2.
Does this include a margin?
Yes. The fabric-to-cut size adds your chosen margin to all four sides — design size plus twice the margin in each direction.
Why do 14 Aida and 28 linen give the same size?
Because 28-count stitched over 2 threads equals 14 stitches per inch, the same as 14-count Aida over 1.
Should I round up when buying?
Always. These are estimates, so add a little extra for fraying, hoop marks, and mounting.