Cross stitch calculator
Work out the finished size of any cross stitch design, how much Aida or evenweave to cut, and how many skeins of floss to buy.
How many skeins?
Cross stitch size chart
Finished size in inches for common design sizes (square designs; for other shapes, look up the width and height separately).
| Fabric | 50 stitches | 80 stitches | 100 stitches | 150 stitches | 200 stitches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 4.5 in | 7.3 in | 9.1 in | 13.6 in | 18.2 in |
| 14-count Aida | 3.6 in | 5.7 in | 7.1 in | 10.7 in | 14.3 in |
| 16-count Aida | 3.1 in | 5.0 in | 6.3 in | 9.4 in | 12.5 in |
| 18-count Aida | 2.8 in | 4.4 in | 5.6 in | 8.3 in | 11.1 in |
| 22-count Hardanger | 2.3 in | 3.6 in | 4.5 in | 6.8 in | 9.1 in |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 3.6 in | 5.7 in | 7.1 in | 10.7 in | 14.3 in |
| 32-count linen (over 2) | 3.1 in | 5.0 in | 6.3 in | 9.4 in | 12.5 in |
How the numbers are worked out
Finished size is the number of stitches divided by the fabric count. On 14-count Aida, 140 stitches is 10 inches. Evenweave and linen are stitched over two threads, so 28-count evenweave gives 14 stitches per inch.
Fabric to cut adds spare fabric on every side for framing or hooping. Three inches each side is a common choice.
Skeins are estimated from the thread one full cross stitch uses: two diagonals on the front and two short stitches on the back, plus a quarter extra for starting, finishing and moving between areas. A DMC skein is 8 metres of six strands. Buy an extra skein for colours you use a lot.
How many strands for each fabric count?
| Fabric | Strands for cross stitch |
|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands |
| 18-count Aida | 1 or 2 strands |
| 22-count Hardanger | 1 strand |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 2 strands |
| 32-count linen (over 2) | 1 or 2 strands |
Want all of this done for you? The cross stitch pattern maker turns a photo into a chart and works out the size, fabric and skeins for every colour. You can also stitch a QR code.
Questions
How do I work out the size of a cross stitch?
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. A design 140 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches wide. On evenweave or linen stitched over two threads, halve the count first: 28-count over two works like 14-count.
How much fabric do I need?
Add the finished size plus spare fabric on every side: about 3 inches per side for framing, or more for a large hoop. For a 10 × 8 inch design that is a piece about 16 × 14 inches.
What does Aida count mean?
The count is the number of stitches per inch. 14-count Aida fits 14 cross stitches in an inch, so higher counts make smaller, finer stitches and a smaller finished piece from the same chart.
Which Aida count should a beginner use?
14-count Aida is the usual choice: the holes are easy to see and it suits two strands of floss. 11-count is easier still for children or tired eyes; 16 and 18-count give finer detail.
How many skeins of floss do I need?
One skein of DMC (8 metres of six strands) covers roughly 2,000 full stitches on 14-count Aida with two strands, and about 1,100 on 11-count with three. The calculator above and the pattern maker estimate it for you, colour by colour.