How to Calculate Cross Stitch Fabric Size

Note the thread count of your fabric. Aida is commonly found in 14-count, though it is readily found in counts from 6-count to 18-count. Aida is stitched over one thread so no calculation is needed. Linens and evenweaves are commonly found in 28-count or 32-count, though a wide range of counts are available. For most projects, linens and evenweaves are stitched over two threads. Divide the thread count by 2, so a 28-count evenweave would be stitched as a 14-count and a 32-count would be stitched as a 16-count. For this example, let's say you have fabric you'll stitch as 14-count.

Check your pattern for the design count -- the stitch count of the design's width and height. If there is no design count given on the pattern, count the number of stitches in the design's maximum width and height. For this example, let's say the stitch count is 140 stitches by 112 stitches.

Divide the stitch count of each dimension by the thread count. For this example, you'd divide 140 by 14 to give you a width of 10 inches. Then divide 112 by 14 to give you a height of 8 inches. Your stitched design will be 10 inches by 8 inches on 14-count fabric.

Add the allowance you want around your design. Remember you need to have a margin around the design and then enough fabric to finish your project. If your finished project will be framed, you may want about an inch showing around the outside of the design, maybe another inch of mat and then another inch or more to lace the fabric on the mount board. Figure at least 3 inches allowance, and maybe up to 6 inches, on all sides of the design. For this example, figure a 4-inch allowance. Take the 4 inches, double it and add it to your design size. For this example, add 8 inches to the width and height to give you a fabric size of 18 inches by 16 inches.