Cross-stitch Calculator

Q: How do I calculate cross-stitch size?

To calculate your counted cross-stitch cloth pattern size: Count the stitches in your pattern , horizontally and vertically. Divide each by your fabric count. For example: 140 stitches wide / 14-count aida = 10 inches wide. That’s it! You now know how large your stitched pattern will be.

Q: How many cross-stitches are in 1 cm?

Around 5.5 stitches , assuming you have a 14-count fabric. Indeed, 1 inch equals 2.54 cm, so there are 14 stitches per 2.54 cm. Now divide this figure to obtain the number of stitches per cm. This will give you approximately 5.5 stitches per cm.

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Claudia Herambourg

Claudia Herambourg is an aspiring computational linguist with a passion for both words and numbers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Mathematical Studies from University College Cork, Ireland. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Linguistics at Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris, specializing in computational linguistics. In her spare time, you'll probably find her reading a book of Japanese literature that nobody has ever heard of, on a train going nowhere. See full profile

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Reviewers

Steven Wooding

Steven Wooding is a physicist by training with a degree from the University of Surrey specializing in nuclear physics. He loves data analysis and computer programming. He has worked on exciting projects such as environmentally aware radar, using genetic algorithms to tune radar, and building the UK vaccine queue calculator. Steve is now the Editorial Quality Assurance Coordinator here at Omni Calculator, making sure every calculator meets the standards our users expect. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, photography, wildlife watching, and long walks. See full profile

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Whether you're planning a cross-stitch project or trying this craft for the first time, our cross-stitch calculator is the tool you need! Cross-stitching is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies there is, and it all starts with a few questions, such as:

What is cross-stitch?
How do I calculate cross-stitch size?
What fabric do I need?
What size needle is best?
And so many more!

With our cross-stitch fabric calculator, you're covered for any stitching project. Keep reading to learn how to start or check your setup before cross-stitching.

What is cross-stitch?

Cross-stitch is a type of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches (called cross-stitches) are arranged to form an image on a fabric grid. For the stitches to be uniform in appearance and size, you need to count the threads on a regularly woven piece of fabric in each direction. This form of cross-stitch is also called counted cross-stitch.

Cross-stitch is often performed on an easy-to-count fabric, called Aida cloth. The weave of the Aida cross-stitch fabric creates a clearly visible grid of squares with holes for the needle at each corner.

What are the different counted cross-stitch fabrics and what is fabric count?

Linen, Aida, and evenweave fabrics are among the fabrics used for cross-stitching. Technically, all cross-stitch fabrics are "evenweave", the term referring to the fabric being woven so that there are the same number of threads per inch vertically and horizontally (what we call, respectively, the warp and the weft).

We sort fabrics according to the number of threads per inch (called a "count"). The number of threads per stitch and the number of threads in the fabric determine the finished stitching size. For example, when you stitch a pattern on a 28-count cross-stitch fabric over two threads, you create the same finished size as stitching it on a 14-count Aida fabric for cross-stitch, with each cross worked on a square.

What counted cross-stitch needle to use

A blunt tapestry or cross-stitch needle separates the threads from the fabric and prevents the fibers from separating accidentally as you stitch. The size of the needle depends on the fabric you're stitching on. In general, the larger the holes in the fabric, the larger the needle used.

You'll find a quick reference guide below:

Cross-stitch needle size chart
Aida	Evenweave / Linen	Needle size
6-count		Size 18
8-count		Size 20
11-count		Size 22
14-count	28-count	Size 24
16-count	32-count	Size 26
18-count	36-count	Size 28

🙋 Do you love all things craft? Take a look at our circle skirt calculator and quilt calculator.

How to use the counted cross-stitch calculator

Our cross-stitch fabric helps you determine the amount of fabric you need, the size of your finished project, and which materials work best for your stitching setup. Here's how to use it:

First, enter your pattern's width and height, i.e., type the number of stitches your pattern has horizontally and vertically. Remember that these are stitch counts, not measurements in inches or centimeters.
In the "Fabric count" field, enter the number of threads per inch (or per centimeter). For instance, 16-count Aida fabric means 16 stitches per inch, whereas for linen or evenweave, 16 stitches per inch might mean a 32-count fabric.
In the "Each stitch covers" dropdown menu, select the number of threads your stitches will cover.
In the "Extra fabric on each side" field, select how much fabric you want around your pattern. We've set the default value at 3 inches (or 8 cm).
That's it! The counted cross-stitch calculator shows the following results:
- Stitched area; and
- Total fabric size.
Click on the unit switchers to switch to centimeters or decimal inches. For even more precise measurements in fractional form, check out our inches to fractions calculator.
Based on your counted cross-stitch fabric and stitching setup, the calculator also suggests:
- Needle size;
- Cross-stitch strands; and
- Backstitch strands.

Example: how to calculate cross-stitch size

Suppose you're stitching a floral pattern that is 100 stitches wide by 80 stitches high using a 14-count Aida fabric. Let's see how to find your stitched area and your fabric size with our cross-stitch fabric calculator.

First, input the width and height of your pattern: 100 and 80, respectively.
Type 14 in the "Fabric count" field. Make sure the units are set to "per inch".
Leave the default value of 1 thread (for aida) from the "Each stitch covers" dropdown menu.
Similarly, leave the default value of 3 inches for the "Extra fabric on each side" field.
You'll get:
- For your stitched area:
  - Width: 7 inches and 1.14 eighths
  - Height: 5 inches and 5.7 eighths
- For the total fabric size:
  - Width: 13 inches and 1.14 eighths
  - Height: 11 inches and 5.7 eighths
Finally, the counted cross-stitch calculator recommends size 24 for the counted cross-stitch needle, 2 cross-stitch strands, and 1 backstitch strand.

FAQs

How do I calculate cross-stitch size?

To calculate your counted cross-stitch cloth pattern size:

Count the stitches in your pattern, horizontally and vertically.
Divide each by your fabric count. For example: 140 stitches wide / 14-count aida = 10 inches wide.
That’s it! You now know how large your stitched pattern will be.

How many cross-stitches are in 1 cm?

Around 5.5 stitches, assuming you have a 14-count fabric. Indeed, 1 inch equals 2.54 cm, so there are 14 stitches per 2.54 cm. Now divide this figure to obtain the number of stitches per cm. This will give you approximately 5.5 stitches per cm.

Which is better, 11CT or 14CT for cross-stitch?

For the same pattern, a 14-count cloth (14CT) gives a smaller finished piece than an 11-count one (11CT). However, an 11-count fabric has larger stitches, making it easier to see and embroider. In short, the higher the count, the smaller the stitch and the finer the finish of your work.

What is the best needle for cross-stitch?

Cross-stitching needles are shorter than ordinary sewing needles and come in different sizes. The most commonly used needles are sizes 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28. The higher the number, the finer the needle. Matching the needle to the chosen thread and the counted cross-stitch cloth is essential.

Check out an online cross-stitch fabric calculator that suggests the needle size for your cross-stitching project.