If you know the stitch dimensions of your cross stitch pattern and the count of your fabric, you can easily calculate how much Aida or linen you need. Our cross stitch fabric calculator does the math for you, including the extra fabric you'll want around your design for stitching and finishing.

Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator

Enter your pattern size in stitches, choose your fabric count, and select how much extra fabric you would like around the design.

We generally recommend allowing at least 2–3 inches of extra fabric on every side of your finished design. If you're unsure, I would always rather have a little too much fabric than discover at the end that we didn't leave quite enough!

How do you calculate how much cross stitch fabric you need?

This is one of those questions we answer in the studio all the time.

You find a beautiful pattern, choose your threads, and then look at the little line that says something like "Design size: 168 x 210 stitches." The next question is usually, Okay, but what size piece of fabric do I actually need?

The basic calculation is quite simple:

Number of stitches ÷ stitches per inch = finished design size

Then we add extra fabric around all four sides for holding the fabric while you stitch and for framing or finishing afterward.

For example, if your design is 140 stitches wide and you're stitching on 14-count Aida:

140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches

Your stitched design will be 10 inches wide.

If we add a 3-inch margin on each side, you'll want your fabric to be at least:

10 + 6 = 16 inches wide

Do the same calculation for the height and you have your fabric size.

Of course, this is exactly why we've added the calculator above. Let it do the math for you!

How much extra fabric should you leave around a cross stitch design?

For most projects, I like to allow 2–3 inches on every side of the stitched area.

My preference is usually closer to 3 inches, particularly if you think you'll eventually have the piece professionally framed. That extra little bit gives you much more flexibility when it comes time to finish your work.

As a general guide:

If you're debating between two fabric sizes in the shop, I will almost always suggest going with the larger one.

After putting hours and hours into your stitching, fabric is not the place I want you wishing you'd given yourself another inch!

How does the calculation work for linen?

Linen sounds a little more confusing at first, but it really isn't once you understand what the fabric count means.

Most linen cross stitch is worked over two fabric threads.

That means:

So a pattern stitched on 28-count linen over two threads will end up approximately the same finished size as that pattern stitched on 14-count Aida.

Likewise, 32-count linen over two gives you approximately the same finished dimensions as 16-count Aida

If you stitch over one thread on linen, that's different. In that case, a 32-count linen gives you 32 stitches per inch, so be sure to select the appropriate option in the calculator.

Does fabric count change the finished size of cross stitch?

Yes. The higher the fabric count, the smaller your finished design will be.

If we stitch the exact same 140-stitch-wide pattern on several fabrics:

Nothing about the pattern itself changes. We're simply fitting more stitches into every inch of fabric.

This is one reason I love changing fabric counts when we're putting together projects in the studio. It can subtly change the scale and feel of a design without changing a single stitch in the pattern.

Should you choose Aida or linen?

There isn't a right answer here.

Aida has very clearly defined holes and is wonderfully easy to count, which makes it a great choice if you're new to cross stitch or simply enjoy stitching on it.

Linen has a softer, more traditional appearance and is what I personally love for so many of the beautiful European-style designs we carry.

If you're trying to decide, you may also like our guide [Aida vs Linen: Choosing Your Cross Stitch Fabric Count]. We go into much more detail about the differences between the two fabrics and how to choose a count you'll enjoy stitching on.

And if this is your very first project, start with [How to Cross Stitch: A Complete Beginner's Guide].

Ready to choose your fabric?

Once you know the size you need, the fun part is choosing the fabric.

We carry a selection of Aida, linen and cross stitch fabrics in different counts and colours, so you can find something that suits both your pattern and the look you have in mind.

→ [Shop Cross Stitch Fabric]

And remember, you don't have to make the numbers complicated. Put the stitch count from your pattern into the calculator, choose your fabric and give yourself a comfortable margin.

Then you can get on to the much nicer part: stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra Aida should I leave around my cross stitch?

We recommend leaving approximately 2–3 inches of extra fabric on every side of your stitched design. Three inches gives you plenty of room for stitching and usually makes finishing or framing easier.

How do I calculate cross stitch size on 14-count Aida?

Divide the number of stitches by 14. For example, a design that is 140 stitches wide will measure 10 inches wide on 14-count Aida. Remember to add your desired finishing margin afterward.

Is 28-count linen the same size as 14-count Aida?

When 28-count linen is stitched over two fabric threads, it produces approximately 14 stitches per inch, so your finished design will be approximately the same size as it would be on 14-count Aida.

Is 32-count linen the same size as 16-count Aida?

Yes, when you're stitching over two threads. A 32-count linen stitched over two produces approximately 16 stitches per inch and therefore gives you roughly the same finished design size as 16-count Aida.

Should I buy extra cross stitch fabric?

If you're between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger piece. A little extra fabric rarely causes a problem, while too little can make stitching and framing much more difficult.