Free tool · no sign-up
Embroidery size and fabric to cut
How big will your embroidery be, and what piece of fabric should you cut? Or the other way round: how many stitches for a given size.
- 11- to 20-count Aida, linen over 1 or 2
- The fabric to cut with its margins
- In inches and centimeters
To work out the size of a cross stitch, divide the stitch count by the fabric’s count to get inches (multiply by 2.54 for centimeters). A design 140 stitches wide therefore measures 10 inches (25.4 cm) on 14-count Aida. Then add a margin on each side, usually 2 inches (5 cm), to get the fabric to cut.
Work out size and fabric in 3 steps
- Enter the design size in stitches (width × height, noted on the chart), or start from the size you want to find the stitch count.
- Choose the fabric : 11- to 20-count Aida, or linen stitched over 1 or 2.
- Set the margin around the design. The tool gives the finished size, in inches and centimeters, and the piece of fabric to cut.
The formula: stitches ÷ fabric count
A fabric’s density is given in stitches per inch: 14-count Aida has 14 stitches per inch, or 5.5 per centimeter. So the finished size is:
size in inches = stitch count ÷ fabric count
A design 140 stitches wide measures 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches (25.4 cm) on 14-count Aida, and 7.8 inches (19.8 cm) on 18-count. For the fabric to cut, add the margin on both sides: with 2 inches, you need 14 inches of fabric.
Size chart by fabric
| Fabric | Stitches per cm | Stitched design | Fabric to cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 4,3 | 9.1 × 9.1 in | 13.0 × 13.0 in |
| 14-count Aida | 5,5 | 7.1 × 7.1 in | 11.1 × 11.1 in |
| 16-count Aida | 6,3 | 6.3 × 6.3 in | 10.2 × 10.2 in |
| 18-count Aida | 7,1 | 5.6 × 5.6 in | 9.5 × 9.5 in |
| 12 threads/cm linen over 2 | 6 | 6.6 × 6.6 in | 10.5 × 10.5 in |
| 28-count linen over 2 | 5,5 | 7.1 × 7.1 in | 11.1 × 11.1 in |
| 32-count linen over 2 | 6,3 | 6.3 × 6.3 in | 10.2 × 10.2 in |
| 36-count linen over 2 | 7,1 | 5.6 × 5.6 in | 9.5 × 9.5 in |
Linen: stitched over 1 or over 2
Linen is most often stitched “over 2”: each cross covers 2 fabric threads, and a 28-count linen gives 14 stitches per inch, like 14-count Aida. Stitched over 1, the same linen gives crosses half the size.
In France, linen is often sold in threads per centimeter: a 12-thread linen stitched over 2 gives 6 stitches per centimeter (15.24 per inch), a little finer than 14-count Aida. The guide Aida or linen: which fabric to choose compares the two in detail.
What margin should you leave around the design?
The margin is for stretching the fabric in a hoop or frame, then framing or sewing the piece. Some guidelines:
- 2 inches (5 cm) on each side: the stixiva studio’s default, right for most pictures;
- 3 to 4 inches for a large piece framed under a mat, or mounted on a scroll frame;
- 1 inch is enough for a small motif sewn onto a cushion, a pouch or a card.
A margin that’s too short makes it hard to stretch the edges of the design. To choose the hoop, the hoop size tool gives the diameter that holds the whole embroidery.
Which fabric should you choose?
14-count Aida is the most common for beginners: its holes are easy to see and its stitches medium-sized. 11-count Aida gives bigger stitches that are easier to count, ideal for children or tired eyes. 16- and 18-count Aida and fine linens give a more delicate look, and a smaller embroidery for the same stitch count.
Our take
Cutting the fabric is the one step you can’t undo. We recommend doing the math before buying, with the margin, and keeping the same fabric from start to finish of a project. In the studio, the size and fabric to cut follow your chart with every change.
To go further than this tool: the free cross stitch software stixiva draws, converts and prints your charts, online or on Windows, and its Stitch mode tracks your stitches as you work.
How do I work out the size of an embroidery?
Divide the stitch count by the fabric’s count (14 for 14-count Aida) to get inches; multiply by 2.54 for centimeters.
How much fabric should I buy for a cross stitch?
The finished size plus the margin on both sides: for a 10-inch design and a 2-inch margin, you need 14 inches of fabric.
Which fabric is best for beginners?
14-count Aida is the most common: its holes are easy to see and its stitches medium-sized. 11-count Aida gives bigger stitches that are easier to count.
16-count Aida or 32-count linen?
Stitched over 2, a 32-count linen gives 16 stitches per inch, the same finished size as 16-count Aida.
Why a margin?
To stretch the fabric in a hoop or frame, then for framing or sewing. A margin that’s too short makes it hard to stretch the edges of the design.
How many stitches for a given size?
Choose “Centimeters” in the tool: it gives the number of stitches that fit in the width and height you want, for the chosen fabric.
Set the fabric once, the studio does the rest
In stixiva, the finished size and the fabric to cut follow your chart, on Aida or linen.
Create my free accountFree during the beta, no credit card.