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Cross stitch calculator

This cross stitch calculator works out the finished size, the fabric to cut and the floss you need, from a stitch count or from the size you want.
I know the
Fabric
Aida is stitched over one block.
Show sizes in
Finished size
10.0 × 7.1 in
Stitches
140 × 100
Fabric to cut (3 in spare per side)
16.0 × 13.1 in
Floss if every square is stitched
About 8 skeins
Hoop to display it
14 in (36 cm)
Frame with a 2 in mat
16 × 12 in

On 14-count aida with 2 strands. Skeins are 8 m DMC skeins; the figure is an estimate for planning.

The same design on other fabrics
FabricFinishedCut
11-count aida12.7 × 9.1 in18.7 × 15.1 in
14-count aida10.0 × 7.1 in16.0 × 13.1 in
16-count aida8.8 × 6.3 in14.8 × 12.3 in
18-count aida7.8 × 5.6 in13.8 × 11.6 in
20-count aida7.0 × 5.0 in13.0 × 11.0 in
22-count aida6.4 × 4.5 in12.4 × 10.5 in
25-count evenweave over 211.2 × 8.0 in17.2 × 14.0 in
28-count evenweave over 210.0 × 7.1 in16.0 × 13.1 in
32-count evenweave over 28.8 × 6.3 in14.8 × 12.3 in
25-count linen over 211.2 × 8.0 in17.2 × 14.0 in
28-count linen over 210.0 × 7.1 in16.0 × 13.1 in
32-count linen over 28.8 × 6.3 in14.8 × 12.3 in

How the numbers are worked out

All sizes come from the stitch count and the fabric count. You can check every figure by hand.
Finished size
Stitches ÷ stitches per inch. Aida: the count. Evenweave and linen over 2 threads: half the count.
Fabric to cut
Finished size plus the spare fabric you choose on each of the four sides.
Hoop
The smallest common hoop whose diameter covers the design’s diagonal plus 1 inch.
Frame
The smallest standard frame that leaves at least 2 inches of mat around the design.

Questions

How do I work out the finished size?

Divide the stitch count by the fabric count. 140 stitches on 14-count Aida is 10 inches. On evenweave or linen stitched over two threads, halve the fabric count first: 28-count over 2 works like 14-count Aida.

How much fabric should I cut?

The finished size plus spare fabric on every side for hooping and framing. Three inches per side is a common choice; use more if the piece will be stretched over a large mount.

Which Aida count should a beginner use?

14-count Aida. The holes are easy to see and 2 strands of floss cover it well. 11-count is even easier on the eyes; 16 and 18 give a smaller, finer result.

How accurate is the skein estimate?

It is a planning figure for a design where every square is stitched: about 2,000 stitches per 8 m skein on 14-count with 2 strands. Real use depends on your tension and how you travel between areas, so buy a little extra.