Fabric Conversion Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your pattern's stitch count — the width and height in stitches.
2. Select your current fabric — the fabric count and stitching method (over 1 or over 2) that the pattern was designed for.
3. Select your target fabric — the fabric you want to switch to.
4. Read the results — the calculator shows the new finished dimensions, how much fabric to buy, and thread strand recommendations.

The Formula

Fabric conversion is based on the effective stitch count of each fabric. The effective count is the fabric count divided by the number of threads you stitch over:

Effective count = fabric count / threads stitched over

New size = stitch count / new effective count

For example, 14-count Aida (over 1) and 28-count evenweave (over 2) both have an effective count of 14, so they produce the same finished size. Switching from 14-count Aida to 18-count Aida means stitches are smaller, reducing the finished size by about 22%.

Worked Example

Your pattern is 200 x 150 stitches, designed for 14-count Aida:

• To 28-count evenweave over 2: Effective count = 28/2 = 14. Same size as 14-count Aida — 36.3 x 27.2 cm. No change in thread count.
• To 18-count Aida: Effective count = 18. New size = 200/18 x 150/18 = 28.2 x 21.2 cm. The piece is about 22% smaller in each direction. Consider using 1 strand instead of 2 for cross stitch.

Aida to Linen Conversion Chart

The rule is simple: double the Aida count to get the equivalent linen count when stitching over 2 threads. This works because each cross stitch on linen spans 2 fabric threads, effectively halving the count.

For example, if your pattern is designed for 14-count Aida, use 28-count Cashel linen stitched over 2 for an identical finished size with a softer, more elegant fabric.