Cross Stitch Fabric Size Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your stitch count — the width and height of your pattern in stitches. You can find this in your pattern's description or in the Knytstudio editor.
2. Select your fabric count — common options are 14-count Aida (beginner-friendly), 16-count (medium detail), and 18-count (fine detail).
3. Choose over-1 or over-2 if using evenweave or linen fabric.
4. Add border allowance — the calculator adds extra fabric around your design for framing and finishing.
5. Read the result — the calculator shows the total fabric size you need to cut or buy.

The Formula

The fabric size calculation is straightforward: divide the number of stitches by the effective fabric count, then add your border allowance on each side.

Fabric size = (stitch count / effective count) + (2 x border)

The effective count depends on whether you stitch over 1 or over 2 threads. On a 28-count evenweave stitched over 2, the effective count is 14 (28 / 2 = 14), giving the same stitch size as 14-count Aida.

Worked Example

Say your pattern is 200 stitches wide by 150 stitches tall and you are using 14-count Aida with a 7.5 cm (3 inch) border on each side:

• Width: 200 / 14 = 14.3 inches = 36.3 cm. Add 2 x 7.5 cm border = 51.3 cm
• Height: 150 / 14 = 10.7 inches = 27.2 cm. Add 2 x 7.5 cm border = 42.2 cm
• You need a piece of fabric roughly 52 x 43 cm (or about 21 x 17 inches).