Cross Stitch Calculator
Calculate fabric size, thread length, and estimated stitching time for your cross stitch project.
Supports 14, 16, 18, and 28 count Aida and evenweave fabrics.
Cross-stitch thread and fabric quantity calculation ensures you have enough materials for your project without running out mid-stitching — which can be catastrophic if a dye lot is discontinued. The key variables are fabric count, design area, and stitch coverage.
Fabric size formula: Fabric Width = (Design Width in stitches ÷ Fabric Count) + Border Allowance Fabric Height = (Design Height in stitches ÷ Fabric Count) + Border Allowance
Border allowance: Minimum 3–4 inches on each side (for framing/finishing). Add 2–3 inches per side for framed or mounted work.
Fabric count (aida cloth standard):
- 14-count Aida: 14 stitches per inch, most popular; beginner-friendly
- 16-count Aida: 16 stitches per inch, more detail
- 18-count Aida: 18 stitches per inch, fine work
- 28-count evenweave (stitched over 2): equivalent to 14-count appearance
- 32-count linen: fine, antique appearance
Thread length per stitch (DMC 6-strand floss): Each cross stitch uses approximately 2.75 inches of floss (for 14-count, using 2 strands).
Total thread length formula: Thread Length (inches) = Number of Stitches × 2.75 × Strands Used
Number of stitches = design width (stitches) × design height (stitches) × Coverage % (what fraction of the grid is actually stitched)
Skeins needed: Skeins = Total Thread Length ÷ Usable Length per Skein
One DMC skein = 8 meters (about 312 inches) of floss. Usable length (accounting for waste, knots, starting/ending): approximately 240–270 inches per skein.
Color skeins: Count separately per color. Always buy at least 1 extra skein per color — dye lot matching is nearly impossible after the fact for discontinued colors.
Worked example: Design: 120 × 90 stitches. Coverage: 70% of grid stitched. Fabric: 14-count Aida. 2-strand floss.
- Fabric needed: (120 ÷ 14) + 8 inches = 8.57 + 8 = 16.6 inches wide; (90 ÷ 14) + 8 = 14.4 inches tall → buy 18″ × 16″ or nearest standard size
- Total stitches: 120 × 90 × 0.70 = 7,560 stitches
- Total floss: 7,560 × 2.75 = 20,790 inches
- Skeins needed: 20,790 ÷ 255 (average usable) = 81.5 skeins total
- Divided across all colors: order based on color chart percentages, adding 1 extra per key color