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
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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