Cross-stitch Calculator - Calculate Fabric & Thread Requirements
Calculate fabric size, thread skeins, and finished dimensions for cross-stitch projects based on pattern stitch count and fabric type
Cross-stitch Calculator
Results
What is a Cross-stitch Calculator?
A Cross-stitch Calculator is a free tool that determines fabric size, thread requirements, and finished dimensions for cross-stitch and needlework projects. It calculates exact fabric measurements based on pattern stitch count, fabric count, and border allowances.
This calculator works for:
- Cross-stitch patterns - Calculate fabric and floss needs for any cross-stitch design or kit
- Needlework planning - Determine finished size before starting projects to ensure proper framing fit
- Fabric shopping - Buy correct fabric size and type without waste or shortages
- Thread estimation - Calculate DMC floss skeins needed based on design complexity and color count
When framing your finished cross-stitch, use our Curtain Size Calculator to determine mounting board and mat dimensions for professional display.
Calculating fabric yardage for quilted needlework projects? Our Quilt Calculator helps determine backing and binding requirements for stitched quilts.
Planning coordinating fabric projects? The Fabric Calculator determines yardage for pillow backs, borders, and coordinating pieces.
How Cross-stitch Calculator Works
The calculation uses these formulas:
Where:
- Stitch Count = Width and height of design in stitches from pattern
- Fabric Count = Number of stitches per inch (e.g., 14-count = 14 stitches/inch)
- Border = Extra fabric around design for mounting (typically 3-4 inches per side)
- 1960 = Average stitches covered by one skein of 2-strand floss
- 1.2 = 20% waste factor for thread ends and mistakes
Key Concepts Explained
Fabric Count
Number of stitches per inch. 14-count has 14 squares per inch. Higher counts create smaller, more detailed designs requiring finer stitching precision.
Stitch Count
Total width and height of design in individual stitches. Found in pattern instructions. Determines finished design size when divided by fabric count.
Border Allowance
Extra fabric beyond design edges needed for mounting, framing, or finishing. Standard is 3-4 inches on all sides for professional framing and hoop work.
Thread Coverage
One 8.7-yard skein of 6-strand DMC floss covers approximately 1,960 stitches when using 2 strands. Coverage varies with strand count and stitch tension.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Stitch Count
Input design width and height in stitches from your pattern chart
Select Fabric Count
Choose your Aida, Hardanger, or linen fabric count (stitches per inch)
Set Border Size
Enter border allowance (3-4 inches recommended for framing and mounting)
Enter Color Count
Input number of different thread colors in your pattern for thread estimation
Calculate Results
Click Calculate to see fabric size, thread needs, and project time estimates
Plan Purchase
Use fabric size and thread count to shop for exact materials needed
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- Accurate fabric sizing - Calculate exact fabric dimensions before cutting, preventing costly material waste or shortages
- Thread estimation - Determine total floss skeins needed per color, avoiding mid-project trips to craft stores
- Budget planning - Know exact material costs before starting projects, helping you budget for supplies accurately
- Project timing - Estimate total stitching hours based on stitch count for realistic project scheduling
- Multiple fabric types - Calculate for Aida, Hardanger, linen, and evenweave fabrics with different counts
- Professional results - Proper border allowances ensure finished pieces fit standard frames and mounting boards perfectly
Factors That Affect Your Results
- Fabric count selection - Higher counts (18, 22) create smaller finished designs requiring less fabric but more detailed stitching precision
- Border allowance - Larger borders (4+ inches) provide more framing flexibility but increase total fabric cost and size requirements
- Strand count - Using 1 strand doubles thread coverage to 3,920 stitches per skein, while 3 strands reduces coverage to 1,300 stitches
- Design complexity - Patterns with many color changes, fractional stitches, or backstitch require 15-25% more thread than basic calculations suggest
- Stitcher experience - Beginners waste more thread on mistakes and re-stitching, requiring 30% additional floss beyond calculated amounts
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric count should I use for cross-stitch?
Common fabric counts are 14-count (14 stitches per inch) for beginners, 16-count for intermediate stitchers, and 18 or 22-count for advanced detailed work. Higher counts create smaller, more detailed designs.
How much extra fabric should I add for mounting and framing?
Add 3-4 inches on all sides of your design for mounting. For an 8x10 inch design, purchase at least 14x16 inches of fabric. This provides adequate border for framing and finishing.
How do I calculate fabric size from stitch count?
Divide stitch count by fabric count. For a 140x200 stitch design on 14-count fabric: width = 140÷14 = 10 inches, height = 200÷14 = 14.3 inches. Add border allowance for final fabric size.
How many strands of floss do I need for cross-stitch?
Standard 6-strand floss typically uses 2 strands for cross-stitch on 14-count fabric. One 8.7-yard skein covers approximately 1,960 square stitches when using 2 strands.
What is Aida fabric count?
Aida count refers to the number of stitches (or holes) per inch. 14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch, while 18-count has 18 squares per inch, creating finer detail but smaller finished designs.