Cross-Stitch Calculator
Find the fabric size and floss you need for a cross-stitch chart from its stitch count and fabric count, design size, fabric to cut with margins, and skeins. Runs in your browser.
Cut fabric at least
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Show the math
On Aida, the count is stitches per inch, so the design size and fabric (with margins) are:
design in = stitches ÷ count · fabric = design + 2×margin
Each cross is two diagonals of √2 ÷ count; we allow three times that per strand for the back of the work and starts/stops. One 8 m, 6-strand skein holds 6 × 8 m of single strand.
The skein figure assumes one colour over the whole design, a worst case. Real projects split floss across many colours, so per-colour use is far lower. Treat it as a safe ceiling.
What this does
A cross-stitch calculator finds the fabric size and floss you need for a chart from its stitch count and fabric count — design size, fabric to cut, and skeins.
How to use it
- Enter the stitch count, wide and high.
- Enter the fabric (Aida) count.
- Set a margin for framing.
- Read the design size and fabric to cut.
How it works
On Aida the count is stitches per inch. The margin is added on every side for finishing. Floss use assumes one colour over the whole design — a worst case.
design size = stitches ÷ fabric count
Understanding your result
The floss estimate assumes one colour covering the whole design, which is a deliberate worst case, so a multicolour chart uses far less of any single shade. The fabric figure already adds a finishing margin on every side, but keep it, because trimming too close leaves nothing to mount or frame. Lower fabric counts give a bigger, easier-to-stitch design.
Example
A 100-stitch-wide design on 14-count Aida is about 7.1 inches wide.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is fabric size found?
On Aida the count is stitches per inch, so design size = stitches ÷ count. We add your margin on every side for framing and finishing.
How is floss estimated?
Each cross is two diagonals of √2 ÷ count; we allow three times that per strand for the back of the work and starts/stops. A standard 8 m, 6-strand skein holds 6 × 8 m of single strand.
Why does the skein count look high?
It assumes a single colour over the whole design, a worst case. Real charts split floss across many colours, so per-colour use is much lower.
Do you store my chart?
No, all calculations run locally in your browser.
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