Work out how much aida you need
Enter the stitch count of your design and the fabric you are buying. You get the finished size of the stitched area and the piece of fabric to cut, with margin for framing already added.
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In stitches
In stitches
Stitches per inch
In inches
Stitched area
8.8 × 11.3 in
22.2 × 28.6 cm
Fabric to cut
14.8 × 17.3 in
37.5 × 43.8 cm
Stitching over two threads on evenweave or linen? Halve the count on the label first, so a 28 count becomes 14.
Finished size of a square design
| Stitches | 11 count | 14 count | 16 count | 18 count | 20 count | 22 count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 50 | 4.5 × 4.5 in 11.5 × 11.5 cm | 3.6 × 3.6 in 9.1 × 9.1 cm | 3.1 × 3.1 in 7.9 × 7.9 cm | 2.8 × 2.8 in 7.1 × 7.1 cm | 2.5 × 2.5 in 6.4 × 6.4 cm | 2.3 × 2.3 in 5.8 × 5.8 cm |
| 100 × 100 | 9.1 × 9.1 in 23.1 × 23.1 cm | 7.1 × 7.1 in 18.1 × 18.1 cm | 6.3 × 6.3 in 15.9 × 15.9 cm | 5.6 × 5.6 in 14.1 × 14.1 cm | 5 × 5 in 12.7 × 12.7 cm | 4.5 × 4.5 in 11.5 × 11.5 cm |
| 150 × 150 | 13.6 × 13.6 in 34.6 × 34.6 cm | 10.7 × 10.7 in 27.2 × 27.2 cm | 9.4 × 9.4 in 23.8 × 23.8 cm | 8.3 × 8.3 in 21.2 × 21.2 cm | 7.5 × 7.5 in 19.1 × 19.1 cm | 6.8 × 6.8 in 17.3 × 17.3 cm |
| 200 × 200 | 18.2 × 18.2 in 46.2 × 46.2 cm | 14.3 × 14.3 in 36.3 × 36.3 cm | 12.5 × 12.5 in 31.8 × 31.8 cm | 11.1 × 11.1 in 28.2 × 28.2 cm | 10 × 10 in 25.4 × 25.4 cm | 9.1 × 9.1 in 23.1 × 23.1 cm |
| 250 × 250 | 22.7 × 22.7 in 57.7 × 57.7 cm | 17.9 × 17.9 in 45.4 × 45.4 cm | 15.6 × 15.6 in 39.7 × 39.7 cm | 13.9 × 13.9 in 35.3 × 35.3 cm | 12.5 × 12.5 in 31.8 × 31.8 cm | 11.4 × 11.4 in 28.9 × 28.9 cm |
| 300 × 300 | 27.3 × 27.3 in 69.3 × 69.3 cm | 21.4 × 21.4 in 54.4 × 54.4 cm | 18.8 × 18.8 in 47.6 × 47.6 cm | 16.7 × 16.7 in 42.3 × 42.3 cm | 15 × 15 in 38.1 × 38.1 cm | 13.6 × 13.6 in 34.6 × 34.6 cm |
The one calculation behind it
Fabric count is the number of stitches per inch. On 14 count aida you get 14 stitches to the inch, on 18 count you get 18. So the finished width in inches is the stitch count divided by the fabric count, and centimetres are that multiplied by 2.54.
A design 140 stitches wide is 10 inches on 14 count and 7.8 inches on 18 count. Same chart, same number of stitches, quite a different piece on the wall.
Why the cut size is bigger than the design
The stitched area is not the piece of fabric you buy. You need a margin all the way round: for a frame to grip, for the hoop or frame you stitch in, and for the edges you will lose to fraying.
Three inches on every side is the usual advice, so six inches on each dimension in total. That is what this calculator adds. Cut it tighter and the piece may stitch up perfectly and still be impossible to frame.
Evenweave and linen count differently
Evenweave and linen are usually worked over two threads rather than one, so the stitches per inch is half the fabric count printed on the label. A 28 count linen worked over two gives 14 stitches per inch and finishes the same size as 14 count aida. Halve the number on the label before using it here.
More cross stitch tools
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Common questions
How much extra fabric should I leave around a design?
Three inches, or about 7.5 centimetres, on each side is the usual recommendation. That covers framing, the hoop or frame you stitch in, and fraying at the edges.
How do I work out the size on evenweave or linen?
Halve the count on the label if you are stitching over two threads, which is the normal way. A 28 count linen becomes 14 stitches per inch, so it finishes the same size as 14 count aida.
Does the calculator work in centimetres?
Yes. Every result is shown in both inches and centimetres, so you can use whichever your shop measures in.
Where do I find my design size in stitches?
It is on the chart, usually near the thread list, given as a stitch count rather than a measurement. Any pattern in HobbyTub shows its stitch count and finished size on its own page.
Patterns to try it on
Further reading
- How Much Aida Do You Need? A Fabric Size Guide
Work out the finished size of any design, how much fabric to cut, and how much margin to leave for framing.
- Aida, Evenweave or Linen? Choosing Your Cross Stitch Fabric
The fabric you stitch on changes how your project looks and how easy it is to work. This guide compares the three main cross stitch fabrics, Aida, evenweave and linen, explains how they differ, and helps you pick the right one for your skill level and design.
- Cross Stitch Fabric Count Explained (and How It Changes Finished Size)
Fabric count is the number that decides how big and how detailed your finished cross stitch will be. This guide explains what 11, 14, 16 and 18 count mean, how to work out the finished size of any pattern, and how count changes the look and feel of your stitching.