A little planning. A lovely fit.
Free Cross Stitch Fabric Size
& Aida Cloth Calculator
From your first stitch to the finishing frame.
Find your design size and the fabric to cut, with room on every side.
Your project
Free to use. No account needed.
Fabric to cut width × height
40.64 × 47.9 cm
Includes 3 in on EACH side.
Cut sizes round up to the next 0.01 in.
A starting point for stitching
Tapestry needle 24 (or try 26) · 2 strands for full crosses.
Follow your pattern and test a few stitches for coverage and comfort.
Measure your actual fabric before cutting; fabric count and finishing needs can vary.
THE SIMPLE MATH
Make room for the
finishing touches.
Your pattern gives the stitch count. Your fabric count tells you how many stitches fit in an inch. Divide one by the other to find the stitched design size.
Design size = stitches ÷ stitches per inch
Fabric to cut = design size + (2 × margin)
Linen stitched over two threads uses half its fabric count: 28 count becomes 14 stitches per inch; 32 count becomes 16. The margin is added to each side, all the way around.
Formula reference: Yarn Tree’s cross stitch calculator ↗
BEFORE YOU CUT
A few helpful answers
How do I calculate the fabric size for cross stitch?
Divide the pattern width and height in stitches by the stitches per inch. Then add twice your chosen margin to each dimension, because the margin is added on both sides. For 140 × 180 stitches on 14 count Aida with 3 inches on each side, the design is about 10 × 12.86 inches and the cutting size rounds up to 16 × 18.86 inches.
Is 28 count linen the same size as 14 count Aida?
For a design stitched over two fabric threads, 28 count linen gives 14 stitches per inch, so the same stitch count makes the same design size as 14 count Aida. Likewise, 32 count linen stitched over two gives 16 stitches per inch. This calculator uses over two for both linen options; stitching over one needs a different calculation.
How much extra fabric should I leave on each side?
Choose the margin your finishing method needs. The 3 inch default is a planning starting point; a hoop, frame, lacing, sewing or other finish may need a different allowance. Select 2, 3 or 4 inches on each side, or enter a custom margin. Check your pattern and measure the actual fabric before cutting.
Can I switch between inches and centimeters and save my sizes?
Yes. Switching units converts the same physical measurements using 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters, including your custom margin. Copy the result, save a text note or print it using your browser. The calculator is free, needs no account and calculates in your browser. Needle and strand suggestions are starting points; follow your pattern and test a few stitches.