Question 1

How do I calculate cross stitch fabric size?

Accepted Answer

Divide your stitch width by the Aida count to get the design width in inches, then add your border allowance on both sides. Do the same for height. For a 100×100 stitch design on 14-count Aida with a 2-inch border: (100÷14) + (2×2) = about 11 inches square. The calculator above does this automatically.

Question 2

How much thread do I need for cross stitch?

Accepted Answer

Each cross stitch uses roughly 2.5 inches of thread per strand. For a 10,000-stitch design using 2 strands, that is 50,000 inches of thread total. A standard DMC skein is 288 inches (8 meters), so you would need about 174 skeins divided across all your colors. The thread calculator handles this breakdown per color.

Question 3

What is the best Aida count for beginners?

Accepted Answer

14-count Aida is the standard starting point for most beginners. The holes are easy to see without magnification, almost every kit and pattern assumes 14-count, and the stitch size is comfortable to work with. Some people prefer 11-count for even larger holes, but 14 is where most people begin.

Question 4

How long does a cross stitch project take?

Accepted Answer

The average stitcher completes 100 to 175 stitches per hour. A 10,000-stitch design takes around 60 to 100 hours at that pace. At one hour per day, that is two to three months. The time calculator on this site lets you set your own speed and get a personalised finish date estimate.

Question 5

Can I use this calculator for linen and evenweave?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For 28-count evenweave stitched over 2 threads, enter 14 as your Aida count — because you get 14 effective stitches per inch. The fabric size formula works the same way across all counted fabrics.

Question 6

What does the border allowance mean?

Accepted Answer

The border allowance is the extra fabric you add around your design on each side. A 2-inch border (the default) gives you enough fabric to hoop and frame comfortably. It is added to both the left and right sides, and both the top and bottom, so a 2-inch border adds 4 inches to the total width and 4 inches to the total height.

Count	Stitches/inch	Best for	Stitch size
11-count	11	Beginners, large designs	Large, very visible
14-count	14	Most patterns (most popular)	Standard
16-count	16	Intermediate detail work	Fine
18-count	18	Jewelry, bookmarks	Very fine
28-count	14 (over 2)	Heirloom, evenweave	Finest

Cross Stitch Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter your stitch count

Choose your Aida count

Set your border allowance

The cross stitch fabric size formula

Aida count comparison

New to cross stitch?

All free cross stitch calculators

Frequently asked questions