Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator
Find out how much fabric to cut before you start. Enter the stitch width and height from your pattern, choose the fabric count and border, and get the fabric size in inches or cm with a hoop suggestion and a grid preview.
Last reviewed September 15, 2026 · How these figures are calculated
Fabric count
14-count Aida · used by most kits and patterns
2 in for hoops, 3 in for framing
Units
Enter the stitch width and height to see the fabric size
Fabric = (stitches ÷ stitches per inch) + (border × 2)
How much fabric do you need for cross stitch?
Fabric width = (stitch width ÷ fabric count) + (border × 2)
Fabric height = (stitch height ÷ fabric count) + (border × 2)
The border is doubled because it goes on both sides. A 100 × 100 stitch design on 14-count Aida is 7.1 inches square, so with a 2-inch border you need 11.1 inches square; cut 11.5 inches. The fabric guide has more worked examples.
How wide a border to leave
| Finish | Border each side | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cards, ornaments, bookmarks | 1" (2.5 cm) | Trimmed close after stitching |
| Stitched and displayed in a hoop | 2" (5 cm) | Enough for the hoop to grip |
| Laced or pinned for framing | 3" (7.5 cm) | Fabric wraps behind the board |
| Scroll frame or large piece | 3–4" (7.5–10 cm) | Edges attach to the frame rails |
Working backwards: how many stitches fit your fabric?
Subtract the border from both sides, then multiply by the count. A 15 × 18 inch piece of 14-count Aida with a 2-inch border leaves 11 × 14 inches, which holds a design up to 154 × 196 stitches. The same piece of 18-count holds 198 × 252 stitches. For count-by-count charts, see the Aida cloth calculator.