StitchCraft
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Cross stitch calculator

Enter your stitch count and fabric count. See the finished size, the fabric to buy and how many skeins of floss you need.

Your pattern

Pattern size in stitches
Fabric count Squares per inch. 14-count Aida is the most common.
Stitch over
Pick two threads for evenweave or linen.
in
Finished size

5 × 5 in

12.7 × 12.7 cm on 14-count

Fabric to buy11 × 11 inwith 3 in on each side
Floss≈ 4 skeinsif every square is stitched, 2 strands

How the calculator works

Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. That gives the size in inches. A pattern of 70 stitches on 14-count Aida is 5 inches wide.

70 stitches ÷ 14 count = 5 inches

Then add a margin on every side for framing or a hoop. On evenweave and linen you usually stitch over two threads, so the count is halved: 28-count linen gives the same size as 14-count Aida.

What is Aida count?

The count is the number of squares per inch of fabric. 14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch. A higher count means smaller stitches and finer detail, but also more stitches for the same size.

Know your size? Pick your threads in the DMC color chart, or read how to turn a photo into a cross stitch pattern.

How big are 100 stitches?
FABRICINCHESCM
11-count Aida9.1 in23.1 cm
14-count Aida7.1 in18.1 cm
16-count Aida6.3 in15.9 cm
18-count Aida5.6 in14.1 cm
22-count Hardanger4.5 in11.5 cm
28-count linen, over two7.1 in18.1 cm

Fabric questions

Which fabric count should I pick?
14-count Aida is the most popular start: the holes are easy to see and most patterns are made for it. Pick 16 or 18 for finer detail, or 11 for bold, quick projects.
How much margin do I need?
Leave 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) on every side for framing or a hoop. For a small ornament or a card, 1 inch (2.5 cm) is enough.
Does the calculator work for half stitches?
Yes for the size: a half stitch fills the same square as a full stitch. Half stitches use about half the floss, so the skein estimate will be on the high side.
How many stitches does one skein cover?
One 8 m skein of DMC stranded cotton covers roughly 1,500 to 2,000 full stitches on 14-count Aida with 2 strands. Finer fabric uses less thread per stitch. The calculator uses a careful 1,550 so you don't run short.

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Cross stitch letters generator

Type a name and get a letter chart in a real DMC color, ready to print.

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DMC color matcher

Find the closest DMC thread for any color, hex code or photo.

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DMC color chart

All 489 DMC floss colors on one page, with numbers, names and hex values.

Open the color chart