How to work out the finished size of a cross-stitch

A cross-stitch pattern doesn’t have one fixed size. It’s measured in stitches, and how big those stitches are depends on your fabric. Working out the finished size takes a single sum.

The formula

Finished size in inches = number of stitches ÷ fabric count

Do it once for the width and once for the height. To convert the result to centimetres, multiply by 2.54.

A worked example

Our Ornate Owl with Crown pattern is 292 stitches wide and 291 stitches high. On 14 count Aida:

• Width: 292 ÷ 14 = 20.9 in, × 2.54 = 53 cm
• Height: 291 ÷ 14 = 20.8 in, × 2.54 = 53 cm

On 18 count, the same pattern works out at 292 ÷ 18 = 16.2 in, or about 41 cm square. Same chart, same number of stitches, but a noticeably smaller finished piece.

Stitching on evenweave or linen

On evenweave or linen you usually stitch “over two” threads, so halve the fabric count before you divide. 28 count evenweave stitched over two behaves like 14 count, so the owl would again be 53 cm square. If you stitch over one thread instead, use the full count, and the piece will come out half the size.

How much fabric to buy

Add a margin to the finished size, so there’s room to hoop the fabric and to frame or make it up afterwards. A margin of 7 to 8 cm (about 3 in) on every side is a common starting point, which means adding about 15 cm to both the width and the height. If you’ll be framing with a mount, allow a little more.

For the owl on 14 count, that’s 53 cm plus 15 cm, or 68 cm, so look for a piece of fabric at least 70 cm square.

Let the size chart do it for you

Every Chart Chic pattern page includes a size chart with the finished size already worked out for 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 25 count fabric, in centimetres and inches. It’s the quickest way to check whether a design will fit the frame or wall space you have in mind. For any other pattern or fabric, our fabric and thread calculator does the sums.

Not sure which count to choose? Our guide to 14, 16 and 18 count Aida compares them.