Yarn Tree Cross Stitch Calculator

Cross Stitch Fabric Size Calculator

Calculate the exact fabric dimensions needed for your next masterpiece.

11 Count (Aida) 14 Count (Aida) 16 Count (Aida) 18 Count (Aida) 20 Count (Aida/Evenweave) 22 Count (Hardanger) 25 Count (Evenweave/Linen) 28 Count (Evenweave/Linen) 32 Count (Evenweave/Linen) 36 Count (Linen) 40 Count (Linen)

Extra fabric per side (3″ recommended)

Recommended Fabric Size:

Note: This includes the requested margin for finishing and framing.

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How to Use the Yarn Tree Cross Stitch Calculator

Planning a new needlework project requires precision. If you cut your fabric too small, you won't have enough room for framing; cut it too large, and you waste expensive linen or Aida. This calculator helps you determine the exact fabric dimensions required based on your pattern's stitch count.

Key Definitions for Beginners

• Stitch Count: Found on your pattern (e.g., 140w x 200h). This represents the total number of crosses in the design.
• Fabric Count: This is the number of holes per inch (HPI). Common sizes include 14-count Aida or 32-count Linen.
• Stitching "Over Two": Common on Linen and Evenweave. If your pattern says "stich over two," it means one cross stitch covers a 2×2 grid of threads, effectively halving the fabric count.
• Framing Margin: You should always add at least 2 to 3 inches of extra fabric on every side (4 to 6 inches total added to width/height) to allow for tensioning on a hoop and subsequent framing.

The Math Behind the Calculation

To calculate the design size manually, use this formula:

(Stitch Count / Fabric Count) = Design Size in Inches
Design Size + (Margin * 2) = Total Fabric Size

Example: A 140-stitch wide design on 14-count Aida is 10 inches wide. Adding a 3-inch margin to both sides makes the total fabric width 16 inches.

Fabric Selection Tips

If you are working with a dark thread, consider a lighter fabric for contrast. Conversely, if you are using "Full Coverage" (stitching every single square), the fabric color matters less than the texture. Always pre-wash your fabric if you suspect it might shrink or bleed, though most modern Aida is colorfast.

function calculateStitchSize() { var sWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stitchWidth').value); var sHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stitchHeight').value); var fCount = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fabricCount').value); var margin = parseFloat(document.getElementById('margin').value); var overTwo = document.getElementById('overTwo').checked; if (isNaN(sWidth) || isNaN(sHeight) || sWidth <= 0 || sHeight <= 0) { alert('Please enter valid positive numbers for the stitch count.'); return; } // Adjust for over-two stitching var effectiveCount = fCount; if (overTwo) { effectiveCount = fCount / 2; } // Calculate actual design size var designW = sWidth / effectiveCount; var designH = sHeight / effectiveCount; // Calculate total fabric size including margins var totalW = designW + (margin * 2); var totalH = designH + (margin * 2); // Display results document.getElementById('stitchResult').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('finalDimensions').innerHTML = totalW.toFixed(2) + '" x ' + totalH.toFixed(2) + '"'; document.getElementById('designSizeText').innerHTML = 'Actual Design Size: ' + designW.toFixed(2) + '" x ' + designH.toFixed(2) + '"'; // Scroll to result document.getElementById('stitchResult').scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' }); }