Cross-stitch size and fabric count explained
A pattern's stitch dimensions describe its grid. Fabric count determines how large that grid becomes when stitched. On Aida, when each full cross uses one square, divide the number of stitches by the fabric count to get the stitched size in inches.
Calculate the finished size
Width in inches = pattern width in stitches ÷ fabric count. Use the same formula for height. Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. These measurements describe the stitched area only, without borders or finishing allowance.
For example, a 100 × 140 stitch pattern on 14-count Aida is approximately 7.14 × 10 inches, or 18.14 × 25.4 cm.
| Aida count | Size in inches | Size in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 7.14 × 10.00 | 18.14 × 25.40 |
| 16 | 6.25 × 8.75 | 15.88 × 22.23 |
| 18 | 5.56 × 7.78 | 14.11 × 19.76 |
Add room for the hoop and finishing
Fabric should be larger than the stitched area. As an example, allowing 3 inches on every side adds 6 inches to each dimension: the 14-count example above would need about 13.14 × 16 inches of fabric. Your frame, hoop and finishing method may require a different allowance; check them before cutting.
Changing fabric count does not add pattern detail
A higher fabric count makes the same chart physically smaller. It does not add stitches or change the DMC palette. To retain more image detail, increase the pattern width instead, then check whether the resulting project size and stitch count are practical.
The generator preserves your source image's proportions and limits each dimension to 300 stitches. The fabric count control estimates the finished size; it does not resample the stitch grid.
Aida count and stitching over two
The simple formula assumes one full cross per Aida square. For evenweave or linen stitched over two threads, the effective stitch count is half the fabric's thread count: 28 threads per inch over two gives 14 crosses per inch. Use that effective count when calculating size.
Plan the image and the printed chart
Start with the photo-to-pattern walkthrough to choose a source image and color limit. The printing guide explains why the physical size of the PDF grid is separate from the size of the finished stitching.