Cross Stitch Size & Fabric Calculator

Q: How to calculate cross stitch size?

Stitches per inch (SPI) = fabric count ÷ threads-per-X. Width (in) = stitches wide ÷ SPI. Height (in) = stitches high ÷ SPI. Fabric size adds borders and finishing on both sides: fabric width = stitched width + 2 × (border + finishing); same for height.

Q: How wide is 140 cross stitches?

Width = 140 ÷ SPI. Example: on 14-count Aida over 1 (SPI=14), width ≈ 140/14 = 10 in. On 28-count linen over 2 (SPI=14), it is also 10 in.

Q: How to convert 18 count to 14 count?

Compare stitches per inch. 18‑count over 1 has SPI=18. 14‑count over 1 has SPI=14. A design 6 in wide on 18‑count would be 6×18/14 ≈ 7.71 in on 14‑count.

Q: How much thread do I need for 1000 stitches?

A common rule is ~18 inches (46 cm) of floss covers ~90–110 full crosses with two strands on 14‑count. For 1000 stitches you might need roughly 9–12 lengths per color (~5–7 meters), but usage varies by coverage, strand count, and tension.

Realtime results for stitched area, fabric cut, needle size, and floss strands.

Precision

Graphed Size — stitches wide

Graphed Size — stitches high

Fabric Count (threads per inch)

Aida is typically 11–20; linen/Evenweave is usually 25–40 threads per inch.

# of threads each X covers

▾

Extra fabric on each side for border (inches)

Extra fabric on each side for finishing (inches)

Stitched Area

— × — in

Computed from stitches and stitches‑per‑inch.

Cut Fabric Size

— × — in

Includes border and finishing on both sides.

Suggested tapestry needle

—

Floss strands (stitching)

—

Floss strands (backstitch)

—

How the Cross Stitch Calculator Works

Fabric counts are given in threads per inch. When you stitch over a certain number of threads (e.g., over 2 on linen), your effective stitches per inch (SPI) becomes fabric count ÷ threads‑per‑X. The stitched width is stitches wide ÷ SPI and stitched height is stitches high ÷ SPI. To get the cut fabric size, add your desired border and finishing allowance to both sides: fabric size = stitched size + 2 × (border + finishing).

Enter stitches wide/high from your chart.
Set fabric count and choose whether you stitch over 1 or over 2.
Pick border and finishing allowances (inches per side).
Results update instantly — no buttons required.

Cross‑stitch sizing quick answers

How to calculate cross stitch size?

SPI = fabric count ÷ threads‑per‑X. Then width = stitches wide ÷ SPI and height = stitches high ÷ SPI. Example: 140×90 stitches on 14‑count Aida over 1 → SPI=14 → 10×6.43 inches.

How wide is 140 cross stitches?

It depends on SPI. At SPI=14 (14‑count over 1 or 28‑count over 2), width = 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches. At SPI=18, width ≈ 7.78 inches.

How to convert 18 count to 14 count?

Multiply the 18‑count size by 18/14 to get its size on 14‑count. A 6" design on 18‑count becomes 6×18/14 ≈ 7.71" on 14‑count.

How much thread do I need for 1000 stitches?

Rules vary by coverage and technique. A typical estimate for 14‑count with two strands is ~100 stitches per 18" length. So 1000 stitches would take roughly 10 lengths of floss (~5–6 m), but plan extra for waste knots and mixed coverage.

FAQs

How to calculate cross stitch size?

SPI = fabric count ÷ threads‑per‑X. Width = stitches wide ÷ SPI; height = stitches high ÷ SPI. Add allowances to both sides for the final fabric cut.

How wide is 140 cross stitches?

Width = 140 ÷ SPI. On 14‑count over 1 (or 28‑count over 2), SPI=14 so width is 10 inches.

How to convert 18 count to 14 count?

Multiply the size by 18/14 ≈ 1.286 to convert 18‑count measurements to 14‑count.

How much thread do I need for 1000 stitches?

Roughly 9–12 standard lengths when stitching with two strands on 14‑count (≈5–7 meters), but usage varies.