How big will my cross stitch be?
Divide the number of stitches by the Aida count. The count is stitches per inch, so a chart 140 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is exactly 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide.
Finished width by Aida count
The same chart on finer fabric comes out smaller. Use the row for your chart’s width, and do the same for its height.
| Chart width | 11-count | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 stitches | 4.5 in (12 cm) | 3.6 in (9 cm) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 2.8 in (7 cm) |
| 80 stitches | 7.3 in (18 cm) | 5.7 in (15 cm) | 5.0 in (13 cm) | 4.4 in (11 cm) |
| 100 stitches | 9.1 in (23 cm) | 7.1 in (18 cm) | 6.2 in (16 cm) | 5.6 in (14 cm) |
| 150 stitches | 13.6 in (35 cm) | 10.7 in (27 cm) | 9.4 in (24 cm) | 8.3 in (21 cm) |
| 200 stitches | 18.2 in (46 cm) | 14.3 in (36 cm) | 12.5 in (32 cm) | 11.1 in (28 cm) |
How much fabric to buy
Add at least 3 inches to each dimension, 1½ inches on every side, to leave room for a hoop and for framing. A 100 × 100 chart on 14-count is 7.1 inches square, so buy at least 10.1 inches square. Running out of margin is discovered far too late to fix, so if in doubt, buy more.
Which count to choose
- 11-count: large holes, kind to eyes and to beginners.
- 14-count: the usual choice.
- 16-count: a little finer.
- 18-count: fine, a lot of detail in a small piece.
Let StitchZoid do the arithmetic
Make a chart from a photo and StitchZoid shows the finished size and the fabric to buy for whichever count you pick, and updates both as you change the width.
Make a chart from your photoSources
- What the count means, and 14-count as the beginner’s choice: DMC, Aida embroidery fabric (“The count refers to the number of stitches you can make in an inch”; “We recommend beginners use 14-count”).
- The sizes and the table above are that definition worked through: stitches ÷ count = inches, × 2.54 = centimetres.
DMC is a trademark of its owner. StitchZoid is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to DMC.