What is fabric count?

Fabric count refers to the number of stitches (holes) per inch. 14-count Aida is the most common for beginners — 14 stitches fit in one inch. Higher counts (18, 22, 28) produce finer, smaller stitches. Lower counts (11) produce larger, bolder stitches.

What is the seam allowance for?

The seam allowance is extra fabric beyond the stitched area. It gives you room to hoop the fabric without distorting your stitches, and provides enough material for framing or finishing. A minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) per side is recommended.

How do I use this for evenweave or linen?

For evenweave or linen where you stitch over two threads, halve the thread count before entering it. For example, 28-count evenweave stitched over two threads is equivalent to 14-count Aida — enter 14 as the fabric count.

My pattern shows stitch count as WxH, which goes where?

Width (W) is the horizontal stitch count and Height (H) is the vertical. For example, a pattern listed as "200 wide x 150 high" means enter 200 for width and 150 for height.

Does this work for fractional stitches?

The calculator uses total stitch count directly. Fractional stitches (quarter, half) still occupy a full grid square on Aida, so count them as a full stitch for sizing purposes.

What fabric counts are common?

11-count is great for beginners and bold designs. 14-count is the most popular all-round choice. 16 and 18-count give finer detail. 22, 25, 27, and 28-count are used for petite or miniature work. 32 and 36-count are for very fine needlework.

Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator

Name: Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your stitch count and fabric count to instantly calculate the finished stitched area and total fabric size with seam allowance.

Design Details

Stitch Count — Width

stitches

Stitch Count — Height

stitches

Fabric Count (stitches per inch)

Seam / Framing Allowance (each side)

inches

Added to all four sides. Minimum 2 inches recommended for hooping and framing.

Stitched Area

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Width (inches)

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Height (inches)

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Width (cm)

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Height (cm)

Recommended Fabric to Buy

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Width (inches)

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Height (inches)

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Width (cm)

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Height (cm)

Common Aida fabric widths sold in stores:

14" wide — small project cuts
18" × 18" — common pre-cut squares
36" or 59" wide — bolt fabric (sold by the yard)

Summary

Enter your stitch count and fabric count to instantly calculate the finished stitched area and total fabric size with seam allowance.

How it works

Enter the width of your design in stitches (the stitch count from the pattern).
Enter the height of your design in stitches.
Select the fabric count — the number of stitches per inch (e.g. 14-count Aida means 14 stitches per inch).
Optionally adjust the seam/framing allowance (default is 2 inches per side).
The stitched area and recommended fabric size are calculated instantly in inches and centimeters.

Use cases

Determine how much Aida fabric to buy before starting a new project.
Check whether a design fits on a fabric piece you already own.
Compare how a pattern scales across different fabric counts.
Plan framing and hoop placement with the correct seam allowance.
Convert a pattern designed in stitches into real-world inches or centimeters.
Calculate fabric needs for evenweave or linen stitched over two threads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu