Does a higher fabric count make the finished design bigger or smaller?

Smaller. A higher count means more threads per inch, so the same stitch-count design fits into a smaller physical area on finer (higher-count) fabric.

How much extra fabric margin should I add beyond the design?

A common standard is 3-4 inches on all sides beyond the stitched area, for hooping, handling, and finishing or framing.

Cross-Stitch Fabric Size Calculator

Enter your pattern stitch count, fabric count, and border to find your finished stitched area and how much fabric to buy.

Pattern Width (stitches)

Pattern Height (stitches)

Fabric Count

Border Margin (inches, each side)

Aida Count Reference Table

Fabric Count	Stitches/Inch	Stitch Size	Best For
Aida 11ct	11	~2.3mm	Beginners, large designs, bulky thread
Aida 14ct	14	~1.8mm	Most popular; good detail, easy to see
Aida 16ct	16	~1.6mm	Slightly finer; similar to 28ct evenweave over 2
Aida 18ct	18	~1.4mm	Fine work; good detail in smaller areas
Aida 22ct	22	~1.2mm	Very fine; use 1 strand of floss
28ct Evenweave / 2	14	~1.8mm	Same result as 14ct Aida; softer hand
32ct Evenweave / 2	16	~1.6mm	Same result as 16ct Aida
36ct Evenweave / 2	18	~1.4mm	Same result as 18ct Aida

How to Use

Find your pattern's stitch count (usually listed on the pattern or chart — e.g., 150w × 200h).
Choose your fabric count (Aida 14ct is the most common for beginners).
Set your border margin — a 3" border on each side gives enough fabric for framing or finishing.
The calculator shows your finished stitched area and the total fabric piece you should purchase.

Tips

Always add at least 2" border on each side minimum; 3" is recommended for framed pieces.
Evenweave stitched "over 2 threads" produces the same stitch density as its Aida equivalent (28ct/2 = 14ct Aida).
Fabric is sold by the yard or in pre-cut pieces — round up to the nearest available size.

About this Cross-Stitch Fabric Calculator

Cross-stitch fabric size depends on the pattern's stitch count and the fabric's count (threads per inch) — the same design worked on a higher-count (finer) fabric produces a smaller finished piece than the identical design worked on a lower-count (coarser) fabric.

Always add a margin beyond the stitched area

Fabric needs extra unstitched border around the design for framing, hooping while working, and finishing — a common standard is 3–4 inches of margin on all sides beyond the stitched design's edges, more if the final framing method requires additional fabric to wrap or mount.