Small motif
50 × 50
Pattern finishes 3.6 × 3.6 in (9.1 × 9.1 cm).
Buy 9.6 × 9.6 in (24.3 × 24.3 cm).
Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator
Find out how much Aida fabric you need for any cross stitch pattern, free, in inches and cm.
Your pattern's stitch count, usually shown as e.g. 100w × 140h.
Height of the chart in stitches, from the same pattern info.
Stitches per inch on Aida. 14ct is the most common; 11ct is larger, 16-18ct is finer.
Extra fabric around the design for hooping and framing. 3 in (7.6 cm) is a safe default.
Finished pattern size
10 × 10 in
25.4 × 25.4 cm
Fabric size to buy
16 × 16 in
40.6 × 40.6 cm
140 stitches ÷ 14 ct = 10 in; add 3 in border on each side → buy 16 × 16 in
How to use this calculator
Enter the stitch width and height
Use the two stitch fields at the top. Copy the counts from your chart, often printed as something like 100w × 140h. The default 140 × 140 is there so you can see a worked example before you type.
Set the Aida count
Tap 11ct, 14ct, 16ct, or 18ct, or type any count from 6 to 40 in the fabric count box. 14ct is the usual starting cloth if the pattern does not specify one.
Choose the border on each side
The border slider and number box add extra fabric around the design. Leave the default 3 inches unless you already know you need a tighter hoop margin or a wider framing wrap.
Read the size to buy
The results card shows finished pattern size, fabric size to buy, and the arithmetic. Switch to Fabric size to stitch count if you already have a piece of cloth and want the maximum stitches that fit.
What is Aida count?
Count, written as ct, is how many Aida squares (and therefore stitches) fit in one inch of fabric. 14ct is the most common: 14 stitches per inch. 11ct is popular for beginners and for larger, easier stitches. 16ct and 18ct pack more stitches into the same inch, which is how you get finer detail and a smaller finished piece from the same chart.
Higher count always means a smaller finished piece. A 140-stitch chart is 10 inches wide on 14ct, about 8.8 inches on 16ct, and about 7.8 inches on 18ct. The stitch count does not change when you switch fabric. Only the inches change.
How much border should I leave?
Leave at least 2-3 inches on each side. That empty cloth is not wasted: a hoop or Q-snap needs something to grip, a seam allowance needs turning room, and a framer needs fabric to wrap around the board. Going under 2 inches often means the last rows of stitches sit in the hardware, which is a miserable way to finish a piece.
3 inches per side is the default in this calculator because it covers hooping, most pillow finishes, and standard framing. Use closer to 4-6 inches for large samplers, bulky frames, or a gallery wrap. If you are stitching in hand with no hoop, you can still keep 2 inches so the edges do not fray into the design.
Common pattern sizes on 14ct
Fabric to buy below includes a 3 inch border on each side, the same default as the calculator. Swap the stitch counts above to match your own chart.
Typical sampler
100 × 140
Pattern finishes 7.1 × 10 in (18.1 × 25.4 cm).
Buy 13.1 × 16 in (33.4 × 40.6 cm).
Large portrait
200 × 260
Pattern finishes 14.3 × 18.6 in (36.3 × 47.2 cm).
Buy 20.3 × 24.6 in (51.5 × 62.4 cm).
Cross stitch fabric calculator FAQ
What size cross stitch fabric do I need?
Enter your pattern's stitch width and height, pick your Aida count, and add a border. The finished pattern is stitches divided by count. Fabric to buy is that size plus the border on both sides. A 140 × 140 pattern on 14ct with 3 in on each side needs 16 × 16 in of fabric (40.6 × 40.6 cm).
How do I calculate fabric size for cross stitch?
Divide each stitch count by the fabric count to get inches, then multiply by 2.54 for centimeters. Add your border twice: once for each side. Example: 140 stitches ÷ 14 ct = 10 in; add 3 in on the left and 3 in on the right to buy 16 in. This calculator does that math as you type.
What does 14ct Aida mean?
14ct means 14 stitches fit in one inch of Aida cloth. A 140-stitch-wide chart is 10 inches wide on 14ct (25.4 cm). Higher counts pack more stitches into the same inch, so the same chart finishes smaller and looks finer.
How much extra fabric should I leave around a cross stitch?
Leave at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) on each side. That margin gives a hoop or Q-snap something to grip, leaves seam allowance if you finish as a pillow, and gives a framer room to wrap the edges. 3 inches is the default here because it covers most finishing methods. Use 4-6 inches for large pieces or gallery wraps.
What is the best Aida count for beginners?
14ct is the usual starting count: the holes are easy to see, and a small pattern still makes a satisfying piece. 11ct is larger still if you want fewer, bigger stitches. 16ct and 18ct are better once you are comfortable on 14ct and want finer detail in the same physical space.
Can I convert inches to cm here?
Yes. Use the inches/centimeters switch on the calculator. Results always list both units. The conversion is 1 inch = 2.54 cm, so 10 in is 25.4 cm and 16 in is 40.6 cm.
More tools
Photo to Cross Stitch Pattern Maker
Upload a photo, set the grid and DMC colors, and download a stitchable chart. Free in your browser, no account.