What this calculator does
Stitched size is the pattern stitch count divided by the fabric count, which is threads per inch. A 100 by 80 stitch pattern on 14 count fabric works out at 7.14 by 5.71 inches.
Fabric count works inversely, which is the thing to get straight: a higher count means more threads per inch, so smaller stitches and a smaller finished piece. The same pattern is 9.09 inches wide on 11 count and 5.56 inches on 18 count, a difference of nearly 40% from the fabric alone.
The formula
The stitched dimensions are the pattern stitch counts divided by the fabric count. The fabric to buy adds twice the margin to each dimension, since the margin is needed on both sides for framing and for the hoop or frame to grip. The result is given in inches and centimetres.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fabric count | Threads per inch. 14 count Aida is the most common; higher counts give finer, smaller stitches. |
| Stitched size | The dimensions of the finished stitching, before any margin. |
| Margin | Unstitched fabric around the design, needed for framing and for mounting in a hoop. |
| Aida | Fabric woven in distinct blocks, which is what count usually refers to. Evenweave and linen are stitched over two threads and effectively halve the count. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Pattern width (stitches) | Pattern width in stitches. |
| Pattern height (stitches) | Pattern height in stitches. |
| Fabric count (stitches/in) | Fabric count in threads per inch. 14 is the most common Aida. |
| Margin on each side (in) | Margin in inches on each side. Three inches is generous and suits most framing. |
When to use it
Buying fabric for a pattern
Patterns give a stitch count rather than a size, so the conversion is needed before any fabric can be bought.
Choosing a fabric count
The same pattern comes out very differently on 11 and 18 count, and the size difference is usually what decides between them.
Planning a frame
The stitched size determines the frame and the fabric size determines whether there is enough to mount it, which are two separate requirements.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How does fabric count change the finished size?
The same pattern worked on a range of fabric counts.
| Fabric count | Stitched area | Fabric to buy | In centimetres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 count | 9.09 × 7.27 in | 15.1 × 13.3 in | 38.3 × 33.7 cm |
| 16 count | 6.25 × 5.00 in | 12.3 × 11.0 in | 31.1 × 27.9 cm |
| 18 count | 5.56 × 4.44 in | 11.6 × 10.4 in | 29.4 × 26.5 cm |
Questions
What does fabric count mean?
Threads per inch, so 14 count Aida has 14 stitches to the inch. Higher count means finer fabric, smaller stitches and a smaller finished piece from the same pattern. It also means more stitches per square inch and therefore more work.
How much margin should I leave?
Two to three inches on each side is usual, which is what this adds. Three is generous and suits most framing including mounting over board. Less than two makes a piece awkward to frame and can leave too little for a hoop to grip.
Does evenweave count the same as Aida?
No. Evenweave and linen are usually stitched over two threads, which effectively halves the count, so 28 count evenweave gives the same stitch size as 14 count Aida. Entering the raw count for evenweave will halve the calculated size incorrectly.
Which count should a beginner use?
14 count Aida is the usual recommendation, since the blocks are clearly visible and the holes are easy to find without a magnifier. 11 count is easier again and suits children or anyone with limited vision, at the cost of a coarser finished look.
For curtain fabric quantities, see the curtain fabric calculator. For a circle skirt, see the circle skirt calculator.