How to work out the finished size of a cross stitch
Stitches divided by count equals inches. That is the whole formula.
The formula
Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count. A 130-stitch design on 14-count aida is 130 ÷ 14 = 9.3 inches across. On 18-count the same chart is 7.2 inches. On 28-count evenweave stitched over two threads, use 14 as the count.
Quick table
100 stitches: 9.1 in on 11-count, 7.1 in on 14, 6.3 in on 16, 5.6 in on 18. 130 stitches: 11.8 in on 11, 9.3 in on 14, 8.1 in on 16, 7.2 in on 18. 180 stitches: 16.4 in on 11, 12.9 in on 14, 11.3 in on 16, 10 in on 18. Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimetres.
How much fabric to buy
Add at least three inches to every side of the finished size for framing or a hoop, so a 9.3-inch design wants a 15 to 16-inch square of fabric. Our PDF cover pages print the finished size on 14, 16 and 18-count for each pattern so you do not need to work it out.
