# [Choose fabric count for a fixed design](https://threadcabin.com/explore/426/choose-fabric-count-for-a-fixed-design)

> Compare physical size and sampled coverage while keeping the chart’s stitch dimensions unchanged.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/426/choose-fabric-count-for-a-fixed-design
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.6215811+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.1803020+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Choose fabric count for a fixed design — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/b01-plan.png)

Compare physical size and sampled coverage while keeping the chart’s stitch dimensions unchanged.

## Before you start

Have the chart key, chart width and height, fabric thread count and threads crossed by each stitch. Keep floss strands separate from fabric threads.

## How to do it

1. **How does fabric count change a stitched design’s size?** — Compare one 140 × 98-stitch design at two fabric counts, without changing its chart.
2. **Understand stitching over one and two** — Effective stitches per inch equal fabric threads per inch divided by threads crossed per stitch. Over-two work on 28-count fabric has 14 stitches per inch.
3. **Choose strands with a coverage sample** — Compare coverage at the actual stitch length and fabric count. More strands add bulk as well as coverage and may enlarge holes.
4. **Add finishing margins without enlarging the stitched design** — A 140 × 98-stitch design at 14 count over one measures 25.4 × 17.78 cm. A chosen 5 cm margin on every side needs 35.4 × 27.78 cm of fabric.

## Try this example

A 140 × 98 design measures 25.4 × 17.78 cm on 14-count fabric and about 22.23 × 15.56 cm on 16-count fabric, both worked over one. Choose the size, then sample thread coverage before cutting finishing margins.

## Check your result

- Count from two independent reference points before filling a large area. Verify the outer stitched dimensions on the actual ground; include finishing fabric separately.
- Changing fabric count changes physical size, not chart complexity. Fractional stitches, mixed scales and non-square grounds need explicit chart instructions.

## Sources

- [rsnstitchbank.org: cross stitch](https://rsnstitchbank.org/stitch/cross-stitch)
- [rsnstitchbank.org: counted thread](https://rsnstitchbank.org/technique/counted-thread)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=embroidery)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [How does fabric count change a stitched design’s size?](https://threadcabin.com/explore/60/how-does-fabric-count-change-a-stitched-design-s-size)
- [Understand stitching over one and two](https://threadcabin.com/explore/265/understand-stitching-over-one-and-two)
- [Choose strands with a coverage sample](https://threadcabin.com/explore/259/choose-strands-with-a-coverage-sample)
- [Add finishing margins without enlarging the stitched design](https://threadcabin.com/explore/73/add-finishing-margins-without-enlarging-the-stitched-design)
- [Cross-stitch fabric planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/cross-stitch-fabric-planner)
- [Fabric count, stitch size, and thread coverage](https://threadcabin.com/explore/6/fabric-count-stitch-size-and-thread-coverage)

## [Cross-stitch fabric planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/cross-stitch-fabric-planner)

Turn chart stitches and fabric count into finished and cutting dimensions.

Count chart squares, not centimetres. Fabric threads crossed per stitch means over-one or over-two; it is separate from the number of floss strands.  The design size excludes finishing margins; the cut size includes your chosen margin on all four sides.

Design size equals chart stitches divided by effective stitches per unit. Choose one fabric thread per stitch for over-one or two for over-two; the selected or custom margin is added on every side.

- Chart width in stitches: 140
- Chart height in stitches: 98
- Fabric count: 55 threads / 10 cm
- Fabric threads per stitch: 1
- Margin per side: 0 cm

## [Cross-stitch fabric planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/cross-stitch-fabric-planner)

Turn chart stitches and fabric count into finished and cutting dimensions.

Count chart squares, not centimetres. Fabric threads crossed per stitch means over-one or over-two; it is separate from the number of floss strands.  The design size excludes finishing margins; the cut size includes your chosen margin on all four sides.

Design size equals chart stitches divided by effective stitches per unit. Choose one fabric thread per stitch for over-one or two for over-two; the selected or custom margin is added on every side.

- Chart width in stitches: 140
- Chart height in stitches: 98
- Fabric count: 63 threads / 10 cm
- Fabric threads per stitch: 1
- Margin per side: 0 cm