# [Prepare a counted design for framing](https://threadcabin.com/explore/427/prepare-a-counted-design-for-framing)

> Calculate the stitched rectangle, mounting allowance and visible window as separate dimensions.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/427/prepare-a-counted-design-for-framing
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.6295966+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.1853831+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Prepare a counted design for framing — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/b03-plan.png)

Calculate the stitched rectangle, mounting allowance and visible window as separate dimensions.

## 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. **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.
3. **Center a rectangular embroidery design** — A 20 × 12 cm design centered on usable 30 × 24 cm fabric leaves 5 cm at left and right and 6 cm at top and bottom.
4. **Plan mounting and framing** — Reserve enough ground for the selected attachment method and keep raised stitching clear of glazing. Choose a mounting method that supports the fabric evenly and can be reviewed later.

## Try this example

A 20 × 15 cm design centered on 30 × 25 cm fabric leaves 5 cm per side. Check the actual mounting method before cutting; a frame’s visible opening does not describe its full fabric requirement.

## 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)
- [Add finishing margins without enlarging the stitched design](https://threadcabin.com/explore/73/add-finishing-margins-without-enlarging-the-stitched-design)
- [Center a rectangular embroidery design](https://threadcabin.com/explore/74/center-a-rectangular-embroidery-design)
- [Plan mounting and framing](https://threadcabin.com/explore/341/plan-mounting-and-framing)
- [Embroidery design centering](https://threadcabin.com/tools/embroidery-design-centering)
- [Fabric count, stitch size, and thread coverage](https://threadcabin.com/explore/6/fabric-count-stitch-size-and-thread-coverage)

## [Embroidery design centering](https://threadcabin.com/tools/embroidery-design-centering)

Calculate equal side and top margins before transferring a design.

Measure the usable fabric and the finished design in the same units. At 50% the free space is split equally; 0% places the design at the starting edge and 100% at the opposite edge.  Mark the calculated edges lightly and check both axes before stitching.

Remaining width and height are divided according to the selected 0–100% placement. Fifty percent centers the design; lower or higher values produce asymmetric margins. A design larger than the fabric is rejected.

- Fabric width: 30 cm
- Fabric height: 25 cm
- Design width: 20 cm
- Design height: 15 cm
- Horizontal placement (0 left, 100 right): 50 %
- Vertical placement (0 top, 100 bottom): 50 %