# [Plan a needlepoint cushion from canvas and coverage](https://threadcabin.com/explore/444/plan-a-needlepoint-cushion-from-canvas-and-coverage)

> Calculate the design rectangle, then sample the actual canvas stitch and finishing construction.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/444/plan-a-needlepoint-cushion-from-canvas-and-coverage
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.7489175+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.2732057+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Plan a needlepoint cushion from canvas and coverage — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/b20-plan.png)

Calculate the design rectangle, then sample the actual canvas stitch and finishing construction.

## 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. **Plan needlepoint from canvas count** — For one stitch per canvas intersection, design size follows stitch count divided by canvas count. Allow extra canvas for the frame and finishing separately.
2. **Compare tent-stitch working paths** — Half-cross, continental and basketweave can show similar front diagonals while using different reverse paths. Compare coverage, consumption and distortion on the actual canvas.
3. **Estimate floss from a stitched sample** — Measure the thread actually consumed by a known stitch count, including representative starts and finishes. Use matching ground, strands and stitch structure.
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 120 × 120 design on 12-mesh canvas spans 25.4 × 25.4 cm. Sample the chosen tent-stitch path for coverage and consumption, and add separate canvas allowance for working support and cushion assembly.

## 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

- [Plan needlepoint from canvas count](https://threadcabin.com/explore/316/plan-needlepoint-from-canvas-count)
- [Compare tent-stitch working paths](https://threadcabin.com/explore/317/compare-tent-stitch-working-paths)
- [Estimate floss from a stitched sample](https://threadcabin.com/explore/306/estimate-floss-from-a-stitched-sample)
- [Plan mounting and framing](https://threadcabin.com/explore/341/plan-mounting-and-framing)
- [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: 120
- Chart height in stitches: 120
- Fabric count: 47 threads / 10 cm
- Fabric threads per stitch: 1
- Margin per side: 0 cm