Explore guide
How does fabric count change a stitched design’s size?
Compare one 140 × 98-stitch design at two fabric counts, without changing its chart.
Related lessons and tools
Keep the chart fixed
A 140 × 98-stitch chart worked over one on 14-count fabric measures 25.4 × 17.78 cm. On 18-count fabric it measures about 19.76 × 13.83 cm. The chart still contains the same stitch positions; each stitch occupies less physical space.
The two flower diagrams use the same counted design and a common physical scale. The surrounding rectangle is the chart extent. The smaller image is a size comparison, not a simplified chart.
Identify the count correctly
Fabric count describes intervals per 25.4 mm (one inch). In metric mode, 14 count is shown as about 55 threads per 10 cm, and 18 count as about 71. These rounded display values do not reduce calculation precision.
DMC’s cross-stitch fabric guide describes the regular ground used for counted work and the distinction between Aida and fabric worked over two threads.
Follow the calculation
- Read the chart width and height in stitch positions: 140 and 98.
- For over-one work, divide each chart dimension by the fabric count.
- Convert the resulting physical dimensions to centimetres.
- Repeat with the second count, keeping the chart unchanged.
At 28 count over two threads, the effective stitch density is 28 ÷ 2 = 14. This gives the same 25.4 × 17.78 cm chart extent as 14 count over one. The second figure shows this equivalence.
Leave room for finishing
The figures and first results exclude fabric margins. Add a margin on every side for mounting, framing, seams, or repositioning the work. A 5 cm margin on each side of the 14-count example needs a cut area of 35.4 × 27.78 cm, before any allowance for your chosen finishing method.
Changing the number of floss strands changes coverage, not the chart’s geometry. Mixed over-one and over-two areas, fractional stitches, and uneven grounds need separate checking. This is a dimensional planning example, not a finished embroidery pattern. Report a discrepancy through corrections.
Sources for sampling and terminology
Cross-stitch fabric planner
Turn chart stitches and fabric count into finished and cutting dimensions.
Before you use this tool
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.
Method and limits
Formula and assumptions
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.
Worked example
Example: 140 × 98 stitches on fabric with 55 threads/10 cm produces a 25.5 × 17.8 cm design; a 5 cm margin needs a 35.5 × 27.8 cm fabric cut.
Limits and rounding
Results are planning estimates from the values entered. Displayed decimals are rounded for craft use; whole materials and repeats round up where the method says so. Confirm gauge, material behavior, construction, and finished measurements before committing supplies.
Cross-stitch fabric planner
Turn chart stitches and fabric count into finished and cutting dimensions.
Before you use this tool
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.
Method and limits
Formula and assumptions
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.
Worked example
Example: 140 × 98 stitches on fabric with 55 threads/10 cm produces a 25.5 × 17.8 cm design; a 5 cm margin needs a 35.5 × 27.8 cm fabric cut.
Limits and rounding
Results are planning estimates from the values entered. Displayed decimals are rounded for craft use; whole materials and repeats round up where the method says so. Confirm gauge, material behavior, construction, and finished measurements before committing supplies.