# [Add finishing margins without enlarging the stitched design](https://threadcabin.com/explore/73/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.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/73/add-finishing-margins-without-enlarging-the-stitched-design
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:32.9297615+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.2521569+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Add finishing margins without enlarging the stitched design — measured quantities](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/e13-plan.png)

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.

## Work through the example

1. Choose a margin for the actual mounting, hoop handling and edge finish. The example’s 5 cm is a planning choice, not a universal framing requirement.
2. Add twice the margin to each design dimension: 25.4 + 10 and 17.78 + 10. The stitch count remains 140 × 98.
3. Mark the grain and verify usable fabric dimensions before cutting. Keep the design centered within the usable rectangle, excluding damaged or unsuitable edges.

## Check before committing

Allow for the fabric’s own preparation and shrinkage separately. Confirm requirements with the intended mounting method before trimming excess fabric.

## Method and sources

These are original planning examples using the linked tools’ methods. Replace measured inputs with your own samples; a calculator cannot validate the construction. Keep the resulting measurements, choices and remaining checks with the project.

- [RSN StitchBank: Counted Thread](https://rsnstitchbank.org/technique/counted-thread)
- [Embroiderers’ Guild of America: Starting Cross Stitch](https://egausa.org/10-essential-things-to-know-before-starting-cross-stitch/)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

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

## Sources and provenance

- [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)

## [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: 5 cm