# [Fit complete embroidery border repeats](https://threadcabin.com/explore/76/fit-complete-embroidery-border-repeats)

> A 24 cm run fits five 4 cm motifs with 1 cm gaps between them: 5 × 4 + 4 × 1 = 24 cm. There are four internal gaps, not five.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/76/fit-complete-embroidery-border-repeats
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:32.9503202+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.2672067+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Fit complete embroidery border repeats — measured quantities](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/e16-plan.png)

A 24 cm run fits five 4 cm motifs with 1 cm gaps between them: 5 × 4 + 4 × 1 = 24 cm. There are four internal gaps, not five.

## Work through the example

1. Measure one finished repeat at the intended count and thread coverage. Identify whether the design requires touching motifs or a minimum gap.
2. Enter a 24 cm run, 4 cm motif and 1 cm minimum gap. Compare gaps only between motifs with equal gaps at both ends; count complete motifs separately for each choice.
3. Mark the first and last repeat positions before filling the middle. Check a paper or stitched test against the real edge.

## Check before committing

This straight-run calculation does not turn a motif around corners. Reserve corner motifs and seam allowances separately before calculating each straight section.

## 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)
- [Border repeat planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/border-repeat-planner)

## [Border repeat planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/border-repeat-planner)

Fit complete motifs along a straight border and distribute the remaining space.

Measure only the straight run available to complete motifs. Choose whether gaps belong between motifs only or also at both ends.  The result gives whole motifs and the redistributed actual gap; reserve corners separately before entering the run length.

The planner fits the largest whole number of motifs that preserves the minimum gap. Remaining length is shared either only between motifs or equally across both ends and every internal gap.

- Available border length: 24 cm
- Motif width: 4 cm
- Minimum gap: 1 cm
- Gap distribution: Gaps between motifs