Fabric and count

Cross stitch is counted work, so the fabric sets the size. Count is the number of stitches per inch: 14 count aida gives 14 crosses to the inch, each about 1.8 mm wide. A design of 140 by 100 stitches comes out 10 by 7.1 inches on 14 count and 7.8 by 5.6 inches on 18 count. The aida count chart compares the common counts side by side.

Aida is woven in blocks with a clear hole at each corner, which is why it is the usual first fabric. Evenweave and linen have single threads and are normally stitched over 2, which halves the count: 28 count over 2 gives the same stitch size as 14 count aida. For surface embroidery the count does not matter; pick a firm cotton or linen that does not stretch.

Before cutting, add at least 3 inches (8 cm) to every side of the design for hooping and finishing. The cross stitch calculator turns a stitch count into design size and cut size for any count, and adds the needle and strands that go with it. Tape or hem the cut edges so they do not fray while you work.