How much fabric do I need? Counted Cross Stitch
Counted Cross Stitch
A common problem that many stitchers have when starting a new project is trying to figure out how much fabric they will need for their project. If you know the stitch count of your design, it’s not too difficult, but it can be very frustrating for some. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fabric size calculations:
What is the stitch count of my pattern:
*A*_________x *B*__________
What count is my fabric? If using aida cloth, or stitching “over one”, enter the amount in blank *C*. If using linen or evenweave and stitching “over two”, divide that number by 2. (Example: For 28 count fabric, divide by 2, and enter ‘14’ in blank *C*)
*C*___________
To figure the finished design size, divide the stitch count by your fabric count. Find the values from the blanks above and do the calculations here:
*A* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *D* ________ inches
*B* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *E* ________ inches
My finished design size will be *D* x *E*, but I will need to add extra fabric to each side to allow for framing. Most framers like to have an extra 3-4 inches on each side. (This also helps if I accidentally stitch my design off center a bit.)
How much fabric do I want to add to each side? *F* _______ inches
Now, multiply this by two. *F* _______ x 2 = *G* _______ inches
Add this to my finished design size that I figured earlier (*D* x *E*).
*D* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *H* _______ inches length
*E* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *I* ________ inches width
The fabric size that I need for my project is:
_______ x _______ inches
We’ve created this easy to use Project Planner in a download form also. Feel free to print out as many copies as you need. It’s great to have handy when you are out shopping as well.
Click here to download Cross Stitch Project Planner
We also have available an online interactive pricing guide designed for figuring fabric sizes and for figures prices for custom cuts of our (Silkweaver) hand dyed fabrics. You can find that calculator here:
Silkweaver Custom Size Calculator
2 Comments
Thank you so much for the valuable info. I depend alot on your fabric calculator.
Yvonne
I much prefect the calculator method to figuring it out on paper or in my head… cause if I do it myself I mess it up LOL I neeeeeed the calculator!
One Trackback
[...] —When planning a cross stitch project, to figure the size of linen that would be needed, follow this guideline: Divide each number of the stitch count (example 80×160) by 16 (remember, we’re going over 2 threads to make 16 X stitches per inch). So, 80 divided by 16 =5, and 160 divided by 16 = 10. The finished design size would be 5″ x 10″. Be sure to add an extra 6-8 inches to each measurement to leave margins for framing, so the recommended size fabric for the project would be about 11″ x 18″. We also have a Project Planner available in this post. [...]