Sizing a cross-stitch project
Cross-stitch fabric is described by its ‘count’ — the number of stitchable holes per inch. The same pattern will finish at a different physical size depending on which count fabric you use, so it’s important to calculate this before cutting fabric.
The formula
Finished design size is found with Design Size (inches) = Stitch Count ÷ Fabric Count, applied separately to width and height. This calculator then adds your chosen margin to each side to determine Fabric Size = Design Size + (2 × Margin), giving enough blank fabric around the design for framing or finishing.
A common margin is 3 inches per side to allow for hooping, framing, or finishing techniques. Always round up to the nearest available fabric size when purchasing. For general craft planning purposes.