What size fabric do you need?
Design size = stitches ÷ stitches per inch. Then add a margin on every side, so you can hoop, stretch and frame the piece.
Step 1: design size
Divide the width and height in stitches by the fabric count. On evenweave or linen stitched over two threads, halve the count first. For example, 140 × 100 stitches on 14-count Aida is 10 × 7.1 in (25.4 × 18.1 cm). On 28-count linen over two it's the same size. On 18-count it's 7.8 × 5.6 in.
Fabric counts are given per inch even in metric countries. To get centimetres, multiply inches by 2.54.
Step 2: margins
The common recommendation for framing is 3 in (about 7.5 cm) on each side, so you add 6 in to each dimension. Scarlet Quince, for example, suggests a framing allowance of at least 3 in per side. Smaller margins can work for hoops, ornaments or cards. Large pieces and stretcher bars often need more. Skein Tally defaults to 3 in (7.6 cm), and you can change it.
| Finishing | Margin per side often suggested |
|---|---|
| Professional framing | 3 in / 7.5 cm (framers commonly want at least 2 in) |
| Hoop display | 2–3 in / 5–7.5 cm |
| Ornaments, cards | 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm |
| Large pieces, stretcher bars | 4 in+ / 10 cm+ |
If you also want unstitched fabric to show around the design inside the frame, add that on top of the margin.
Example
140 × 100 stitches on 14-count with 3 in margins: 10 + 6 = 16 in by 7.1 + 6 = 13.1 in. Cut at least 16 × 13.1 in (40.6 × 33.4 cm). It's safer to round up: you can trim extra fabric, but you can't add it back.
Fabric shrinks or distorts differently by type. Pre-wash if the fabric maker recommends it, and check the actual count on your piece: hand-dyed and specialty fabrics can differ slightly from the label.
Sources
- Scarlet Quince, fabric calculator and "Using the fabric calculator" tutorial (framing allowance ≥ 3 in).
- Stitch-Perfect (crossstitchconverter.com), "How much border to add for cross-stitch framing?"
- Knytstudio, "Cross stitch fabric size" (margin table by finishing method).