Guides
Cross-stitch size chart: stitches to inches and cm
How big a cross stitch pattern comes out depends on two numbers: how many stitches it has, and how many stitches your fabric fits in an inch.
The sum
size in inches = stitches ÷ fabric count
The count of a fabric is the number of stitches it takes to cover one inch. A pattern 120 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is 120 ÷ 14, about 8.6 inches. The same pattern on 18 count is 6.7 inches: a finer fabric makes a smaller piece from the same chart.
For centimetres, multiply the inches by 2.54.
Sizes at a glance
Find the number of stitches on the longer side of your pattern, then read across to your fabric.
| Stitches | 11 count | 14 count | 16 count | 18 count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Small | 5.5 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| 80 | 7.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 | 4.4 |
| 100 | 9.1 | 7.1 | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| 120 Medium | 10.9 | 8.6 | 7.5 | 6.7 |
| 150 | 13.6 | 10.7 | 9.4 | 8.3 |
| 200 Large | 18.2 | 14.3 | 12.5 | 11.1 |
| 250 | 22.7 | 17.9 | 15.6 | 13.9 |
| 300 | 27.3 | 21.4 | 18.8 | 16.7 |
| 400 | 36.4 | 28.6 | 25.0 | 22.2 |
| Stitches | 11 count | 14 count | 16 count | 18 count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Small | 13.9 | 10.9 | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| 80 | 18.5 | 14.5 | 12.7 | 11.3 |
| 100 | 23.1 | 18.1 | 15.9 | 14.1 |
| 120 Medium | 27.7 | 21.8 | 19.1 | 16.9 |
| 150 | 34.6 | 27.2 | 23.8 | 21.2 |
| 200 Large | 46.2 | 36.3 | 31.8 | 28.2 |
| 250 | 57.7 | 45.4 | 39.7 | 35.3 |
| 300 | 69.3 | 54.4 | 47.6 | 42.3 |
| 400 | 92.4 | 72.6 | 63.5 | 56.4 |
Small, Medium, Large are the sizes criscros offers by name: 60, 120 and 200 stitches on the longer side. Any size up to 400 can be set under Advanced options.
Evenweave and linen
On evenweave or linen each stitch is usually worked over two threads, so the fabric behaves like one of half its count. 28-count evenweave stitched over two gives the same size as 14-count Aida, and 32 count over two the same as 16 count.
How much fabric to cut
The table gives the stitched area. Cut the fabric larger, so that there is room to hold it in a hoop and to mount it afterwards. About 3 inches (7.6 cm) on every side is the usual allowance, which adds 6 inches to each measurement.
A pattern of 120 by 90 stitches on 14 count is 8.6 by 6.4 inches. With 3 inches all round, cut a piece of about 15 by 13 inches.
Working it out for your own pattern
The criscros pattern viewer shows the finished size of each pattern on 14, 16 and 18-count fabric, so you can choose the fabric before you buy it. If the piece is larger or smaller than you want, make another pattern from the same photo at a different size. It costs nothing extra.