How to Make a Cross Stitch Pattern From Any Photo
A complete guide to making a cross stitch pattern with realistic floss limits, Aida sizing and confetti control.
2 September 2026 · 7 min readGuides & notes · Fabric Math
Aida Fabric Count and Finished Embroidery Dimensions
Calculate exact cut sizes across 11, 14, 16 and 18-count Aida with the built-in fabric calculator.
30 August 2026 · 4 min read
"Count" is the number of stitches per inch of fabric. Higher count means smaller stitches and a smaller finished piece from the same chart. That is the whole trick — the chart never changes; only the fabric does.
The formula
Finished size in inches = stitches ÷ count. In centimetres, multiply by 2.54. A 120-stitch-wide chart is 8.6 in (21.8 cm) on 14-count and 6.7 in (16.9 cm) on 18-count.
Calculator
| Count | Finished size | Cut fabric |
|---|
Cut size
Add a margin on every side for the hoop and for framing — 7 cm is comfortable, 5 cm is the minimum you will thank yourself for. The calculator above includes it.
Which count to choose
- 11-count — big stitches, fast, good for children's kits and bold designs.
- 14-count — the default. Easy to see, easy to buy.
- 16 and 18-count — finer detail from the same chart, better for portraits, harder on the eyes. Use two strands on 16, one or two on 18.
Evenweave and linen are counted in threads, not squares; stitching over two threads on 28-count linen is equivalent to 14-count Aida.
Ready to try it? The pattern maker is free and runs in your browser.
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