How to use
- Read the chart’s exact stitch width and height, including blank chart space only when it is intentionally part of the design.
- Enter the fabric thread count per inch. Select over 1 for one thread per stitch or over 2 when every stitch spans two fabric threads.
- Choose inches or centimetres for the margin and result, then enter the margin required on every side for your finishing method.
- Calculate both the stitched design and the larger fabric cut. Recheck orientation before cutting fabric.
Formula and interpretation
Design inches = stitch count × threads spanned per stitch ÷ fabric count. Effective stitches per inch therefore equal fabric count ÷ over value.
Fabric cut size adds twice the chosen margin to each design dimension. Margin is physical edge space, not extra chart stitches.
Worked examples
28-count linen over 2
A 140 × 196 stitch design on 28-count fabric over 2 is 10 × 14 in. A 3 in margin per side needs 16 × 20 in fabric.
14-count Aida over 1
The same 140 × 196 design on 14-count Aida over 1 has the same 10 × 14 in stitched size.
Limits and practical checks
- Confirm whether a pattern’s count describes threads per inch or squares per inch.
- Framing, hoop, finishing and fraying needs determine the margin; this tool does not recommend one universal value.
- Fabric distortion, shrinkage and non-square thread counts are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
Does “2 over 2” mean the same thing here?
This page asks only how many fabric threads each stitch spans. The number of floss strands used in the needle does not change design size.
Why does 28-count over 2 match 14-count over 1?
Both produce 14 effective stitches per inch: 28 ÷ 2 and 14 ÷ 1.
Is margin added once or twice?
The entered margin is added to both sides of each dimension, so total fabric grows by twice the margin.
Can this estimate thread?
No. Stitch coverage, colors, strand count and waste are outside the calculation.