Fabric size from chart stitches
Fabric count is threads or Aida squares per inch. Effective chart stitches per inch = fabric count ÷ threads crossed per stitch. A 140 × 100 chart stitched on 14-count Aida over one is 10 × about 7.14 in. With 3 in added to every side, cut at least 16 × about 13.14 in. On 28-count evenweave over two, those design dimensions are the same, because the effective count is 14.
A chart square represents one Aida stitch square or two fabric threads in Zweigart’s evenweave pattern instructions. Zweigart’s Aida product guide lists 14 count as approximately 5.4 stitch squares per centimeter. Fabric counts and physical cloth dimensions may be nominal; swatch and measure for critical fitting.
How floss skeins are estimated
The thread model multiplies full-cross stitches for each color by working-thread centimeters per stitch, adds your percentage reserve, then rounds each color to whole skeins. For a six-strand skein and a two-strand working bundle, each skein supplies three whole 8 m bundles, or 24 m of working thread. DMC identifies its Mouliné Spécial skeins as 8 m with six separable strands. Other floss may differ.
The starting 1.2 cm per full cross at 14-count equivalent is a planning heuristic, not a measured or DMC-published consumption rate. Scaling it by 14 ÷ effective count adjusts for stitch size only. Actual backs, travel, starts, waste, fabric stiffness, tension, and coverage change usage. For a better estimate, stitch a representative sample with the same fabric and strands, measure working-bundle length consumed, and switch to sample mode. Keep a reserve even after sampling for chart differences and rework.
Do not pool different colors
A total of 5,000 crosses cannot say how many skeins of each shade to buy. Enter each chart color and its full-cross count. Every row is rounded up individually, then the quantities are summed; leftover red floss cannot finish blue stitches. The combined-count mode estimates overall working length and a one-color-equivalent number only.
Backstitch, fractional stitches, half crosses, blends, beads, variegated floss, and replacement after mistakes are not counted individually. Use the chart’s own material key and buy extra for heavily scattered or high-risk colors. This calculator does not read a pattern image or infer color counts automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Does 28-count evenweave always look like 14-count Aida?
Over two threads, both have 14 chart stitches per inch, so the ideal stitched dimensions match. The fabric texture and visual coverage can still differ; over one on 28 count gives a smaller design.
Are 8 m of six-strand floss the same as 24 m of two-strand working thread?
For separable six-strand cotton, you can make three full two-strand bundles from each cut length, so the nominal usable two-strand length is 3 × 8 m. That does not make a skein a physical 24 m long; the model assumes usable separated strands and does not pool leftovers across colors.
How do I measure sample thread use?
Use the same number of working strands as the project. Record the total cut length of working bundles used for a representative set of full crosses and subtract remaining usable bundle length; include your ordinary starts and backs. Enter the consumed working-bundle length in centimeters, not total strand-meters.
Why does my actual cloth not match the calculated cut?
Count may be nominal, cloth may shrink or stretch, and selvages reduce usable area. The fit check compares entered rectangle dimensions only and tries a 90° rotation; leave additional room for finishing and verify the actual piece before cutting.