Gathering Your Materials

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

• Cross Stitch Pattern: Your chosen design printed out or saved on a device
• Fabric: Typically, Aida cloth is recommended because it’s even grid makes counting stitches easier. Choose a fabric count that suits your pattern (commonly 14, 16, or 18 count). This will be specified on your pattern.
• Embroidery Floss: Pre-cut strands in the colours specified in your pattern.
• Needle: A tapestry or embroidery needle with a blunt tip, sized appropriately for your fabric count. (size 24 or 26 is good for beginners).
• Needle Threader (Optional) – Helps thread the floss through the needle easily.
• Scissors: Small, sharp scissors for trimming floss.
• Embroidery Hoop (Optional): A hoop can help keep your fabric taut and make stitching more comfortable.
• Light Source: Good lighting will help you clearly see your pattern and the fabric grid.

Work Out Your Fabric Size for Cross Stitch

1. Check Your Pattern Details Your cross-stitch pattern should provide the following information:
   • Stitch count: This tells you the number of stitches across and down (e.g., 100 x 150 stitches).
   • Recommended fabric count: This refers to the number of holes per inch of fabric (e.g., 14-count Aida, 16-count Aida, 32-count linen).
   Most good patterns will specify the actual stitched fabric size but remember that you will still need to leave enough fabric for finishing (stretching and framing) – see below. If your pattern does not specify fabric size, you can calculate it manually using the stitch count and fabric count.
2. Calculate the Design Size
   To determine how big your stitched area will be on different fabrics, use this formula:
   Design Width (in inches) = Stitch Count Width / Fabric Count
   Design Height (in inches) = Stitch Count Height / Fabric Count

   Example Calculation
   Let’s say your pattern is 140 stitches wide by 180 stitches high, and you want to stitch it on 14-count Aida fabric.
   • Width: 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches
   • Height: 180 ÷ 14 = 12.86 inches (~13 inches)
   So, your stitched design will be 10 x 13 inches on 14-count Aida.

Fabric Count Variations

If you decide to use a different fabric count, the design size will change:

• On 16-count Aida: 140 ÷ 16 = 8.75 inches, 180 ÷ 16 = 11.25 inches
• On 18-count Aida: 140 ÷ 18 = 7.8 inches, 180 ÷ 18 = 10 inches

Smaller fabric counts (e.g., 14) produce larger designs, while higher counts (e.g., 18, 28) result in smaller designs.

How to Ensure Even Extra Fabric Around Your Design

When finishing a cross-stitch project, it’s essential to leave extra fabric around the design to allow for stretching, framing, or finishing.

Here’s a detailed guide on how much extra fabric you should leave and how to ensure your piece is properly prepared.

Use this formula to find the full fabric size:

• Total Fabric Width = Design Width + (2 × Extra Fabric)
• Total Fabric Height = Design Height + (2 × Extra Fabric)

Example: If your pattern is 10” x 12” and you want 3 inches of extra fabric per side:

• Width = 10 + (2 × 3) = 16 inches
• Height = 12 + (2 × 3) = 18 inches
• You need a fabric piece of at least 16” x 18”.

Exactly How Much Extra Fabric to Leave?

The amount of extra fabric you leave around your stitched design depends on how you plan to finish it. Here are general recommendations:

For Framing with Matting (Best for Professional Framing)

• 4 to 6 inches of extra fabric on all sides.
• This allows for stretching, mounting, and securing the piece behind a mat.
• Example: If your stitched design is 10″ x 12″, cut your fabric to at least 18″ x 20″.

For Framing Without Matting

• 3 inches of extra fabric on all sides.
• This ensures there’s enough room to stretch the piece over the backing board.
• Example: If your stitched design is 8″ x 10″, cut your fabric to at least 14″ x 16″.

For Finishing in a Hoop or Ornament

• At least 2 inches beyond the stitched area.
• This allows the fabric to be wrapped around and secured at the back.

For Making a Pillow or Banner

• At least 1.5 to 2 inches extra on all sides to allow for seams.

Of course you could just use our FABRIC SIZE CALCULATOR to get this spot-on!

Check Your Fabric Before Cutting

• Always measure twice before cutting!
• If your fabric is pre-cut, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your design and extra margins.
• If your fabric has an uneven weave (like linen), stitch over two threads instead of one, which may affect your size calculations.

Preparing Your Fabric

1. Find the center of your fabric:
   Measure and Mark: If you’re using Aida cloth, fold it in half both vertically and horizontally.
2. Fold the Aida fabric in half, then fold it again in the other direction.
3. Unfold it and mark the center with a small pin or a light pencil dot. You can also use a washable fabric marker or a piece of tape to mark the center.
4. Align With Your Pattern: Compare the center of your pattern to the center of your fabric. If your pattern suggests starting from the center, position it so that the most detailed part is at the center of your fabric.
5. Secure the edges (optional):
   If your fabric frays, use masking tape, a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or Fray Check along the edges.
6. Place the fabric in the hoop (optional):
   • Loosen the outer ring of the embroidery hoop.
   • Place the fabric over the inner hoop, then press the outer hoop over it.
   • Tighten the screw and gently pull the fabric until it’s taut but not stretched too tight.
7. You may want to consider using paper over your fabric in the hoop to keep your work clean. See more detailed notes on How to Attach Paper to Your Hoop to Keep Your Cross-Stitch Work Clean at the end of these notes.