Expert: Kris - 9/18/2007

Question
I have a cross stitch pattern that only tells me the number of stitches 116 w x 170 h.  How do I figure what size fabric I will need?  I normally use 11 count.  Also, what is the diffence in the sizes?  I like 11 count because the squares are not to small.

Answer
Hi Tina,

Sorry it took me so long to answer. But I can certainly answer your question. 11 count aida means that there are 11 squares (or holes) to the inch. So take your stitch count and divide by 11.

116/11 = about 10.5 and 170/11 = about 15.5

so 10.5 x 15.5 will be the finished stitch size, but you need to allow for a border for framing. I use a minimum of a 2" border all the way around but 3" is better. So you add either 4 or 6 to the above measurement and get

14.5" x 19.5"   or   16.5" x 21.5"

I hope this was helpful and again I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.

Happy Stitching!
Kris