One of the most common questions I see asked in cross stitch groups on Facebook goes something like this: "My pattern says to use 25 count fabric, but that's too small for me to use. Can I use a different count fabric?"

     You can use any count fabric for any project. The only thing that will be affected is the finished size. Many stitchers think if they change to a different fabric count, the detail will be affected. The amount of detail in a pattern depends upon how the pattern is designed and not by the count of fabric used.

     When changing to a different fabric count from the count used to design the pattern, keep in mind the finished size. If your pattern is designed to use 25 count fabric over one thread and you want to use 16 count fabric, the finished project will be much, much bigger than the finished dimensions listed in the pattern.

     Conversely, if your pattern is designed to use 14 count fabric and you want to use 20 ct fabric, the completed project will be smaller than the finished dimensions listed in the pattern.

     How do you figure out the different dimensions of a project if you change the fabric count? Take the stitch count for both width and height and divide by the fabric count you want to use. Here is an example:

Stitch count width (how many stitches there are going across horizontally in the pattern): 280
Stitch count height (how many stitches there are going down vertically in the pattern): 140

On 14 count the the finished dimensions would be:
Width 200 stitches divided by 14 stitches to the inch = 20 inches wide
Height: 140 stitches divided by 14 stitches to the inch = 10 inches height

Taking the same stitch count (280w x 140h) using 25 ct fabric stitched over ONE thread would result in the following dimensions:
Width 200 stitches divided by 25 stitches to the inch = 11.2 inches wide
Height 140 stitches divided by 25 stitches to the inch = 5.6 inches height

Taking the same stitch count (280w x 140h) using 25ct fabric stitched over TWO threads would result in the following dimensions:
Width 200 stitches divided by 25 stitches to the inch = 11.2 inches wide x 2 = 22.4 inches wide
Height 140 stitches divided by 25 stitches to the inch = 5.6 inches height x 2 = 11.2 inches height

When figuring how much fabric you need, a good rule of thumb is too allow an extra 3 inches on each side for framing. So, that means add an extra 6 inches to the width and an extra 6 inches to the height of fabric needed.

If you ever need help figuring how much fabric you need or if the fabric calculator you're using isn't making sense to you, just send me an email, and I'll be happy to help you out!