Cross-stitch floss estimator
Estimate how many skeins you need, per colour and in total - with every assumption editable.
Colours
| Colour | Stitches used | Estimated skeins |
|---|---|---|
| Colour 1 | 500 | 1 |
| Total | 1 skeins |
How this is calculated
- Thread per stitch = 2 strands × 0.5 cm (at 14 count) × (14 ÷ 14 count) × (1 + 10% waste) = 1.1 cm
- Stitches used = full stitches + (half stitches × 0.5) + (backstitch squares × 0.5)
- Skeins = ceil((stitches used × 1.1 cm) ÷ 800 cm per skein), minimum 1 if the colour is used at all
How the skein estimate works
Every estimate comes down to the same three questions. How much thread does one stitch use? How many strands are you stitching with? And how much thread is in a skein?
A standard skein of stranded cotton is about 8 metres long and made up of six strands. Most patterns have you separate those and stitch with two at a time, so one skein gives you roughly 8 metres of two-strand thread, three times over. The calculator works out how much thread each stitch uses, including the bit that travels across the back of the fabric, and divides your stitch count by how many stitches a skein will cover.
For example, if a colour has 2,000 stitches and your settings give about 1,800 stitches per skein, you'll need a little over one skein, so the calculator rounds up to two.
Three things change the answer most:
- Fabric count. Higher counts mean smaller stitches, so each skein goes further.
- Number of strands. Stitching with one strand instead of two roughly doubles how far a skein goes, and three strands uses about half as much.
- Waste. You'll lose a little thread at the start and end of every length, and the calculator adds an allowance for this. You can change it if you tend to use more or less.
Why estimates vary between calculators
If you put the same pattern into two different calculators, you might get different answers. That's not a mistake, it's because each one has to make assumptions:
- How much thread goes across the back of the fabric. This depends on how you stitch and how often you have to move around the pattern.
- How much waste to allow for each length of thread.
- How long a skein is. Most are around 8 metres, but it varies between brands.
- How thick your fabric is. Thicker fabric uses more thread per stitch.
- How backstitch, half stitches, French knots and other special stitches are counted.
Everyone also stitches a little differently. Tight stitchers use less thread than loose ones, and someone who starts a new thread for every small patch will use more than someone who carries it across.
Our calculator shows its assumptions and lets you change them, so you can adjust it to match how you stitch. Treat the result as a good guide rather than an exact figure.
Buying a safety margin
Running out of a colour halfway through is much worse than having a bit left over, so it's worth buying a little extra. A sensible approach is to round up to the next whole skein for every colour, and for colours that come out close to a full skein, to buy one more.
Some other things to bear in mind:
- Buy everything at once. Different batches of the same colour can vary very slightly in shade. You might not notice a mismatch in a small area, but across a large background it can show.
- Colours with only a few stitches. You'll still need a whole skein, but a small amount will often be enough for lots of tiny details.
- Discontinued colours. If you stitch slowly or put projects down for a while, buying spares now can save you tracking down a colour later.
FAQ
How many strands should I use?
Follow your pattern. Two strands over two threads is common on 14 count Aida, with one strand for backstitch and fine detail. If the pattern doesn't say, try a small test area first.
How long is a skein of embroidery floss?
Most are around 8 metres (about 8.7 yards), but check the label if you're using a different brand.
Does the estimate include backstitch?
Only if you enter it. Backstitch uses less thread than full stitches, but it adds up in patterns with a lot of outlines or lettering.
Do I really need a whole skein for a handful of stitches?
Yes, you can’t buy part of a skein. But the leftovers are useful. Many stitchers keep a box of odd lengths for small details, or use them in other projects. On Heddle, you can create a palette of colours that you can use for multiple projects ensuring that you can be as efficient as possible across projects.
Can I use the same estimate if I change fabric count or strands?
No. Change the settings in the calculator so it recalculates, because both have a big effect on how much thread you'll use.
Why did I use more (or less) thread than the calculator said?
Everyone stitches a bit differently, and things like waste, tension and how you carry thread across the back all make a difference. Next time, adjust the settings to match your own habits.
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