32-count linen: size chart and fabric calculator
Worked over two threads, 32-count linen gives 16 stitches per inch (6.3 per cm), so each cross is 1.59 mm wide. A 100 × 100 stitch design finishes at 6.3 × 6.3 in (15.9 × 15.9 cm); cut 12.3 × 12.3 in of fabric for 3 in margins.
Updated
Finished size
6.3 × 6.3 in
15.9 × 15.9 cm
Fabric to cut
12.3 × 12.3 in
31.1 × 31.1 cm
Solid fill, 2 strands
3.7 skeins
10,000 crosses, about 2,723 per skein
100 × 100 stitches on 32-count linen over two: 16 stitches per inch, 1.59 mm per stitch.
32-count linen at a glance
| Fabric | linen, 32 threads per inch |
|---|---|
| Usually stitched | over two (16 stitches per inch) |
| Stitches per cm | 6.3 (63 per 10 cm) |
| Size of one stitch | 1.59 mm (0.063 in) |
| Stitches in one square inch | 256 |
| Worked over one instead | 32 stitches per inch, 0.79 mm per stitch |
| Same stitch size as | 16-count Aida over one |
| Strands (common starting point) | 2 (1 for a lighter look) of six-strand cotton |
| Tapestry needle (common starting point) | size 26 or 28 |
Finished size chart for 32-count linen
Each size is the stitch count divided by 16 (32 threads per inch, two threads per stitch); the cut size adds 3 in on every side. Worked over one thread instead, the same chart shrinks to half the width: 300 × 400 stitches is 18.8 × 25 in over two but 9.4 × 12.5 in over one.
| Design (stitches) | Finished over two (in) | Finished over two (cm) | Cut with 3 in margins (in) | Fabric threads covered | Over one, petite (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 50 | 3.1 × 3.1 in | 7.9 × 7.9 cm | 9.1 × 9.1 in | 100 × 100 | 1.6 × 1.6 in |
| 80 × 80 | 5 × 5 in | 12.7 × 12.7 cm | 11 × 11 in | 160 × 160 | 2.5 × 2.5 in |
| 100 × 100 | 6.3 × 6.3 in | 15.9 × 15.9 cm | 12.3 × 12.3 in | 200 × 200 | 3.1 × 3.1 in |
| 120 × 150 | 7.5 × 9.4 in | 19.1 × 23.8 cm | 13.5 × 15.4 in | 240 × 300 | 3.8 × 4.7 in |
| 150 × 150 | 9.4 × 9.4 in | 23.8 × 23.8 cm | 15.4 × 15.4 in | 300 × 300 | 4.7 × 4.7 in |
| 200 × 200 | 12.5 × 12.5 in | 31.8 × 31.8 cm | 18.5 × 18.5 in | 400 × 400 | 6.3 × 6.3 in |
| 200 × 250 | 12.5 × 15.6 in | 31.8 × 39.7 cm | 18.5 × 21.6 in | 400 × 500 | 6.3 × 7.8 in |
| 250 × 300 | 15.6 × 18.8 in | 39.7 × 47.6 cm | 21.6 × 24.8 in | 500 × 600 | 7.8 × 9.4 in |
| 300 × 400 | 18.8 × 25 in | 47.6 × 63.5 cm | 24.8 × 31 in | 600 × 800 | 9.4 × 12.5 in |
32-count linen compared with the nearest counts
The same 150 × 150 stitch design, worked over two, on the evenweave, Hardanger and linen counts either side of 32-count linen.
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Stitch size | 150 × 150 design | Size change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-count Lugana | 12.5 | 2.03 mm | 12 × 12 in | +28 % per side |
| 28-count evenweave | 14 | 1.81 mm | 10.7 × 10.7 in | +14.3 % per side |
| 32-count linen (this page) | 16 | 1.59 mm | 9.4 × 9.4 in | — |
| 36-count linen | 18 | 1.41 mm | 8.3 × 8.3 in | −11.1 % per side |
| 40-count linen | 20 | 1.27 mm | 7.5 × 7.5 in | −20 % per side |
What changing from 32-count linen does to a chart
Moving a chart from 32-count linen to 36-count linen shrinks every side by 11.1 %: a 150 × 150 design goes from 9.4 in to 8.3 in across, and the area drops to 79 % of what it was on 32-count linen.
Going the other way, 28-count evenweave (14 stitches per inch) makes the same 150 × 150 design 10.7 in wide, 14.3 % larger per side than on 32-count linen, with bigger holes that are easier to see.
16-count Aida over one gives exactly the same 1.59 mm stitch as 32-count linen over two, so a chart sized for one comes out the same size on the other.
How far one skein goes on 32-count linen
Thread per full cross = (2·√2 + 2) × stitch size × strands, plus 15 % for starts, ends and travel: (4.828 × 1.587 mm × strands) × 1.15. A DMC or Anchor skein is 8 m of 6 strands, 48 m of single strand in total.
| Strands in the needle | Thread per cross | Crosses per skein | Skeins for 10,000 crosses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 strand over two | 8.8 mm | 5,445 | 1.8 |
| 2 strands over two (starting point) | 17.6 mm | 2,723 | 3.7 |
| 1 strand over one | 4.4 mm | 10,891 | 0.9 |
Reading the skein numbers for 32-count linen
With 2 strands, one skein covers about 2,723 full crosses on 32-count linen: a solid block of roughly 52 × 52 stitches, which is 3.3 × 3.3 in (8.3 × 8.3 cm) of filled fabric.
The estimate is deliberately simple: it ignores backstitch and fractional stitches, and real use varies with tension and how far you carry thread between areas. The pattern maker applies the same formula to every color in a chart, so buy one extra skein of the colors that cover most of the design.
How to plan a project on 32-count linen
-
Read the stitch count
Take the design width and height in stitches from the chart. For this example: 160 × 160 stitches.
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Divide by 16
160 ÷ 16 = 10 in wide and 160 ÷ 16 = 10 in tall on 32-count linen worked over two (25.4 × 25.4 cm).
-
Add the margins
Add 3 in on every side: cut 16 × 16 in (40.6 × 40.6 cm). Add more if the piece will be stretched over a large frame.
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Choose strands and needle
Start with 2 (1 for a lighter look) strands and a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle, stitch a small test patch in a margin, and follow the chart key if it says otherwise.
-
Count threads in pairs
Each cross covers two threads each way, so 160 stitches use 320 threads of the 32-count weave. Start from the center so the design sits evenly.
About 32-count linen
The classic sampler linen. Over two threads it matches 16-count Aida in stitch size; natural slubs in the thread give the hand-made look. It suits samplers, heirloom pieces and charts designed for 16-count when you want linen instead of Aida.
Strands and needle: 2 (1 for a lighter look) strands of six-strand cotton and a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle are a common starting point on 32-count linen, not a rule. DMC notes that many 14-count designs call for two strands and tells stitchers to follow the chart; fewer strands give a lighter, more textured look, more give fuller coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches per inch is 32-count linen?
32-count linen has 32 threads per inch. Cross stitch covers two threads each way, so you get 16 stitches per inch (6.3 per cm). Worked over one it gives 32.
How big is a 100 × 100 cross stitch on 32-count linen?
Over two threads: 6.3 × 6.3 in (15.9 × 15.9 cm), because 100 ÷ 16 = 6.3. Over one thread the same design is 3.1 in square.
How much 32-count linen do I need for a 200 × 200 pattern?
The stitched area is 12.5 × 12.5 in; with 3 in margins on every side, cut 18.5 × 18.5 in (47 × 47 cm).
How many strands of floss should I use on 32-count linen?
2 (1 for a lighter look) strands is a common starting point, with a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle. The chart's key has the final say; one strand fewer gives a lighter look.
What fabric gives the same stitch size as 32-count linen?
16-count Aida over one: 16 stitches per inch, so the finished size of a chart does not change.
Related
Other fabric counts
- 22-count Hardanger 11 stitches per inch
- 25-count Lugana 12.5 stitches per inch
- 28-count evenweave 14 stitches per inch
- 36-count linen 18 stitches per inch
Make a chart for this fabric
- Cross stitch pattern maker photo to chart with DMC numbers
- Pattern makers for every craft diamond painting, beads, needlepoint
- How the estimates work skein formula and color matching