28-count evenweave: size chart and fabric calculator
Worked over two threads, 28-count evenweave gives 14 stitches per inch (5.5 per cm), so each cross is 1.81 mm wide. A 100 × 100 stitch design finishes at 7.1 × 7.1 in (18.1 × 18.1 cm); cut 13.1 × 13.1 in of fabric for 3 in margins.
Updated
Finished size
7.1 × 7.1 in
18.1 × 18.1 cm
Fabric to cut
13.1 × 13.1 in
33.4 × 33.4 cm
Solid fill, 2 strands
4.2 skeins
10,000 crosses, about 2,382 per skein
100 × 100 stitches on 28-count evenweave over two: 14 stitches per inch, 1.81 mm per stitch.
28-count evenweave at a glance
| Fabric | evenweave, 28 threads per inch |
|---|---|
| Usually stitched | over two (14 stitches per inch) |
| Stitches per cm | 5.5 (55.1 per 10 cm) |
| Size of one stitch | 1.81 mm (0.071 in) |
| Stitches in one square inch | 196 |
| Worked over one instead | 28 stitches per inch, 0.91 mm per stitch |
| Same stitch size as | 14-count Aida over one |
| Strands (common starting point) | 2 of six-strand cotton |
| Tapestry needle (common starting point) | size 26 |
Finished size chart for 28-count evenweave
Each size is the stitch count divided by 14 (28 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 21.4 × 28.6 in over two but 10.7 × 14.3 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 | 3.6 × 3.6 in | 9.1 × 9.1 cm | 9.6 × 9.6 in | 100 × 100 | 1.8 × 1.8 in |
| 80 × 80 | 5.7 × 5.7 in | 14.5 × 14.5 cm | 11.7 × 11.7 in | 160 × 160 | 2.9 × 2.9 in |
| 100 × 100 | 7.1 × 7.1 in | 18.1 × 18.1 cm | 13.1 × 13.1 in | 200 × 200 | 3.6 × 3.6 in |
| 120 × 150 | 8.6 × 10.7 in | 21.8 × 27.2 cm | 14.6 × 16.7 in | 240 × 300 | 4.3 × 5.4 in |
| 150 × 150 | 10.7 × 10.7 in | 27.2 × 27.2 cm | 16.7 × 16.7 in | 300 × 300 | 5.4 × 5.4 in |
| 200 × 200 | 14.3 × 14.3 in | 36.3 × 36.3 cm | 20.3 × 20.3 in | 400 × 400 | 7.1 × 7.1 in |
| 200 × 250 | 14.3 × 17.9 in | 36.3 × 45.4 cm | 20.3 × 23.9 in | 400 × 500 | 7.1 × 8.9 in |
| 250 × 300 | 17.9 × 21.4 in | 45.4 × 54.4 cm | 23.9 × 27.4 in | 500 × 600 | 8.9 × 10.7 in |
| 300 × 400 | 21.4 × 28.6 in | 54.4 × 72.6 cm | 27.4 × 34.6 in | 600 × 800 | 10.7 × 14.3 in |
28-count evenweave compared with the nearest counts
The same 150 × 150 stitch design, worked over two, on the evenweave, Hardanger and linen counts either side of 28-count evenweave.
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Stitch size | 150 × 150 design | Size change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-count Hardanger | 11 | 2.31 mm | 13.6 × 13.6 in | +27.3 % per side |
| 25-count Lugana | 12.5 | 2.03 mm | 12 × 12 in | +12 % per side |
| 28-count evenweave (this page) | 14 | 1.81 mm | 10.7 × 10.7 in | — |
| 32-count linen | 16 | 1.59 mm | 9.4 × 9.4 in | −12.5 % per side |
| 36-count linen | 18 | 1.41 mm | 8.3 × 8.3 in | −22.2 % per side |
What changing from 28-count evenweave does to a chart
Moving a chart from 28-count evenweave to 32-count linen shrinks every side by 12.5 %: a 150 × 150 design goes from 10.7 in to 9.4 in across, and the area drops to 77 % of what it was on 28-count evenweave.
Going the other way, 25-count Lugana (12.5 stitches per inch) makes the same 150 × 150 design 12 in wide, 12 % larger per side than on 28-count evenweave, with bigger holes that are easier to see.
14-count Aida over one gives exactly the same 1.81 mm stitch as 28-count evenweave over two, so a chart sized for one comes out the same size on the other.
How far one skein goes on 28-count evenweave
Thread per full cross = (2·√2 + 2) × stitch size × strands, plus 15 % for starts, ends and travel: (4.828 × 1.814 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 | 10.1 mm | 4,765 | 2.1 |
| 2 strands over two (starting point) | 20.1 mm | 2,382 | 4.2 |
| 1 strand over one | 5.0 mm | 9,529 | 1 |
Reading the skein numbers for 28-count evenweave
With 2 strands, one skein covers about 2,382 full crosses on 28-count evenweave: a solid block of roughly 48 × 48 stitches, which is 3.4 × 3.4 in (8.7 × 8.7 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 28-count evenweave
-
Read the stitch count
Take the design width and height in stitches from the chart. For this example: 112 × 84 stitches.
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Divide by 14
112 ÷ 14 = 8 in wide and 84 ÷ 14 = 6 in tall on 28-count evenweave worked over two (20.3 × 15.2 cm).
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Add the margins
Add 3 in on every side: cut 14 × 12 in (35.6 × 30.5 cm). Add more if the piece will be stretched over a large frame.
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Choose strands and needle
Start with 2 strands and a size 26 tapestry needle, stitch a small test patch in a margin, and follow the chart key if it says otherwise.
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Count threads in pairs
Each cross covers two threads each way, so 112 stitches use 224 threads of the 28-count weave. Start from the center so the design sits evenly.
About 28-count evenweave
Worked over two threads, 28-count evenweave gives exactly the stitch size of 14-count Aida on a smooth fabric with room for three-quarter and quarter stitches. It suits any 14-count chart when you prefer the look and drape of evenweave, or need clean fractional stitches.
Strands and needle: 2 strands of six-strand cotton and a size 26 tapestry needle are a common starting point on 28-count evenweave, 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 28-count evenweave?
28-count evenweave has 28 threads per inch. Cross stitch covers two threads each way, so you get 14 stitches per inch (5.5 per cm). Worked over one it gives 28.
How big is a 100 × 100 cross stitch on 28-count evenweave?
Over two threads: 7.1 × 7.1 in (18.1 × 18.1 cm), because 100 ÷ 14 = 7.1. Over one thread the same design is 3.6 in square.
How much 28-count evenweave do I need for a 200 × 200 pattern?
The stitched area is 14.3 × 14.3 in; with 3 in margins on every side, cut 20.3 × 20.3 in (51.5 × 51.5 cm).
How many strands of floss should I use on 28-count evenweave?
2 strands is a common starting point, with a size 26 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 28-count evenweave?
14-count Aida over one: 14 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
- 32-count linen 16 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