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Cross Stitch Floss Calculator

Find out how many skeins of embroidery floss you need for each color, based on stitch count, fabric count and strands.

Stitches per color
Total skeins
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Making a pattern from a photo? The converter lists skeins per DMC color automatically.

Stitches per skein at a glance

Figures are full cross stitches per 8 m skein of six-strand floss, with a 35% allowance for thread ends and waste. Half stitches use about half as much; backstitch uses roughly one square-length per stitch.

Floss questions

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How many stitches does one skein of DMC floss make?

A skein of DMC six-strand floss is 8 m long. Stitching with 2 strands on 14-count Aida, one skein covers roughly 1,700–1,800 full cross stitches once you allow for thread ends and waste. Finer fabric uses less thread per stitch, so you get more stitches per skein.

How is the estimate calculated?

Each full cross uses two diagonals across the square plus travel on the back: about (2√2 + 2) × the square size. We divide the usable floss (8 m × 6 strands ÷ strands used, minus 35% allowance for tails and waste) by that length.

Should I buy extra?

Buy one extra skein of your most-used colors, especially if you stitch loosely or use a frame that needs long tails. Dye lots can vary slightly between batches.

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