Answer
Jan 09, 2024 - 09:44 AM
I googled this and found numerous resources. I thought this was the most precise – but still confusing (too much like serious math):
https://www.mismatch.co.uk/cross.htm#floss_amt
Scroll down the page to #32; and it shows the strands of floss per the Aida cloth count.
Remember: one strand of Sulky 12 wt. cotton is equal to 2 strands of floss.
For me this simple guide below was easier to interpret, and seemed a much simpler form of calculating how many yards you will need (approximately):
https://www.thread-bare.com/tools/cross-stitch-skein-estimator
So, in theory, for each 5,000 stitches on the appropriate aida count fabric, you will use X number of skeins. Back to a bit of calculating. So…on 11 count aida fabric: - 8 meters (8.7 yards) per skein x 4 = 32+ yards (close enough to meters), per 5,000 stitches. Therefore, our 50-yd Petites spool would create about 7,500 stitches. Our 300 yd. 12 wt. spool (same thread, same colors) would do 6 times that, so 45,000 stitches. When doing any large project, a 300-yd. spool of Sulky 12 wt. is a good idea, to be sure you have the same dye lot, rather than numerous 50-yd. Petites, and likely more economical.
Note: 8 meters (8.7 yards), is the most common skein of floss (DMC). Hand dyed skeins can be considerably less.
Also…different stitchers use different tensions. You may stitch slightly tighter or looser than another stitcher would.
Here's another great informational site about that offers a calculation of finished size of the design, based on how many stitches wide and high! Clever!
https://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/cross-stitch-calculator.html#cal
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She also says:
Remember, that if you work on a different sized fabric, the amount of embroidery floss you will require may also change.
When you switch to a higher count fabric, like 18 count aida, you can use fewer strands of floss for stitching. This means you'll need less floss to complete your design.
However, if you choose a fabric with fewer stitches per inch or centimeter, you'll need more strands to get good coverage, and your stitches will be bigger. This means you'll end up needing more thread. If you're using a kit, there may not be enough thread included.
A Tip from E-How:
If you wish to make your finished design larger, use a lower thread count fabric. If you wish to make your finished design smaller, use a higher thread count. Using the example design, if you use 11-count Aida cloth, your finished design will be 12 3/4 inches by 10 1/8 inches and require a piece of cloth 20 3/4 inches by 18 1/8 inches. If you use 18-count Aida cloth, your finished design will be 7 3/4 inches by 6 1/4 inches and require a piece of cloth 15 3/4 inches by 14 1/4 inches.
Remember all of this is just a guide.
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