Cross-stitch hoop and frame sizes
Which hoop holds your whole design, how many stitches fit in each size, and how much fabric to leave for framing.
Updated
The largest square design that sits inside each hoop with about 1 in (2.5 cm) of fabric around it, and roughly how many stitches that is.
| Hoop | Largest square design | 14-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in / 8 cm | 1.4 in / 3.6 cm | 19 × 19 | 25 × 25 |
| 4 in / 10 cm | 2.1 in / 5.4 cm | 29 × 29 | 38 × 38 |
| 5 in / 13 cm | 2.8 in / 7.2 cm | 39 × 39 | 50 × 50 |
| 6 in / 15 cm | 3.5 in / 9 cm | 49 × 49 | 63 × 63 |
| 7 in / 18 cm | 4.2 in / 10.8 cm | 59 × 59 | 76 × 76 |
| 8 in / 20 cm | 4.9 in / 12.6 cm | 69 × 69 | 89 × 89 |
| 9 in / 23 cm | 5.7 in / 14.4 cm | 79 × 79 | 101 × 101 |
| 10 in / 25 cm | 6.4 in / 16.2 cm | 89 × 89 | 114 × 114 |
| 12 in / 30 cm | 7.8 in / 19.8 cm | 108 × 108 | 140 × 140 |
| 14 in / 36 cm | 9.2 in / 23.3 cm | 128 × 128 | 165 × 165 |
Rectangles fit too, as long as the design's diagonal is less than the hoop size minus 1 in.
Hoops, frames and Q-snaps
- Hoops are cheap and portable. Wooden hoops grip well; plastic ones with a lip hold tension longer.
- Q-snaps are square frames of plastic tubes. They don't crease finished stitches as much and are easy to move.
- Scroll frames hold large pieces drum-tight and roll the fabric as you go: best for big projects and stitching with both hands.
- Hoop framing: centre the design, tighten the hoop, trim the back to about 1 in and gather or glue it. A neat, modern finish for small pieces.
Common questions
What size hoop for cross-stitch?
For stitching, many people use a 6–8 in (15–20 cm) hoop and move it around the design. To frame a finished piece in a hoop, choose one a little bigger than the design’s diagonal so there’s a border of fabric all round.
Can I leave my work in the hoop?
Take it out when you stop for the day. A hoop left on for long can leave a crease and ring of grime that’s hard to remove, especially on stitches already worked.
How much fabric do I need to frame cross-stitch?
Leave at least 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) of fabric beyond the design on every side so it can be laced or taped over a mount board, and more if you want a wide mat around it.