Needlepoint stitches per square inch

The square-law formula

For a solid area worked one stitch per canvas intersection, stitches per square inch equals mesh count multiplied by itself. Thirteen mesh gives 13 × 13 = 169 stitches per square inch; 18 mesh gives 18 × 18 = 324.

This counts completed canvas intersections, not the individual movements made by the needle. The amount of thread per stitch still depends on the technique.

Common mesh counts

Use these values when estimating a fully stitched rectangular area. Multiply by the actual number of square inches, then adjust for unstitched background or multiple colors.

• 10 mesh: 100 stitches per square inch.
• 12 mesh: 144 stitches per square inch.
• 13 mesh: 169 stitches per square inch.
• 14 mesh: 196 stitches per square inch.
• 16 mesh: 256 stitches per square inch.
• 18 mesh: 324 stitches per square inch.

From dimensions to total stitches

A 4 × 4-inch design covers 16 square inches. On 13 mesh, a fully stitched square contains about 2,704 stitches. On 18 mesh it contains about 5,184.

For a non-rectangular shape, estimate the percentage of the bounding rectangle that is actually stitched. A color-by-color chart or digital stitch count is more accurate.

From stitches to finished size

Reverse the process by dividing the width and height in stitches by the mesh count. Do this separately for each dimension; do not divide the total stitch count to obtain width or height.