It's according to what count fabric you're going to use. If 14 count, you divide the stitch count by 14 (example 450 divided by 14 =32.14 and 453 / 14 = 32.35)

If you are using linen, then half the linen count and divide same. for example: 32 count linen will be 16 count (due to you stitching over 2 threads). Do the same as above with the 16 count. Answer: 28.125 x 28.3125. (I always round up, but wanted you to see the answers so you check your math with the correct answer, that's how I learned).

To calculate the size of this project you divide the stitches by the thread count of the fabric. It is stitched on 25ct. fabric over 1 thread and the size of the finished project is 18 inches x 18.1 inches. Don't forget to add 3 inches to a side when deciding on what size fabric to purchase.

Any time you need to find the size of a project you divide the stitch count of a project by the thread count of the fabric. If the project is stitched over two threads then you divide the stitch count by 1/2 the fabric count. Hope this helps.

I must be missing out on some design rule. First the lizard, now a horse. Is a lot of blank space & un-centering your subject the new way to format? Could be; I'm really out of it in many areas.

jihewes, I don't get it either. I like things centered. And I hope it is only the horse that is cross stitched on black fabric, and not cross stitching the open area with black floss. It would be rather boring. However, I am currently cross stitching a Christmas gift on 18 count black Aida and I can only work on it on sunny days and with 5X magnifying glasses. My eyes are crossed ;-) If anyone is curious, my project is Dimensions Pondering Pup (sold here). I recomended that a person might like to use 14 count instead to make it easier on the eyes, but it would be bigger than I wanted it. I am also changing the black floss to DMC's darkest brown so it will look more like my girlfriend's chocolate Lab (Can't under stand why Dimensions has most of the dog's body in black--black on black--but then I guess it is the raised stitches effect.)

I went to the Heaven and Earth Designs website and they actually call for 25ct. White Linen for this project. There is no way I would use white linen for this and entirely stitch the background. I would use black linen. It also says the project uses 86 colors of DMC floss and the instructions are 32 pages long. it is obviously an intricate pattern.

White linen, SYagel? H&E has gone to LaLa Land. Black linen would be challenging, but white sounds like just several hundred wasted hours.

Ladies

I agree with your comments re linen and white fabric. This is coming off my wish list. THank you all for your feedback...