KATY -- Don't count the number of pages. Count the number of stitches. Your four page pattern is
196 x 196. That equals 38,416 total stitches.

In 2013 I did a project that I stitched every hole was six pages. 139x139 == 19,321 stitches.

I had two more pages but you have twice as many stitches.


This year I did another piece the same size but didn't stitch the background. It was a lot less stitches but took a lot longer because I didn't stay motivated.

This pattern is not by the pages it is how can you accomplish yourself and do in one sitting. you can sit for an hour and do just 2 rows but it is up to you. If you stay let say all night and do one page as I said it is up to you to finish as much as you want and do. Good luck.

one thing for sure -- I would get a whole lot more stitching done if I didn't spend so much time on this site. But then I would miss spending time with all my friends.

I read some time ago that the "average" stitching time for 1 square inch of cross stitching is 1 hour. So some stitchers will be right on the mark, some a little slower than this, and some a little faster than this. I think it also depends on if you have large blocks of time to stitch without interruptions that you would likely get into a groove and accomplish more than if you only have short blocks of time on a regular basis.

I did one back in '82 and I remember it took me 2 yrs. as, I has the yr stitched on.

My pattern has a lot of confetti in it. It's literally rare for me to work a symbol that has more than 10 nearby stitches. Recently, I was working on getting done with the bottom 3-4 rows of a page, which was full of confetti and it took me over 30 minutes. But again, that's due to confetti stitches. I also just completed a small pattern. It had a lot of black which made things go a lot faster.

I hear there are ways of speeding up your stitching time, like having needles already threaded and ready to go. It's not something I've tried yet, but I'm considering getting a needle organizer one day so I can try it.

Regardless, half the fun of stitching is just doing it, no matter how long it takes! :)

I don't worry about the time I take to stitch a project unless it is for a specific gift. I am stitching 2 projects now that have over 100,000 stitches and 15 pages of charts. They will take me over a year each because I stop every so often and do some smaller projects to give me a break.

To me cross stitching is a relaxing hobby so I don't look at it as "how fast can I get this done". I work on it in between going to sports events, concerts and traveling. Boy do I enjoy being retired. LOL

This is a very pretty project that you are working on, and it will be beautiful when you finish it.

Also, the larger patterns -- those with multiple pages and thousands of stitches, tend to have a lot more color changes and shading. Makes you have to concentrate more and takes longer.

I would agree that 100 stitches in an hour could be an good estimate, if I can stay focused for one hour.

I don't work in rows or squares....so time would be strictly a guesstimate. I don't get it. If all you want to know is "how long", stick with the small stuff! These big ones do take a commitment, but the reasons you do them are "complicated". Do them, or don't. But don't ask me to watch a clock, keep a time journal, or report how little time it took me! I'm done watching the clock! :)