Stitch density calculator

Convert stitch spacing between millimeters and lines per inch, see how many stitches fill and satin put into each square inch, and estimate a design's stitch count at any density.

Stitch spacing

Distance between rowsmm0.4 mm is a common default for fills and satin

A design to estimate

WidthinHeightinArea covered%Of that, satin%Lettering and borders

At 0.40 mm spacing

4,037

estimated stitches for the design above

Rows per inch: 63.5
Rows per mm: 2.50
Fill: stitches / in²: 710
Satin: stitches / in²: 1,548
Fill: stitches / cm²: 110
Satin: stitches / cm²: 240

Fill spacing by fabric, as the digitizer sets it

Woven (cotton, twill, denim)0.40 mm
Knit (T-shirt, polo)0.43 mm
Stretch (performance, jersey)0.45 mm
Fleece, towel, sweatshirt0.40 mm
Leather, vinyl0.50 mm

Digitize with the right density

What it shows

Density in every unit

mm ↔ lines per inch
Type either one; the other updates.
Stitches per area
Fill and satin per square inch, per square centimeter and per row.
Design estimate
Stitch count for a design of any size, coverage and satin share.
Fabric presets
The fill spacing the digitizer uses for wovens, knits, stretch, fleece and leather.
Same numbers everywhere
Matches the stitch count calculator and the stitch count chart.
Measured
Based on designs from this digitizer, including underlay and travel.

Tips

Choosing a density

Start at 0.4 mm and only change it for a reason: fabric, thread weight or a visible problem.
Open up the spacing on stretchy or thin fabrics, and on leather where every hole is permanent.
Tighten slightly for small lettering so the satin covers the fabric.
If fabric shows through a fill, check the underlay before making it denser.

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Digitize and preview any image
Realistic stitch preview and sew-out
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FAQ

Questions

The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. With a free account, digitizing and previewing cost nothing and take about a minute.

What is a good stitch density for embroidery?

Around 0.4 mm between rows (about 63 rows per inch) is a common default for fills and satin. Lighter fabrics and leather often use 0.45–0.5 mm; dense, small details can go slightly tighter.

How do I convert density from mm to lines per inch?

Divide 25.4 by the spacing in mm. 0.4 mm is 63.5 lines per inch; 0.5 mm is 50.8.

How many stitches per square inch is embroidery?

With this digitizer at 0.4 mm spacing, fills average about 710 stitches per square inch and satin about 1,550, including underlay. Real counts vary with stitch length, underlay and shape.

Does higher density look better?

Not past a point: too dense makes designs stiff, can pucker the fabric and break thread. Enough density to cover the fabric is the goal.

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