Cross stitch graph paper
Make free, printable counted graph paper sized to your fabric. Choose the squares per inch, paper size, grid color and bold lines, then download a true-to-size PDF — print at 100% and every square matches your Aida count.
Free · no account · print at 100% / actual size to keep the squares true.
How to make cross stitch graph paper
- 1
Set your count and paper
Pick squares per inch to match your Aida count, then a paper size and orientation. The preview redraws instantly.
- 2
Style the grid
Choose a line color, set the bold line every 10 squares, and turn coordinate numbers on for easy counting.
- 3
Download and print at 100%
Grab the free PDF and print at actual size so every square matches your fabric — then design away.
Why the count matters
Cross stitch graph paper isn't generic squared paper — the squares are sized to your fabric so a drawing is true to scale.
Squares per inch = fabric count
Set the sheet to 14 for 14-count Aida, 18 for 18-count, and so on. Each printed square then equals one stitch, so a motif you sketch is exactly the size it'll be stitched.
Bold blocks of 10, just like a chart
The heavier line every 10 squares mirrors a real pattern grid, so counting stitches and finding your place is fast. Turn on coordinate numbers to read off positions as you plan.
Rather chart on screen?
Skip the printer — the free editor gives you an unlimited counted grid with DMC colors, symbols and backstitch, or turn a photo into a full chart automatically.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this cross stitch graph paper free to download?
- Yes — it's a completely free PDF with no account, no watermark and no limits. Set the squares per inch, paper size and grid color, then download and print as many sheets as you like. Everything runs in your browser.
- What does 'squares per inch' mean and which should I pick?
- Squares per inch is the same as your fabric (Aida) count. Choose 14 to plan a design for 14-count Aida, 16 for 16-count, and so on. When you print the sheet at 100% / actual size, each printed square is exactly the size of one stitch on that fabric, so your drawing is true to scale.
- How do I make sure the squares print the right size?
- In your print dialog, set scaling to 'Actual size' or '100%' (turn off 'Fit to page' or 'Shrink oversized pages'). If you're unsure, print one sheet and measure: at 14 squares per inch, 14 squares should span exactly one inch (about 2.54 cm).
- What are the bold lines for?
- The heavier line every 10 squares divides the grid into 10×10 blocks, exactly like a printed cross stitch chart. It makes counting stitches and finding your place much faster. You can change the interval or turn the bold lines off entirely.
- Can I use it for other crafts like knitting or pixel art?
- Yes. It's plain counted grid paper, so it works for cross stitch, needlepoint, blackwork, bead loom patterns, knitting/crochet charts, perler beads and pixel art. For knitting, note that stitches aren't square, so a proportioned sheet won't match your gauge exactly.
- Do I need to draw on paper, or can I chart on screen?
- Either. Print the graph paper to sketch a design by hand, or skip the paper entirely and design on screen — the free chart editor gives you an unlimited counted grid with DMC colors, symbols and a PDF export.