A wider chart can hold more detail, but it also asks for more stitches and more time. Choose the smallest width that still preserves the part of the photo you care about most.
Start with the subject
Crop the image around its main subject before thinking about width. A small flower or pet portrait can often work with fewer stitches than a wide scene full of tiny objects. Look for a clear silhouette and enough contrast between subject and background.
Preview at actual stitch scale
After conversion, zoom out until individual stitches are no longer obvious. If the subject is hard to recognize, try a wider chart or a simpler crop. If the chart is clear but very large, try reducing the width one step at a time.
Check the finished size
Fabric count tells you how many stitches fit in one inch. To estimate finished width in inches, divide the chart width in stitches by the fabric count. A 98-stitch chart on 14-count Aida is about 7 inches wide before any framing margin.
- Decide where the piece will go before choosing dimensions.
- Leave room for a hoop or frame around the stitched area.
- Keep the color count modest while testing a first draft.
The best width is the one that keeps the image readable and the project enjoyable to finish.