Can I convert the pattern onto a different sized canvas?!

Needlepoint Canvas HPI Conversion Guide

Have you found a needlepoint pattern you love, but want to stitch it on a different canvas count?

If you’re working with one of my PDF needlepoint bargello patterns, you may notice that the pattern is recommended for 14 HPI canvas. But what if you’d prefer to use 12 HPI, 13 HPI, 10 HPI, 9 HPI, or even 18 HPI canvas?

The good news is that you can! You just need to understand how changing the HPI affects the finished size of your design.

What Does HPI Mean?

HPI stands for holes per inch.

The HPI tells you how many holes there are in one inch of needlepoint canvas. The higher the HPI, the smaller and more closely spaced the holes are.

For example:

• 9 HPI = 9 holes per inch
  
• 18 HPI = 18 holes per inch

Because the number of holes per inch changes, the same number of stitches will cover a different amount of space depending on which canvas you choose.

Using a 14 HPI Pattern on a Different Canvas

My patterns are designed with 14 HPI canvas as the recommended canvas count.

If you use a different HPI, you don’t need to change the pattern itself. The number of stitches remains the same — what changes is the finished size of the stitched design.

A lower HPI means the holes are larger and farther apart, so your finished design will be larger.

A higher HPI means the holes are smaller and closer together, so your finished design will be smaller.

The Simple Conversion Formula

To calculate the approximate finished size when changing from 14 HPI to another canvas count:

14 HPI finished size × (14 ÷ your new HPI) = new finished size

For example, if your design is 6 inches wide on 14 HPI canvas:

6 × (14 ÷ 12) = 7 inches

So the same design would be approximately 7 inches wide on 12 HPI canvas.

14 HPI Conversion Chart

Here’s a quick guide to help you estimate the finished size of your design when using a different canvas count.

Canvas	Finished Size Compared with 14 HPI	Example: 6” Design on 14 HPI
9 HPI	55.6% larger	9.33”
10 HPI	40% larger	8.40”
12 HPI	16.7% larger	7.00”
13 HPI	7.7% larger	6.46”
14 HPI	Same size	6.00”
18 HPI	22.2% smaller	4.67”

These measurements are approximate and are based on the stitch count of the design.

Lower HPI = Larger Finished Design

If you choose a canvas with a lower HPI than 14, your finished design will become larger.

For example:

14 HPI → 12 HPI
A 6-inch design becomes approximately 7 inches.

14 HPI → 10 HPI
A 6-inch design becomes approximately 8.4 inches.

14 HPI → 9 HPI
A 6-inch design becomes approximately 9.33 inches.

This can be a great option if you enjoy working on a larger scale or simply prefer the feel of a more open canvas.

Higher HPI = Smaller Finished Design

Choosing a canvas with a higher HPI than 14 will make your finished design smaller.

For example:

14 HPI → 18 HPI
A 6-inch design becomes approximately 4.67 inches.

This can be particularly useful if you’re looking to create a more petite finished piece.

Remember to Check Your Finished Size

Before starting your project, it’s always worth calculating the approximate finished dimensions — especially if you already have a frame, pillow finishing, ornament shape, or other finishing project in mind.

Changing the canvas count can make a significant difference to the final size of your piece.

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough canvas around the stitched area for finishing and blocking.

Can I Use Your PDF Pattern on a Different HPI?

Yes! If you’re purchasing one of my PDF bargello patterns, you can choose a different canvas count from the recommended 14 HPI.

The pattern does not need to be resized. Simply be aware that changing the HPI will change the finished size of your design.

Whether you choose 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, or 18 HPI, the important thing is to choose the canvas that works best for your project and your preferred stitching experience.

Happy Stitching!

I love that needlepoint gives you the flexibility to make each project your own. Changing the canvas count is a simple way to change the scale of a design while keeping the pattern exactly the same.

So go ahead and experiment with different HPI counts — just remember to check your finished dimensions before you begin!