How long does it take to cross-stitch a pet portrait?

Most stitchers complete 100 to 200 full cross stitches an hour. The number of stitches in a pet portrait grows with the square of its size, so doubling the width roughly quadruples the time.

The chart shows a Labrador pattern at five sizes with the background stitched (full coverage). With the background left as bare fabric, expect roughly 20 to 40% less.

What changes the time

• Size: the biggest factor by far.
• Colors: more colors mean more threading, starting and finishing. 30 colors take noticeably longer than 15 at the same size.
• Confetti: single scattered stitches are slow; a chart with lots of them can take half as long again. See confetti stitches.
• Fabric: finer fabric (18-count) is a little slower for most people.
• Backstitch: outlines add a few hours at the end.

Plan a finish date

Divide the hours by the time you'll realistically stitch each week. A 50-hour portrait at 5 hours a week is about ten weeks; at an hour a day, seven. If it's a gift, add a couple of weeks for washing, framing and life getting in the way.

Our stitching time calculator does this for any pattern — and every pattern from our pattern maker shows an estimate before you buy.

Faster without rushing

• Choose a size that fits your timeline; 80 stitches is already a lovely portrait.
• Use fewer colors — often the difference is barely visible.
• Stitch in blocks of one color, with good light and a chart you can mark off.