How to find the stitch count of an embroidery design

You can find the stitch count of an embroidery design on your machine's screen after you load the design, in embroidery software, or in the information sheet that comes with the design. The stitch count is the total number of stitches the machine makes to complete it.

Where this question comes from

Letha P., one of our customers, wrote to us in September 2026 about our designs:

Letha wrote:

How do I find out the total stitched count for your designs?

We answered Letha, and we are sharing the answer here because many embroiderers wonder the same thing.

Three ways to find the stitch count

  1. On your embroidery machine. Load the design and look at the screen before you start. Most machines show the total number of stitches, the number of colors and the estimated time.
  2. In embroidery software. Open the design file on your computer. The stitch count appears in the design's properties or information panel. Free viewing programs show it too.
  3. In the files that come with the design. Many designs include a color chart or information sheet that lists the stitch count for each size.

Each size has its own stitch count

This is the part Letha needed to know. A design that comes in several sizes has a different stitch count for each one. The 6x10 version has more stitches than the 4x4 version of the same design, so check the size you plan to stitch.

Why the stitch count matters

  • Stitching time. Divide the stitch count by your machine's speed for a rough estimate. A 10,000-stitch design on a machine running at 500 stitches per minute takes about 20 minutes of stitching, plus time for thread changes.
  • Pricing your work. If you sell embroidered items, the stitch count is the usual basis for what to charge.
  • Choosing stabilizer. A high stitch count in a small area means a dense design, which needs firmer stabilizer.
  • Thread use. More stitches use more thread, which matters when you are running low on a color.

Applique designs have a lower stitch count than filled versions of the same design, because fabric replaces much of the stitching.

Learn more in applique vs filled embroidery designs and what is embroidery stabilizer.

Browse our machine embroidery designs.

Have another question? See all the answers in our machine embroidery designs FAQ.

Written by Dmitry, Embroidery Monkey technical support. We digitize every design by hand and test stitch it before it goes on sale. Last updated October 2026.