20 Count Aida: Stitches Per Inch, Design Size and Floss Chart
20 count Aida has 20 stitches per inch. A 100 x 100 stitch design finishes at 5 x 5 inches (12.7 cm). Cut fabric 11 x 11 inches to leave 3 inches on each side, and stitch with 1 strands of floss and a size 28 tapestry needle.
Fabric count is the number of stitchable squares or threads per inch. On 20 count aida, stitched over one block, every inch holds 20 cross stitches, so the count decides how big a pattern finishes. Finest common Aida; good light and magnification help.
| Fabric type | Aida |
|---|---|
| Stitches per inch, over one | 20 |
| Stitches per inch, over two | 10 |
| Floss strands, cross stitch | 1 |
| Floss strands, backstitch | 1 |
| Tapestry needle | Size 28 |
| Beginner friendly | Better after a first project |
How big is a cross stitch design on 20 count aida?
Finished size in inches is the stitch count divided by 20. The fabric column adds 3 inches on each side, which leaves room to frame, hoop or finish the piece.
| Stitches | Finished (in) | Finished (cm) | Fabric to cut (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 x 25 | 1.3 x 1.3 | 3.2 x 3.2 | 8 x 8 |
| 50 x 50 | 2.5 x 2.5 | 6.4 x 6.4 | 9 x 9 |
| 75 x 75 | 3.8 x 3.8 | 9.5 x 9.5 | 10 x 10 |
| 100 x 100 | 5 x 5 | 12.7 x 12.7 | 11 x 11 |
| 150 x 150 | 7.5 x 7.5 | 19.1 x 19.1 | 14 x 14 |
| 200 x 200 | 10 x 10 | 25.4 x 25.4 | 16 x 16 |
| 250 x 250 | 12.5 x 12.5 | 31.8 x 31.8 | 19 x 19 |
| 300 x 300 | 15 x 15 | 38.1 x 38.1 | 21 x 21 |
| 400 x 400 | 20 x 20 | 50.8 x 50.8 | 26 x 26 |
What size fabric and hoop do common pattern sizes need?
Rectangular patterns are the norm. Here are typical chart sizes, from a small sampler to a large framed piece, with the smallest hand hoop that clears the design by about 1 1/2 inches. Big designs are easier on a scroll frame or Q-Snap frame than a hoop.
| Pattern (stitches) | Finished (in) | Fabric to cut (in) | Hand hoop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 x 100 | 4 x 5 | 10 x 11 | 7 in |
| 120 x 160 | 6 x 8 | 12 x 14 | 10 in |
| 150 x 200 | 7.5 x 10 | 14 x 16 | 12 in |
| 200 x 250 | 10 x 12.5 | 16 x 19 | 14 in |
| 250 x 350 | 12.5 x 17.5 | 19 x 24 | Scroll frame |
| 300 x 400 | 15 x 20 | 21 x 26 | Scroll frame |
How many skeins of floss do you need on 20 count?
A standard 8 meter skein of DMC six-strand floss covers roughly 1,000 to 1,500 full cross stitches on 14 count with 2 strands, according to published estimates. Coverage scales with stitch size, so the figures below adjust that range for 20 stitches per inch and 1 strands. Count the stitches of each color on your chart key.
| Stitches of one color | Stitches per skein | Skeins to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 1 |
| 500 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 1 |
| 1,000 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 1 |
| 2,500 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 1 |
| 5,000 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 1 to 2 |
| 10,000 | 3,918 to 7,347 | 2 to 3 |
Buy one extra skein of the big colors
Dye lots vary, and a slightly different shade halfway through a sky or background shows. For any color with thousands of stitches, buy the high end of the range. The cross stitch floss calculator works it out per color.
Supplies for stitching on 20 count
DMC Charles Craft Silver Label Aida, 14 Count, 30 x 36 Inch
$16.99A large 30 x 36 inch piece of 14 count Aida, enough for several projects or one big piece.
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DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
$62.95One hundred colors of six-strand cotton floss, a deep stash for most patterns.
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Q-Snap Frame 17 x 17 Inch
$27.12Holds fabric drum tight without hoop marks, and handles bigger designs than a hand hoop.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How does 20 count compare with other fabric counts?
| Count | Fabric | Stitches per inch (as usually stitched) | 100 stitches finishes at | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 count | aida | 6 | 16.7 in | 18 |
| 8 count | aida | 8 | 12.5 in | 20 |
| 11 count | aida | 11 | 9.1 in | 22 or 24 |
| 14 count | aida | 14 | 7.1 in | 24 |
| 16 count | aida | 16 | 6.3 in | 24 or 26 |
| 18 count | aida | 18 | 5.6 in | 26 or 28 |
| 20 count | aida | 20 | 5 in | 28 |
| 22 count | hardanger | 11 | 9.1 in | 24 to 28 |
| 25 count | evenweave | 12.5 | 8 in | 24 |
| 27 count | evenweave | 13.5 | 7.4 in | 24 or 26 |
| 28 count | evenweave | 14 | 7.1 in | 26 |
| 32 count | linen | 16 | 6.3 in | 26 or 28 |
| 36 count | linen | 18 | 5.6 in | 28 |
| 40 count | linen | 20 | 5 in | 28 |
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches per inch is 20 count aida?
20 count Aida has 20 stitches per inch. Aida is woven in blocks, so each block holds one cross stitch. Stitched over one instead, 20 count gives 20 stitches per inch and a design half the size.
How big will a cross stitch design be on 20 count?
Divide the stitch count by 20. A 100 x 100 stitch design finishes at 5 x 5 inches, a 150 x 200 stitch design at 7.5 x 10 inches, and a 200 x 200 stitch design at 10 x 10 inches. The pattern chart lists its stitch count, usually on the key or cover.
How many strands of floss do you use on 20 count?
Most patterns use 1 strands of six-strand cotton floss for cross stitches on 20 count aida, and 1 for backstitch outlines. Use a size 28 tapestry needle, which has a blunt tip that slides between threads without splitting them. More strands give fuller coverage; fewer look lighter and more delicate.
Is 20 count good for beginners?
It is better as a second or third project. At 20 stitches per inch the holes are small and mistakes are harder to spot. Finest common Aida; good light and magnification help. Many stitchers start on 14 count Aida and move up.
How much fabric do I need for a 20 count cross stitch?
Work out the design size, then add about 3 inches on every side for framing or finishing. For a 150 x 200 stitch pattern on 20 count, the design is 7.5 x 10 inches, so cut fabric at least 14 x 16 inches. Small ornaments and cards can use 2 inches per side.
Do I need a magnifier for 20 count?
Many stitchers find 20 count much easier with good light and some magnification, because each stitch is only 0.05 inch across. A daylight lamp with a magnifying lens, or a hands-free magnifier, reduces squinting and eye strain. If your vision has changed, an eye doctor can advise on the right strength.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.