Cross Stitch Fabric Count Chart: Aida, Evenweave and Linen
Cross stitch fabric count is stitches per inch. 14 count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch, so a 100 stitch design is 7.1 inches wide; 18 count makes the same design 5.6 inches. Evenweave and linen are counted by threads and stitched over two, so 28 count linen gives 14 stitches per inch. Finished inches = stitch count / stitches per inch.
How many stitches per inch is each fabric count?
| Count | Fabric | Stitches per inch (usual) | 100 x 100 stitches | 150 x 200 stitches | Fabric to cut (150 x 200) | Strands | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | aida | 6 | 16.7 x 16.7 in | 25 x 33.3 in | 31 x 40 in | 6 | 18 |
| 8 | aida | 8 | 12.5 x 12.5 in | 18.8 x 25 in | 25 x 31 in | 4 to 6 | 20 |
| 11 | aida | 11 | 9.1 x 9.1 in | 13.6 x 18.2 in | 20 x 25 in | 3 | 22 or 24 |
| 14 | aida | 14 | 7.1 x 7.1 in | 10.7 x 14.3 in | 17 x 21 in | 2 | 24 |
| 16 | aida | 16 | 6.3 x 6.3 in | 9.4 x 12.5 in | 16 x 19 in | 2 | 24 or 26 |
| 18 | aida | 18 | 5.6 x 5.6 in | 8.3 x 11.1 in | 15 x 18 in | 1 to 2 | 26 or 28 |
| 20 | aida | 20 | 5 x 5 in | 7.5 x 10 in | 14 x 16 in | 1 | 28 |
| 22 | hardanger | 11 | 9.1 x 9.1 in | 13.6 x 18.2 in | 20 x 25 in | 1 over 1, 2 to 3 over 2 | 24 to 28 |
| 25 | evenweave | 12.5 | 8 x 8 in | 12 x 16 in | 18 x 22 in | 2 to 3 | 24 |
| 27 | evenweave | 13.5 | 7.4 x 7.4 in | 11.1 x 14.8 in | 18 x 21 in | 2 | 24 or 26 |
| 28 | evenweave | 14 | 7.1 x 7.1 in | 10.7 x 14.3 in | 17 x 21 in | 2 | 26 |
| 32 | linen | 16 | 6.3 x 6.3 in | 9.4 x 12.5 in | 16 x 19 in | 1 to 2 | 26 or 28 |
| 36 | linen | 18 | 5.6 x 5.6 in | 8.3 x 11.1 in | 15 x 18 in | 1 | 28 |
| 40 | linen | 20 | 5 x 5 in | 7.5 x 10 in | 14 x 16 in | 1 | 28 |
Which fabric counts are beginner friendly?
| Count | Beginner friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 aida | Yes | Zweigart Herta; kids and first projects; pearl cotton or yarn also used. |
| 8 aida | Yes | Large, easy-to-see holes; good for kids and low vision. |
| 11 aida | Yes | Bolder look; easy to count. |
| 14 aida | Yes | The most common count for kits and patterns. |
| 16 aida | Yes | Finer detail with slightly less coverage than 14 count. |
| 18 aida | Later | Sources differ between 1 and 2 strands; 2 gives fuller coverage. |
| 20 aida | Later | Finest common Aida; good light and magnification help. |
| 22 hardanger | Later | Hardanger fabric is woven in paired threads; often stitched over 2 (11 per inch). Pearl cotton 8 and 12 for Hardanger embroidery. |
| 25 evenweave | Later | Soft blended fabric; stitched over 2 like 12.5 count Aida. |
| 27 evenweave | Later | Cotton evenweave; over 2 is close to 14 count. |
| 28 evenweave | Later | Most popular evenweave and linen count; over 2 equals 14 count Aida. |
| 32 linen | Later | Classic sampler linen; over 2 equals 16 count. |
| 36 linen | Later | Fine linen; over 2 equals 18 count. |
| 40 linen | Later | Very fine linen for miniatures and heirloom samplers. |
Fabric and floss
DMC Charles Craft Silver Label Aida, 14 Count, 30 x 36 Inch
$16.99A large piece of 14 count Aida.
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Wichelt Permin Premium Linen, 28 Count, Ivory
$25.5528 count linen for stitching over two.
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DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
$62.95One hundred DMC floss colors.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cross stitch fabric count?
14 count Aida is the most common. It has 14 stitches per inch, holes large enough to see easily, and it works with 2 strands of floss and a size 24 tapestry needle. Most beginner kits use 14 count, and many patterns list their finished size on 14 count.
What is the difference between 14 and 18 count Aida?
18 count has more, smaller stitches per inch, so designs finish smaller with finer detail. A 100 stitch design is about 7.1 inches on 14 count and 5.6 inches on 18 count. 18 count usually uses 1 or 2 strands and a size 26 needle, and it is harder on the eyes.
How do I calculate the size of a cross stitch design?
Finished inches = stitch count / stitches per inch. Add about 3 in of fabric on each side for framing; some stitchers use 2 in for small finishes. For evenweave stitched over two, divide the count by 2 first.
What does stitching over two mean?
On evenweave and linen, each cross stitch covers two threads in each direction instead of one. This makes the stitch the same size as on Aida with half the count, so 28 count stitched over two equals 14 count Aida. Stitching over one gives tiny, very detailed stitches.
What cross stitch count is best for beginners?
11 or 14 count Aida is easiest for beginners. The holes are clear, counting is simple, and mistakes are easy to see and fix. Moving to 16 or 18 count once you are comfortable gives finer results, and good light and magnification help at higher counts.
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.