Aida is the woven cotton fabric most cross stitchers use. Its threads are grouped into little blocks with visible holes at each corner, so every cross stitch sits neatly in one square. The count is the number of those squares per inch.
What does "count" mean?
14-count Aida has 14 squares — and therefore 14 stitches — per inch. Higher counts have smaller squares, so the same pattern comes out smaller and finer. Lower counts have bigger squares that are easier to see and stitch.
The formula for finished size is the same for every fabric:
finished size (in) = number of stitches ÷ fabric count
Multiply by 2.54 to get centimetres.
Size chart
Finished size of common pattern widths on each fabric:
| Stitches | 11-count | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 4.5 in (11.5 cm) | 3.6 in (9.1 cm) | 3.1 in (7.9 cm) | 2.8 in (7.1 cm) |
| 80 | 7.3 in (18.5 cm) | 5.7 in (14.5 cm) | 5.0 in (12.7 cm) | 4.4 in (11.3 cm) |
| 100 | 9.1 in (23.1 cm) | 7.1 in (18.1 cm) | 6.3 in (15.9 cm) | 5.6 in (14.1 cm) |
| 150 | 13.6 in (34.6 cm) | 10.7 in (27.2 cm) | 9.4 in (23.8 cm) | 8.3 in (21.2 cm) |
| 200 | 18.2 in (46.2 cm) | 14.3 in (36.3 cm) | 12.5 in (31.8 cm) | 11.1 in (28.2 cm) |
Which count should you choose?
11-count: big and beginner-friendly
Large holes, easy to see, quick to fill. Great for children, first projects, and turning a small chart into a bigger piece. Use 3 strands so the floss covers the fabric. See 11-count Aida.
14-count: the standard
Most patterns and kits are designed for 14-count. It balances detail and comfort, and works with 2 strands. If you're not sure, choose 14. See 14-count Aida.
16-count: more detail
About 12% smaller than 14-count, with smoother curves. A nice upgrade once you're comfortable. 2 strands. See 16-count Aida.
18-count: fine detail
Small, dense stitches that make photo patterns look smooth. Needs good light and steady eyes; use 1–2 strands. See 18-count Aida.
Evenweave and linen
Evenweave (28-count) and linen (28–40 count) have finer, single threads instead of blocks. They're normally stitched over two threads, which halves the effective count: 28-count over two behaves like 14-count Aida. They give a softer, heirloom look and allow fractional stitches. See 28-count evenweave.
How many strands of floss?
DMC stranded cotton comes as six thin strands twisted together. You separate them and stitch with a few at a time. Too few strands and the fabric shows through; too many and stitches look lumpy.
| Fabric | Cross stitch | Backstitch | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands | 2 strands | Tapestry 22 |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand | Tapestry 24 |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand | Tapestry 24–26 |
| 18-count Aida | 1–2 strands | 1 strand | Tapestry 26 |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 2 strands | 1 strand | Tapestry 26–28 |
How much fabric to buy
Add at least 3 inches (8 cm) on every side of the design for framing or finishing — so 6 inches to each dimension. A 7 × 5 inch design needs a 13 × 11 inch piece of fabric. For hoops, add a little more so the hoop doesn't sit on stitched areas.
Aida colors and finishes
Aida comes in dozens of colors. White and antique white are the most versatile and make symbols easiest to see while stitching. Natural linen tones give a warm, rustic look that suits samplers and botanical designs. Black or navy Aida makes bright colors glow and is popular for space, neon and pixel-art pieces — but it is harder on the eyes, so stitch in good light and consider a light pad underneath.
If you plan to leave the background unstitched, choose the fabric color before you buy floss: a pale design can disappear on cream fabric, and dark outlines vanish on black. In FlossChart you can preview white, antique white, linen and black fabric with the Fabric color setting.
You'll also see "easy count" Aida with a printed grid every 10 squares (the grid washes out), Aida bands with finished edges for bookmarks and towels, and Zweigart and DMC brand fabrics with a slightly softer or firmer hand. For a first project, any 100% cotton 14-count Aida is perfect. If you think in centimetres, the metric size calculator converts every count to stitches per cm and shows what fits a metric frame.
Preparing and handling the fabric
- Stop fraying: zigzag the edges, use masking tape, or apply a fray-stop liquid before you start.
- Hoop or frame: a hoop keeps the fabric taut so stitches stay even; remove it between sessions to avoid permanent rings.
- Wash with care: when finished, hand-wash in cool water with mild soap, roll in a towel and press face-down on a soft towel so stitches aren't flattened.
Changing count to resize a pattern
Because size depends only on stitches and count, you can make any pattern bigger or smaller without changing the chart: a design that's 10 inches on 14-count becomes 12.7 inches on 11-count or 7.8 inches on 18-count. This is the easiest way to fit a pattern to a specific frame.
Quick recommendations
- First project or kids: 11-count, 3 strands.
- Photo or pet portrait: 14- or 16-count, 2 strands.
- Small, detailed gifts: 18-count.
- Heirloom samplers: 28-count evenweave over two.