What is Aida Count? A Complete Guide to Cross Stitch Fabric

If you've ever stared at a shelf full of cross stitch fabric wondering what those numbers actually mean, you're not alone. "14-count," "18-count," "6-count"—it can feel like a secret code that everyone else already cracked.

Good news: it's simpler than it looks. And once you understand Aida count, you'll be able to confidently choose fabric that matches your project, your eyesight, and your patience level.

Let's break it down.

What Does "Count" Actually Mean?

The count of Aida fabric tells you how many stitches fit in one inch.

That's it. That's the whole concept.

• 14-count Aida = 14 stitches per inch
• 18-count Aida = 18 stitches per inch
• 11-count Aida = 11 stitches per inch

The higher the count, the smaller each individual stitch becomes. Higher count means finer detail but also more squinting. Lower count means larger stitches that are easier to see—but your finished piece will be bigger.

Think of it like pixels on a screen. More pixels (higher count) = sharper image but more work. Fewer pixels (lower count) = larger, bolder result but less fine detail.

How Count Changes Your Finished Size

This is where count really starts to matter. The same pattern looks completely different—and ends up wildly different sizes—depending on your fabric choice.

The formula:

Pattern Width (in stitches) ÷ Fabric Count = Finished Width (in inches)

Let's say you have a pattern that's 140 stitches wide × 200 stitches tall. Here's how it would turn out on different counts:

Same pattern. Four very different outcomes.

The Most Common Aida Counts (And Who They're For)

11-Count: The Beginner's Best Friend

Large, easy-to-see holes with bold stitches that don't require a magnifying glass. Perfect for kids, new stitchers, or anyone who wants a relaxed, fast project.

Best for: First projects, teaching children, wall art where you'll view from a distance

Thread: 3 strands of floss
Needle: Size 22 tapestry

14-Count: The Universal Standard

This is the workhorse of cross stitch. Most patterns assume 14-count unless they say otherwise. It strikes the perfect balance between detail and ease—stitches are small enough to look refined but large enough to work without eye strain.

Best for: Most projects, following kit instructions, reliable results

Thread: 2 strands of floss (some prefer 3 for fuller coverage)
Needle: Size 24 tapestry

16-Count: The Step Up

Noticeably finer than 14-count. Your finished piece will be smaller and more detailed. Good for stitchers who've gotten comfortable with 14-count and want their work to look a bit more polished.

Best for: Intermediate stitchers, detailed designs, smaller finished pieces

Thread: 2 strands of floss
Needle: Size 24-26 tapestry

18-Count: For Detail Lovers

Small stitches that produce beautiful, delicate results. You'll need good lighting and possibly a magnifier, but the finished work has a refined quality that lower counts can't match.

Best for: Experienced stitchers, portrait work, intricate designs, ornaments

Thread: 1-2 strands of floss
Needle: Size 26-28 tapestry

6 to 8-Count: Big and Bold

These large-weave fabrics are typically used for teaching very young children or for projects meant to be seen from far away. Stitches are chunky and work up fast.

Best for: Children under 8, wall banners, quick gifts

Thread: 6 strands or yarn
Needle: Size 18-20 tapestry

Quick Reference Chart

Choosing the Right Count for Your Project

Here's a simple decision framework:

Start with your goal:

• "I want this done quickly" → Go lower (11 or 14-count)
• "I want fine detail" → Go higher (16 or 18-count)
• "I need it to fit a specific frame" → Calculate backwards from your frame size
• "I'm not sure" → Start with 14-count. It's forgiving and looks great.

Consider your eyes:

Be honest with yourself. If you already wear reading glasses or find yourself squinting at small text, 18-count will frustrate you. There's no shame in sticking with 14-count—your finished piece will look just as beautiful, and you'll actually enjoy making it.

Think about your timeline:

Higher count = more stitches per inch = more time per square inch of design. A project that takes 40 hours on 14-count might take 70+ hours on 18-count.

What About Evenweave and Linen?

The term "fabric count" applies to all cross stitch fabrics, not just Aida. Evenweave count and linen count work the same way—the number tells you how many threads (or holes) per inch. A 28-count evenweave has 28 threads per inch, but since you typically stitch "over two" threads, it stitches like 14-count Aida.

You'll sometimes see fabric described as "28-count evenweave" or "32-count linen." These work differently than Aida.

With evenweave and linen, you typically stitch over two threads instead of one square. So:

• 28-count evenweave stitched over 2 = same finished size as 14-count Aida
• 32-count linen stitched over 2 = same finished size as 16-count Aida

This makes conversions straightforward: divide the evenweave/linen count by 2 to get the equivalent Aida count.

These fabrics have a softer, more traditional look and allow for easier fractional stitches. But they're trickier for beginners since there's no obvious grid.

The Hidden Gotcha: Fabric Count Isn't Always Accurate

Here's something most guides don't mention: the count printed on the label isn't always perfectly accurate.

Hand-dyed fabrics can shrink slightly during the dyeing process, changing the count. Even regular fabric can vary—sometimes measuring 14.5 count in one direction and 13.8 in another.

For most projects, this tiny variation won't matter. But if you're working on a large sampler with geometric borders or squares that need to be perfectly square, it's worth measuring your specific piece of fabric before you start.

How to check: Lay a ruler on your fabric and count the squares in exactly one inch. Do this in both directions.

Converting Patterns to Different Counts

Want to stitch a pattern on different fabric than it was designed for? You can—you just need to understand what changes.

If you go to a higher count:

• Finished size gets smaller
• Same stitch count, more compact result
• May need fewer thread strands

If you go to a lower count:

• Finished size gets larger
• Same stitch count, bigger result
• May need more thread strands

The pattern itself doesn't change. You're just scaling the physical output.

When you import a photo into StitchMate, you can preview exactly how your pattern will look at different counts before you commit—so you can find the perfect balance between detail and finished size.