Choosing the right fabric is one of the first decisions you make when starting a cross stitch project, and it directly affects the size, look, and difficulty of your finished piece. Aida cloth is the most popular fabric for cross stitch, and it comes in several "counts" that determine how many stitches fit per inch.

What Is Fabric Count?

Fabric count refers to the number of stitches (or holes) per inch of fabric. A higher count means smaller stitches and more detail per inch, while a lower count means larger stitches and a bigger finished piece.

• 11-count = 11 stitches per inch
• 14-count = 14 stitches per inch
• 18-count = 18 stitches per inch
• 28-count = 28 threads per inch (evenweave, stitched over 2 = 14 stitches per inch)

11-Count Aida

The largest common Aida fabric with the biggest, easiest-to-see holes.

• Best for: Beginners, children's projects, and stitchers who prefer large stitches
• Pros: Easy to see, fast to stitch, forgiving of mistakes
• Cons: Finished pieces are larger, less detail per inch
• A 100x100 pattern on 11-count will be roughly 9x9 inches

14-Count Aida

The most popular and widely recommended fabric count for cross stitch.

• Best for: Most projects, including photo conversions, samplers, and gifts
• Pros: Good balance of detail and ease, widely available in many colors
• Cons: None significant — this is the standard for a reason
• A 100x100 pattern on 14-count will be roughly 7x7 inches
• StitchCraft uses 14-count as the default when calculating finished dimensions

18-Count Aida

A finer fabric that produces more detailed, smaller finished pieces.

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• Best for: Detailed patterns, portraits, and experienced stitchers who want a refined look
• Pros: More detail per inch, smaller finished size for the same stitch count
• Cons: Smaller holes can be harder to see, slower to stitch
• A 100x100 pattern on 18-count will be roughly 5.5x5.5 inches

28-Count Evenweave

Not technically Aida, but a common alternative for advanced stitchers.

• Best for: Very detailed work, hardanger, and stitchers who want a smoother fabric texture
• Stitched over 2 threads, giving the same stitch density as 14-count but with a finer fabric feel
• Pros: Smoother finish, elegant look, versatile
• Cons: Requires counting threads rather than using visible holes, not ideal for beginners

How Fabric Count Affects Pattern Size

The same pattern will produce very different finished sizes depending on your fabric:

• 80x100 pattern on 11-count = 7.3 x 9.1 inches
• 80x100 pattern on 14-count = 5.7 x 7.1 inches
• 80x100 pattern on 18-count = 4.4 x 5.6 inches

This is why it is important to decide on your fabric before you start, especially if you are stitching for a specific frame size.

Beginner Recommendation

If you are new to cross stitch, start with 14-count Aida in white or natural. It is easy to work with, widely available, and produces beautiful results with any pattern. As you gain experience and want smaller, more detailed work, move to 18-count.

StitchCraft automatically calculates your finished size based on the fabric count you select, so you always know exactly how large your piece will be before you start. Download StitchCraft to see your pattern dimensions on any fabric count.