Aida count chart
Every common cross-stitch fabric count with its stitches per inch, the size of 100 stitches, and the strands and needle to use.
Updated
| Fabric | Stitches per inch | Per cm | 100 stitches | Strands | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-count Aida | 6 | 2.4 | 16.7 in / 42.3 cm | 4–6 | 18 |
| 8-count Aida | 8 | 3.1 | 12.5 in / 31.8 cm | 4–6 | 20 |
| 11-count Aida | 11 | 4.3 | 9.1 in / 23.1 cm | 3 | 22 |
| 14-count Aida | 14 | 5.5 | 7.1 in / 18.1 cm | 2 | 24 |
| 16-count Aida | 16 | 6.3 | 6.3 in / 15.9 cm | 2 | 26 |
| 18-count Aida | 18 | 7.1 | 5.6 in / 14.1 cm | 1–2 | 26 |
| 20-count Aida | 20 | 7.9 | 5 in / 12.7 cm | 1 | 28 |
| 22-count Hardanger | 22 | 8.7 | 4.5 in / 11.5 cm | 1 | 28 |
| 25-count evenweave (over 2) | 12.5 | 4.9 | 8 in / 20.3 cm | 2 | 24 |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 14 | 5.5 | 7.1 in / 18.1 cm | 2 | 24 |
| 32-count evenweave (over 2) | 16 | 6.3 | 6.3 in / 15.9 cm | 2 | 26 |
| 28-count linen (over 2) | 14 | 5.5 | 7.1 in / 18.1 cm | 2 | 24 |
| 32-count linen (over 2) | 16 | 6.3 | 6.3 in / 15.9 cm | 2 | 26 |
| 36-count linen (over 2) | 18 | 7.1 | 5.6 in / 14.1 cm | 1–2 | 26 |
| 40-count linen (over 2) | 20 | 7.9 | 5 in / 12.7 cm | 1 | 28 |
Aida, evenweave or linen?
- Aida is woven in blocks with clear holes, so every stitch goes in an obvious place. The easiest to start on.
- Evenweave has single, evenly spaced threads. You usually stitch over two threads, which gives a smoother look and easy fractional stitches.
- Linen is like evenweave but with natural slubs and slight irregularity. Beautiful, but take care to count threads accurately.
Common questions
What does Aida count mean?
The count is the number of stitches (holes) per inch. 14-count Aida has 14 stitches per inch, so a design 140 stitches wide is 10 in wide. A higher count means smaller stitches and a smaller, finer design.
What Aida count is best for beginners?
14-count is the most popular starting point: the holes are easy to see and most kits use it. 11-count is even easier on the eyes and good for children, with 3 strands for full coverage.
Is 28-count evenweave the same as 14-count Aida?
Stitched over two threads, yes: both give 14 stitches per inch, so a design comes out the same size. Evenweave and linen have a smoother, finer look, and let you work fractional stitches more easily.