Cross-stitch needle sizes
Cross-stitch uses blunt tapestry needles, and the right size depends on your fabric count. Size 24 for 14-count is the one most people need.
Updated
| Fabric | Tapestry needle |
|---|---|
| 6-count Aida | 18 |
| 8-count Aida | 20 |
| 11-count Aida | 22 |
| 14-count Aida; 28-count over 2 | 24 |
| 16-count Aida; 32-count over 2 | 26 |
| 18-count Aida; 36-count over 2 | 26 |
| 20–22-count; linen over 1 | 28 |
Some stitchers go one size finer than the chart for neater stitches; either works.
Other needles you might meet
- Petite tapestry needles are shorter versions of the same sizes, handy for travelling or small hands.
- Beading needles are very fine and sharp, for attaching seed beads.
- Sharp embroidery (crewel) needles pierce the fabric: use them for waste canvas or stitching onto clothes, not for Aida.
Common questions
What needle do you use for cross-stitch?
A tapestry needle: it has a blunt tip that slips between the fabric threads without splitting them, and a long eye for several strands. Size 24 suits 14-count Aida, the most common fabric.
Do higher needle numbers mean bigger needles?
No, the opposite: the higher the number, the finer the needle. A size 28 is much finer than a size 22.
How do I know my needle is the right size?
It should pass through a hole without pushing the threads apart, but not drop through with no resistance. If the hole stretches or the thread frays quickly, try a finer needle.