14, 16 or 18 Count Aida? A Cross Stitch Fabric Size Guide

The same cross stitch chart can finish at different sizes on different Aida counts. Choose the fabric count before cutting your piece, buying a frame or deciding how large your finished design will be.

By XStitchPattern · Stitching guide

What does Aida count mean?

Aida count describes the number of stitch squares per inch. When you work one full cross over one square, 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch, 16-count gives 16 and 18-count gives 18. A larger count number means smaller squares and a smaller finished design for the same chart.

This calculation assumes standard stitching over one Aida square. Linen or evenweave worked over two fabric threads needs a different calculation, so do not apply the Aida number blindly to every fabric.

Calculate the finished design size

Use the chart’s stitch width and height, not the dimensions of its PDF page or a product photograph. Calculate each dimension separately:

Finished size in inches = stitch count ÷ fabric count.
Finished size in centimetres = inches × 2.54.

For example, a design that is 140 stitches wide and 112 stitches high has the following approximate stitched dimensions:

These figures are a worked example, not the specifications of a product in our shop. Round up when planning the fabric cut; rounding down can leave you short.

Add space for holding and finishing

The stitched area is not the fabric cut size. You need extra fabric on all four sides for a hoop, handling and your chosen finishing method. Check the frame or finishing requirements before deciding the allowance.

For illustration, adding three inches on each side of the 14-count example means adding six inches to the width and six to the height. The fabric would therefore be 16 × 14 inches, approximately 40.6 × 35.6 cm. That allowance is an example, not a rule for every project.

Which count is easier to use?

14-count Aida is a practical starting point for many beginners because its grid is easier to see. DMC also recommends 14-count Aida for beginners. Higher counts can give a smaller result, but the smaller holes may need stronger light and more careful counting.

Choose for your eyesight, comfort and intended finish rather than treating a higher number as automatically better. If you are unsure, stitch a small sample on the fabric before committing to the whole project.

What changes, and what stays the same?

Changing the count changes the physical size of the stitches. It does not add detail to the chart or reduce the number of chart squares you need to stitch. A 140-stitch-wide design still has 140 stitch positions across it on either fabric.

Thread coverage, needle choice and the feel of the finished piece can also change. Follow the designer’s strand guidance and test a few crosses if you choose a count that differs from the recommendation. Avoid assuming one strand count suits every fabric and colour.

Check these details before ordering supplies

• Stitch width and height from the actual pattern.
• Whether the chart uses full crosses or special stitches.
• Fabric count and whether stitching is over one square.
• Finishing margin on every side.
• Recommended thread strands and an appropriate needle.

Keep your calculation with your supplies so you do not accidentally use a frame measurement as the fabric cut size. Browse our pattern collection and check the listed specifications before choosing your fabric.

Further reading: DMC’s introduction to cross stitch و DMC Aida fabric information.