Fabric Count Reference Chart
| Fabric | Count | Stitch Over | Stitches/Inch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aida 11 | 11 | 1 | 11 | Beginners, large designs |
| Aida 14 | 14 | 1 | 14 | Most popular — good balance |
| Aida 16 | 16 | 1 | 16 | Moderate detail |
| Aida 18 | 18 | 1 | 18 | Fine detail, smaller finish |
| Hardanger 22 | 22 | 2 | 11 | Even texture, same as Aida 11 |
| Evenweave 25 | 25 | 2 | 12.5 | Smooth look, popular mid-range |
| Evenweave 28 | 28 | 2 | 14 | Same size as Aida 14, smoother |
| Linen 32 | 32 | 2 | 16 | Fine detail, elegant finish |
Aida vs Evenweave vs Linen
| Feature | Aida | Evenweave | Linen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weave | Blocked (obvious holes) | Even threads, no blocks | Uneven natural threads |
| Stitch over | 1 thread | 2 threads | 2 threads |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Appearance | Visible grid pattern | Smooth, uniform | Natural, textured |
| Price | Affordable | Moderate | Higher |
| Common counts | 11, 14, 16, 18 | 25, 28, 32 | 28, 32, 36, 40 |
How Fabric Count Affects Size
The same 140 x 100 stitch design produces very different finished sizes depending on fabric count. On 11-count Aida, it finishes at 12.7" x 9.1". On 18-count Aida, the same design is only 7.8" x 5.6". Higher count means smaller stitches, finer detail, but more time to complete.
A common trick: 28-count evenweave stitched over 2 threads produces the same finished size as 14-count Aida, but with a smoother, more professional-looking result. Many experienced stitchers prefer this combination.
FAQ
How much extra fabric do I need for framing?
Add at least 3 inches on each side (6 inches total to both width and height). This gives enough fabric for the frame or hoop to grip. For large pieces that will be professionally framed, some framers recommend 4 inches on each side.
What fabric count should a beginner use?
Start with 14-count Aida. The holes are clearly visible, making it easy to count and place stitches. The finished size is a good balance between too large (11-count) and too small to see (18-count).
What does "stitch over 2" mean?
On evenweave and linen, each stitch spans two fabric threads instead of one. This means 28-count fabric stitched over 2 yields 14 stitches per inch — the same as 14-count Aida. Our calculator handles this automatically when you select "Over 2 threads."
Related Tools
- Embroidery Thread Calculator — floss yardage for your cross stitch design
- Pattern Resize Calculator — scale designs up or down
- Fabric Yardage Calculator — fabric for sewing and craft projects