Aida cloth: counts, sizes and which fabric to buy
Aida is the stiff, blocky cotton most cross stitch is worked on. Its “count” decides how big your finished piece is and how many strands of floss to use.
See what the count does
The same 16 × 15 stitch strawberry, drawn to scale. Drag to change the fabric count.
1.14 × 1.07 in (2.9 × 2.7 cm)
Shown at double size so the stitches are visible; the ruler is to the same scale. Going from 11 to 22-count halves the width.
Aida counts compared
| Count | Holes | Strands | 100 stitches = | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count | Very large | 3 | 9.1 in / 23.1 cm | Children, low vision, bold graphic pieces |
| 14-count | Large | 2 | 7.1 in / 18.1 cm | The standard for most kits and beginners |
| 16-count | Medium | 2 | 6.3 in / 15.9 cm | A little finer; good for detailed motifs |
| 18-count | Small | 1–2 | 5.6 in / 14.1 cm | Small pieces, ornaments, portraits |
| 22-count | Very small | 1 | 4.5 in / 11.5 cm | Hardanger and miniatures |
14-count Aida
The default for kits and most charts. Two strands of floss fill each square neatly, the holes are easy to find in normal light, and a typical 100-stitch design is about 7 inches across — a comfortable size for an 8-inch hoop.
18-count Aida
Smaller holes and finer detail: the same design shrinks to about 5.5 inches. Use one strand for a lighter, more textured look or two for full coverage. A daylight lamp or magnifier helps.
Aida cloth sizes
Aida is sold in pre-cut pieces (commonly 12 × 18 in, 15 × 18 in and 18 × 21 in “fat quarters”), by the metre or yard from a bolt usually 43 in (110 cm) or 59 in (150 cm) wide, and as narrow bands for bookmarks. Work out the size you need with the cross stitch calculator, then buy the next size up.
Evenweave vs Aida
| Aida | Evenweave / linen | |
|---|---|---|
| Weave | Blocks with clear holes | Single threads, flat |
| Stitch over | 1 block | 2 threads (usually) |
| Same size as 14-ct Aida | 14-count | 28-count |
| Fractional stitches | Awkward (pierce the block) | Easy (use the middle hole) |
| Learning curve | Easiest | Needs careful counting |
| Look | Visible grid texture | Softer, heirloom finish |
Start on Aida; switch to 28 or 32-count evenweave when you want a finer look or your chart has lots of three-quarter stitches. Linen is evenweave’s natural-fibre cousin: beautiful but slightly irregular.
Colours
White and antique white are the default. On black or navy Aida, pale floss glows but the holes are harder to see — work in good light, or lay a white cloth on your lap so the holes show against it.
Ready to stitch? Print graph paper at your fabric’s true size to plan a design, or pick one of the easy free patterns.
Questions stitchers ask
What does 14-count Aida mean?
It has 14 squares (stitches) per inch in each direction. A 70-stitch-wide design on 14-count is 5 inches wide. Higher counts mean smaller stitches and a smaller, finer finished piece.
Which Aida count is best for beginners?
14-count. The holes are easy to see and the finished size is moderate. 11-count is easier still on the eyes but makes a design 27% larger; 16 and 18-count suit small, detailed work once you are comfortable.
What is the difference between Aida and evenweave?
Aida is woven in blocks with obvious holes, one cross per block. Evenweave (and linen) is a flat, single-thread weave you usually stitch “over two” threads, so 28-count evenweave gives the same size as 14-count Aida but looks finer and allows fractional stitches.
What size Aida do I need?
Divide the design’s stitch count by the fabric count for the finished size, then add at least 3 inches on each side for framing. Our cross stitch calculator does the sum.
Should I wash Aida before stitching?
Usually not; the sizing keeps it stiff and easy to stitch. Wash the finished piece gently by hand if needed and press it face down on a towel.