What is Aida Count in Cross Stitch? 11ct, 14ct, 16ct, 18ct Explained
If you are new to cross stitch, "count" is one of the first things you will encounter when buying fabric - and one of the most confusing. Here is what it actually means and how to choose the right one.
## What Does "Count" Mean?
The count of a fabric is the **number of stitchable squares per inch**. On 14-count Aida, there are 14 tiny squares in every inch of fabric. Each square holds one cross stitch.
Higher count = smaller squares = smaller stitches = more detail in the same area.
That is the whole concept. Everything else follows from it.
## Common Aida Counts
### 11-Count
The largest common Aida. Stitches are big and easy to see, making it popular for children, stitchers with vision difficulties, and quick projects. The trade-off is that patterns look blockier and you need more fabric for the same design.
**Best for:** Beginners who want big, visible stitches. Quick projects. Kids.
### 14-Count
The standard. Most patterns assume 14-count unless stated otherwise. The stitches are a good size - small enough for reasonable detail, large enough to count without straining. This is what most beginners should start with.
**Best for:** General purpose. First projects. Most patterns.
### 16-Count
A step up in fineness. Gives noticeably more detail than 14-count without being dramatically harder to work on. Good for stitchers who have done a few projects on 14-count and want a finer finish.
**Best for:** Intermediate stitchers. Patterns where extra detail matters.
### 18-Count
Fine work. The holes are noticeably smaller and you may want a magnifying lamp. The results are detailed and delicate - 18-count pieces have a refinement that lower counts cannot match. Stitching is slower because precision matters more.
**Best for:** Experienced stitchers. Detailed patterns. Smaller finished sizes.
### 22-Count (Hardanger)
Very fine. Not common for standard cross stitch but used for Hardanger embroidery and very detailed small pieces.
## How Count Affects Your Project
### Finished Size
The same pattern stitched on different counts produces different finished sizes. A pattern that is 140 stitches wide:
| Count | Width | Height (assuming 140 x 180 pattern) |
|---|---|---|
| 11-count | 12.7" (32.3cm) | 16.4" (41.6cm) |
| 14-count | 10.0" (25.4cm) | 12.9" (32.7cm) |
| 16-count | 8.8" (22.2cm) | 11.3" (28.6cm) |
| 18-count | 7.8" (19.8cm) | 10.0" (25.4cm) |
Use our [fabric calculator](/fabric-calculator/) to work out the finished size for any pattern on any count.
### Stitching Speed
Lower count = faster stitching. The squares are larger and easier to hit, and each stitch covers more area. Roughly:
- 11-count is about 30% faster than 14-count
- 18-count is about 20-30% slower than 14-count
### Thread Coverage
On 14-count, two strands of thread cover the fabric well. On 18-count, two strands still work but coverage is tighter. On 11-count, you may want three strands for full coverage.
| Count | Strands for Cross Stitch | Strands for Backstitch |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 3 | 2 |
| 14 | 2 | 1 |
| 16 | 2 | 1 |
| 18 | 2 (or 1 for finer look) | 1 |
### Needle Size
Smaller count = smaller holes = smaller needle.
| Count | Needle Size |
|---|---|
| 11 | 24 |
| 14 | 24 |
| 16 | 24 or 26 |
| 18 | 26 |
## Aida Count vs Evenweave Count
This trips up a lot of people. Evenweave and linen counts refer to **threads per inch**, not squares. Since you stitch over two threads on evenweave, you divide by two to get the equivalent Aida count.
- 28-count evenweave = 14 stitches per inch (same as 14-count Aida)
- 32-count evenweave = 16 stitches per inch (same as 16-count Aida)
- 36-count evenweave = 18 stitches per inch (same as 18-count Aida)
So 14-count Aida and 28-count evenweave produce the same size stitches. The difference is the fabric feel and drape, not the stitch size.
## Which Count Should I Choose?
**Start with 14-count.** It is the standard for a reason. Once you are comfortable, try 16 or 18 to see if you prefer the finer result.
If you are choosing between counts for a specific pattern, think about the finished size you want and work backwards using a [fabric calculator](/fabric-calculator/).
## Frequently Asked Questions
### What count Aida should a beginner use?
14-count. The holes are easy to see and count, and most patterns are designed for it.
### Does higher count mean better quality?
Not necessarily. Higher count means smaller stitches and more detail, but a well-stitched piece on 14-count looks just as good as one on 18-count - the style is just different.
### Can I use a different count than the pattern suggests?
Yes. The pattern will just come out a different size. Divide the stitch count by your fabric count to calculate the new dimensions in inches.
### What is the most popular Aida count?
14-count, by a significant margin. It is the default in cross stitch kits, pattern books, and online tutorials.
**[Calculate your fabric size](/fabric-calculator/)** - Enter your pattern dimensions and fabric count to see the finished size.
**[Estimate stitching time](/time-calculator/)** - See how long your project will take at your stitching speed.