Cross Stitch Fabric Count Chart

Fabric count is the number of stitches (Aida) or threads (evenweave and linen) in one inch. This chart lists every common count with its stitches per inch and per cm, the size of one stitch, the matching fabric, and the usual strands and needle.

Strands from Colonial Needle, how many strands of embroidery floss to use; needles from Lindy Stitches, what size needle do I need. Both describe them as starting points. Sizes use 1 in = 2.54 cm.
Fabric and count	Worked over	Stitches per inch	Stitches per cm	One stitch	Same size as	100 stitches	Strands	Needle
11-count Aida	one	11.0	4.3	2.31 mm	22-count over two	9.1 in (23.1 cm)	3–4	Not stated by our sources
14-count Aida	one	14.0	5.5	1.81 mm	28-count over two	7.1 in (18.1 cm)	2	Size 24 (26 also used)
16-count Aida	one	16.0	6.3	1.59 mm	32-count over two	6.3 in (15.9 cm)	2	Size 26
18-count Aida	one	18.0	7.1	1.41 mm	36-count over two	5.6 in (14.1 cm)	1–2	Size 28
20-count Aida	one	20.0	7.9	1.27 mm	40-count over two	5.0 in (12.7 cm)	1	Not stated by our sources
25-count Evenweave or linen	two	12.5	4.9	2.03 mm	No common Aida match	8.0 in (20.3 cm)	2	Not stated by our sources
25-count Evenweave or linen	one	25.0	9.8	1.02 mm	No common Aida match	4.0 in (10.2 cm)	1	Not stated by our sources
27-count Evenweave	two	13.5	5.3	1.88 mm	No common Aida match	7.4 in (18.8 cm)	Not stated by our sources	Not stated by our sources
28-count Evenweave or linen	two	14.0	5.5	1.81 mm	14-count Aida	7.1 in (18.1 cm)	1–2	Size 24
28-count Evenweave or linen	one	28.0	11.0	0.91 mm	No common Aida match	3.6 in (9.1 cm)	Not stated by our sources	Not stated by our sources
32-count Linen or evenweave	two	16.0	6.3	1.59 mm	16-count Aida	6.3 in (15.9 cm)	1–2	Size 26
36-count Linen	two	18.0	7.1	1.41 mm	18-count Aida	5.6 in (14.1 cm)	Not stated by our sources	Size 28
40-count Linen	two	20.0	7.9	1.27 mm	20-count Aida	5.0 in (12.7 cm)	Not stated by our sources	Not stated by our sources

Opens the cross stitch calculator with these numbers, including the fabric size with margins.

What is fabric count in cross stitch?

Fabric count is the number of stitches or threads per inch of cross stitch fabric. On Aida it counts the stitch squares, so 14-count Aida takes 14 stitches per inch. On evenweave and linen it counts single threads, and most patterns stitch over two of them, so 28-count linen over two also gives 14 stitches per inch.

How do you read the fabric count chart?

Stitches per inch is the number that sets the finished size: stitches ÷ stitches per inch = inches.
One stitch is the width of a single cross in millimetres.
Same size as names the fabric that gives identical stitch size, useful when a pattern calls for a fabric you do not have.
100 stitches shows how far one hundred stitches reach, a quick way to judge a chart’s size.

How do you measure the count of a piece of fabric?

Lay a ruler along one row of the fabric.
On Aida, count the squares (holes) in one inch; on evenweave or linen, count the single threads.
Count over two or three inches and divide, which is more accurate than one inch.

Is 14-count or 16-count Aida better?

14-count Aida is easier to see and count, so it is the usual beginner fabric. 16-count Aida makes a design 12.5% smaller on each side and gives finer detail. Colonial Needle lists two strands for both.

What is the difference between Aida, evenweave and linen?

Aida is woven in blocks and stitched over one; evenweave and linen are woven from single threads and usually stitched over two. The Aida vs evenweave vs linen guide compares weave, fibre, counts and which suits which project.

Which fabric count should a beginner use?

Most beginners start on 11- or 14-count Aida. The holes are large enough to see without magnification, and two or three strands give full coverage. Move to 16 or 18 count once counting feels easy.

Does a higher count mean a smaller design?

Yes. More stitches fit in each inch, so the same pattern gets smaller as the count goes up. A 140-stitch-wide chart is 12.7 in on 11-count and 7.8 in on 18-count.

What size needle goes with 14-count Aida?

Lindy Stitches pairs 14-count Aida with a size 24 tapestry needle, and Fat Quarter Shop also uses a size 26. Pick the one whose eye holds your strands without forcing the holes.

Sources: Colonial Needle, how many strands of embroidery floss to use; Lindy Stitches, what size needle do I need; Fat Quarter Shop, beginner's guide to cross stitch floss and needles; NIST unit conversion (1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly). Every formula and default is explained on the methodology page.

Published by Cross Stitch Calculator; maintained by Fahad Shoaib. Method version 1.1. Last updated November 14, 2026. Found a wrong number? Tell us.