“14-count Aida”, “28-count evenweave”, “stitched over two”… fabric labels can be confusing. This week you will learn what fabric count means, how it changes the size of your finished piece, and how to choose the right fabric for every project.
What does fabric count mean?
The count is the number of squares (or threads) in one inch of fabric. 14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch, so you make 14 cross stitches in every inch. A higher count means smaller squares, smaller stitches and a smaller finished design. A lower count means bigger squares that are easier to see.
The three main fabrics
- Aida: woven in little blocks with clear holes. The easiest to learn on. One cross stitch covers one block. Common counts: 11, 14, 16 and 18.
- Evenweave: a smooth fabric with single, evenly spaced threads. You usually stitch “over two” threads, so 28-count evenweave gives 14 stitches per inch.
- Linen: natural fiber with a slightly uneven, beautiful texture, also stitched over two. Common counts are 28, 32 and 36. Lovely results, but it takes practice (Week 15).
How count changes the size of your design
The same pattern comes out a different size on different fabric. Divide the number of stitches by the count to get inches: a design 70 stitches wide is 70 ÷ 14 = 5 inches (12.7 cm) on 14-count, but 70 ÷ 18 = 3.9 inches (9.9 cm) on 18-count, and 70 ÷ 11 = 6.4 inches (16.2 cm) on 11-count. Try any size in our cross stitch calculator.
Stitch Club members only
Keep reading: the rest of this lesson is for Stitch Club members
Still to come in this lesson:
- Which count should you choose?
- Fabric color: white, cream and beyond
- Stitching over two on evenweave
- Buying fabric: sizes and names
- Fabric questions we hear a lot
- This week’s challenge, its badge and the practice pattern (PDF)
This week’s practice patternEvery lesson, challenge and practice pattern, the Stitch Tracker and 20% off patterns. Cancel anytime. Already a member? Log in