14, 16 or 18-count Aida: how fabric changes the size

Aida count means the number of fabric squares per inch. For the same chart, a higher count makes smaller crosses and a smaller finished design. The chart's stitch count stays the same.

What the number means

With full crosses worked over one Aida square, 14-count fabric gives 14 crosses per inch, 16-count gives 16 and 18-count gives 18. DMC describes 14-count Aida as an approachable starting point for beginners because the holes are easy to see.

The useful choice is the fabric you can see and stitch comfortably, at a size that fits your intended finish. More squares per inch do not add detail to an existing chart. They fit the same chart into less space.

Calculate the stitched area

Width in inches = chart width in stitches ÷ Aida count.
Height in inches = chart height in stitches ÷ Aida count.
Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimeters.

For a chart that is 100 stitches wide and 120 stitches high, the stitched area is:

Example: a 100 × 120-stitch chart, stitched over one square
Aida	Inches	Centimeters
14-count	7.14 × 8.57	18.14 × 21.77
16-count	6.25 × 7.50	15.88 × 19.05
18-count	5.56 × 6.67	14.11 × 16.93

These are calculated design dimensions, rounded to two decimal places. They are not the size of fabric to cut. Fabric variation, washing and tension can affect the final measurement.

The same 100-by-120-stitch design is largest on 14-count Aida at 7.14 by 8.57 inches, smaller on 16-count, and smallest on 18-count. — **Higher count. Smaller finished piece.**The rectangles share one scale and represent the same stitch count. Dimensions show the stitched area only, with full crosses worked over one Aida square.Open full-size diagram (new tab)

Leave fabric for the finish

Add room on every side for the hoop, frame or sewing method you intend to use. Check the finishing instructions before cutting, particularly for bookmarks, cushions or shaped ornaments.

For example, adding a 3-inch allowance on each side of the 14-count example means adding 6 inches to both dimensions: about 13.14 × 14.57 inches of fabric. This is an example allowance, not a requirement for every project. Round your cut up rather than cutting into the space you need.

A 7.14-by-8.57-inch stitched area with a three-inch margin on each of its four sides needs about 13.14 by 14.57 inches of fabric. — **Leave room on every side.**A 3-inch margin is an example, not a rule for every finish. Check your framing or sewing instructions, then round the fabric cut up.Open full-size diagram (new tab)

Check thread coverage before changing fabric

The same number of strands can look more open on a lower-count fabric and denser on a higher-count fabric. Follow the pattern's guidance first. If you change the fabric, stitch a small sample with your actual floss and fabric color before committing to the whole design.

Dark thread on light fabric and pale thread on dark fabric can make gaps more noticeable. Choose the effect you like without assuming that more strands are always better: crowding the holes can make stitching harder.

This calculation is for Aida over one square. Linen and evenweave instructions may specify stitching over two fabric threads; read those instructions separately.