Aida vs Linen: How to Choose Cross Stitch Fabric Count

The quick answer

Aida is often the easiest fabric for a new cross stitcher because its clearly defined squares make each stitch easy to place. Linen has a softer, more traditional appearance and is usually stitched over two fabric threads. For example, 28-count linen stitched over two creates the same stitch size as 14-count Aida.

Choosing cross stitch fabric can feel a little confusing when you are first getting started. There is Aida, linen and evenweave, followed by all those numbers: 11 count, 14 count, 18 count, 28 count and more.

Thankfully, it is much simpler than it first appears.

The most important thing to remember is:

A lower fabric count creates larger stitches and a larger finished project. A higher fabric count creates smaller stitches and a more delicate finished result.

Both Aida and linen are beautiful choices. There truly is no right or wrong answer. The best fabric is the one that feels comfortable in your hands, suits your project and makes you excited to begin stitching.

What does cross stitch fabric count mean?

Fabric count tells you how many squares or fabric threads are found within one inch.

On Aida, the count refers to the number of clearly defined stitching squares per inch.

1. 11-count Aida has 11 squares per inch

2. 14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch

3. 18-count Aida has 18 squares per inch

Linen is measured by the number of individual fabric threads per inch. Most cross stitch designs on linen are worked over two threads.

For example:

1. 28-count linen stitched over two equals 14 stitches per inch

2. 32-count linen stitched over two equals 16 stitches per inch

3. 36-count linen stitched over two equals 18 stitches per inch

4. 40-count linen stitched over two equals 20 stitches per inch

This is why 28-count linen and 14-count Aida create approximately the same finished design size.

Once you understand that little bit of cross stitch math, fabric counts become much less intimidating.

What is Aida fabric?

Aida is a cotton fabric woven especially for cross stitch. Its threads are grouped together to create clearly defined squares, with an easy-to-see hole at each corner.

This makes it wonderfully straightforward to see exactly where your needle should go.

Aida is often recommended for beginners, and for very good reason. It allows you to concentrate on learning how to read the chart, form your stitches and enjoy the rhythm of stitching without also having to count individual fabric threads.

That said, Aida is certainly not only for beginners. Many very experienced stitchers love working on Aida, especially for larger projects, ornaments, full-coverage designs and patterns where a crisp, even grid is helpful.

What is linen cross stitch fabric?

Linen is woven from individual threads rather than grouped squares.

Most cross stitch on linen is worked over two fabric threads. This creates a softer, more traditional appearance, with more of the fabric’s beautiful texture showing around the stitches.

Linen may also contain small natural variations called slubs. These are part of the character of the fibre rather than flaws. I think they are one of the things that make linen so lovely. They give the fabric a natural, slightly timeworn quality that works beautifully with samplers and heirloom-style projects.

Linen can take a little longer to feel comfortable with because you need to count the individual threads. The first few stitches may feel slower, but once your eyes begin to recognize the weave, it becomes much more natural.

Is 28-count linen the same as 14-count Aida?

In terms of stitch size, yes.

Twenty-eight-count linen stitched over two threads creates 14 stitches per inch, which is the same as 14-count Aida.

A design stitched on either fabric will be approximately the same finished size.

The biggest difference is the appearance:

1. 14-count Aida has a clear, structured grid

2. 28-count linen has a softer, more textured and traditional look

This makes 28-count linen a wonderful next step for someone who already enjoys 14-count Aida and would like to try linen without making the stitches any smaller.

Is 11-count Aida good for beginners?

Yes. Eleven-count Aida has large, easy-to-see squares and creates larger stitches.

It can be a lovely choice for children, new stitchers, anyone who finds smaller fabric counts tiring, or designs that are meant to have a bold and cheerful appearance.

Because the holes are larger, three strands of embroidery floss are often used to create fuller coverage. Always check the pattern instructions first, as the designer may have a particular look in mind.

Why is 14-count Aida so popular?

Fourteen-count Aida is one of the most popular cross stitch fabrics because it offers such a nice balance between visibility, detail and finished size.

It is easy enough for most beginners to see comfortably, but the stitches are still small enough to create a beautifully detailed finished project.

It is especially helpful when:

1. You are learning to cross stitch

2. You want clearly defined stitching holes

3. You are working on a larger design

4. You prefer not to count individual linen threads

5. You would like a versatile fabric for many different projects

Most designs on 14-count Aida are stitched with two strands of embroidery floss.

For many stitchers, 14-count Aida is the fabric they return to again and again.

When should you choose 18-count Aida?

Eighteen-count Aida creates smaller stitches and a more refined finished project.

It is a beautiful choice for ornaments, small samplers, detailed designs and projects that need to fit within a particular frame or finishing piece.

The holes are smaller than those on 14-count Aida, so good lighting can make a tremendous difference. Depending on the pattern and the amount of coverage you prefer, you may use one or two strands of embroidery floss.

I love 18-count Aida for projects where you want that finer look while still enjoying the clearly defined Aida grid.

Is linen difficult for a beginner?

Linen is not necessarily difficult, but it does ask you to look at the fabric a little differently.

Instead of stitching over one visible square, you count over two individual fabric threads.

For your first linen project, I would recommend:

1. A light-coloured 28-count linen

2. A small pattern

3. A design made mostly from full cross stitches

4. Good, even lighting

5. A thread colour that contrasts clearly with the fabric

Most importantly, give yourself a little time.

Your first few stitches may feel unfamiliar, but that does not mean linen is not for you. Once your eyes adjust to the weave, it often becomes surprisingly relaxing.

It is also perfectly all right to decide that you simply prefer Aida. Linen is not a test you need to pass to become an experienced stitcher.

What does stitching “over two” mean?

When a pattern tells you to stitch over two, each cross stitch spans two vertical fabric threads and two horizontal fabric threads.

This is the most common way to stitch on linen.

Some patterns also contain over-one stitching, where each stitch is worked over a single linen thread. These tiny stitches are often used for delicate lettering, faces or very small details.

Before changing a pattern from linen to Aida, take a quick look to see whether it includes over-one sections, fractional stitches or specialty stitches.

Will changing the fabric count change the finished size?

Yes, and this is something worth checking before you order your fabric.

To calculate the stitched design size, divide the number of stitches in the pattern by the number of stitches per inch.

For example, a design that is 140 stitches wide will measure:

1. 10 inches wide on 14-count Aida

2. Approximately 7.8 inches wide on 18-count Aida

3. 10 inches wide on 28-count linen stitched over two

Remember that this is only the stitched area.

You will also need extra fabric around all four sides for framing or finishing. We generally recommend allowing at least two to three inches on each side, and sometimes more depending on how you plan to finish the project.

How many strands of embroidery floss should you use?

As a general starting point:

1. 11-count Aida often uses three strands

2. 14-count Aida commonly uses two strands

3. 18-count Aida may use one or two strands

4. 28-count linen stitched over two commonly uses two strands

These are guidelines rather than strict rules.

Some stitchers love very full coverage, while others prefer a softer look that allows a little more of the fabric to show. The fabric colour, thread colour and designer’s intended style can all make a difference.

It is always worth stitching a few test crosses near the edge of the fabric before beginning your project.

A few tips from our shop

When we help customers choose cross stitch fabric, we usually begin with comfort rather than experience level.

Someone who has stitched for many years may still love 14-count Aida. A newer stitcher may immediately fall in love with linen.

I think the best choice is the fabric that makes you eager to gather your threads, thread your needle and begin.

If you are moving from Aida to linen, start with a light-coloured 28-count fabric and a small design. Give your eyes a little time to adjust, and do not worry if the first few stitches feel slower.

There is something very special about watching a design come to life on a beautiful piece of fabric. The fabric is not simply the background. It becomes part of the finished piece.

Which cross stitch fabric count should you choose?

Choose 11-count Aida when you want large, easy-to-see stitches.

Choose 14-count Aida when you want an approachable and versatile fabric for everyday cross stitch projects.

Choose 18-count Aida when you want a smaller, more refined result while keeping the clearly defined Aida grid.

Choose 28-count linen stitched over two when you want the same stitch size as 14-count Aida with a softer, more traditional appearance.

The best cross stitch fabric is the one that suits your eyes, your hands, your project and the way you love to stitch.

Explore cross stitch fabrics

You can explore our carefully curated collection of Aida, linen and cross stitch fabrics here.

You may also enjoy:

1. How to Cross Stitch: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

2. Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: What Is the Difference?
   

Frequently asked questions

Is 14-count Aida good for beginners?

Yes. Fourteen-count Aida is one of the best choices for beginners because its squares and stitching holes are easy to see. It also creates a versatile finished size that works well for many different patterns.

Can I use 14-count Aida instead of 28-count linen?

Often, yes. Twenty-eight-count linen stitched over two creates the same stitch size as 14-count Aida. Check the pattern for over-one stitching, fractional stitches or specialty stitches before changing fabrics.

What is the easiest cross stitch fabric count?

Eleven-count Aida has the largest and most visible squares, but 14-count Aida is the most common beginner choice because it offers a lovely balance between visibility and detail.

Does a higher fabric count make the design smaller?

Yes. A higher fabric count fits more stitches within each inch, so the finished design will be smaller and more delicate.

Can a beginner use linen for cross stitch?

Absolutely. A light-coloured 28-count linen stitched over two is often the easiest place to begin. Choose a small design, use good lighting and give yourself a little time to become familiar with the weave.