Aida Fabric Explained: 11ct, 14ct, 16ct, or 18ct?

Last updated: May 6, 2026 — by Stitchly Studio

Step into an embroidery shop for the first time — or onto a product page online — and you'll stumble upon terms like 14 count Aida, 11ct, or 5.5 stitches per cm. Sounds technical, but it's not. In this article, we'll explain exactly what Aida fabric count means, and which one is best for your first (or fiftieth) embroidery project.

What is Aida fabric?

Aida is a cross-stitch fabric specifically woven with clear square blocks and holes at the corners. This means you don't have to count threads — each square is one cross stitch. The fabric is usually made of 100% cotton, sometimes with a polyester blend for added durability. For beginners, Aida is clearly the best choice, as its structure "counts for you."

What does count mean?

The count indicates how many cross stitches fit per inch (2.54 cm) on your fabric. The higher the number, the finer your fabric — and the smaller each individual cross stitch becomes.

You usually see it noted in two ways:

• 14 ct or 14 count — 14 cross stitches per inch
• 5.5 stitches/cm — the same fabric, but expressed per cm

Both numbers thus refer to the same fabric. A quick calculation: 14 ÷ 2.54 = 5.5 stitches per cm.

The four most commonly used Aida counts

Aida 11 count (4.4 stitches/cm)

Coarse and large. Ideal for:

• Very young children learning to embroider
• People with impaired vision or who prefer not to wear their glasses
• Quick projects where you want a big impact

Disadvantage: the pattern becomes physically larger — a 100 × 100 square design on 11ct will be about 23 × 23 cm.

Aida 14 count (5.5 stitches/cm) — the standard

By far the most common count, and our recommendation for beginners. The squares are large enough to count easily, yet fine enough to achieve beautiful details. Almost all embroidery kits are designed for 14 count as standard. A 100 × 100 cross stitch pattern will result in approximately 18 × 18 cm.

Aida 16 count (6.3 stitches/cm)

Slightly finer than 14ct, nice for projects where you want a bit more detail without switching to linen. Requires a little more concentration and good light.

Aida 18 count (7.1 stitches/cm)

Fine, detailed, and loved by advanced embroiderers. Not recommended for your first project: the holes become small and you really need good light. But the final results are beautiful and neat.

How do I calculate what size fabric I need?

Good question — a common mistake is cutting too tight. Calculate as follows:

1. Count the number of squares in your pattern (width and height).
2. Divide by the number of stitches per cm of your fabric. Example: 100 squares ÷ 5.5 (14ct) = 18.2 cm.
3. Add at least 10 cm (5 cm on each side) to allow for stretching in a hoop and for framing later.

For a 100 × 100 pattern on 14 count, you therefore need at least 28 × 28 cm of fabric. Better a little too much than too little.

Which color Aida do you choose?

White and cream are the classics — they show off your work well and suit any style. But modern embroiderers are also increasingly choosing:

• Black or dark gray — exciting for pastel-colored thread, gives a graphic effect.
• Linen-look (natural color) — warm and calm, beautiful for botanical or vintage patterns.
• Colored Aida (mint, soft pink, ochre) — great for integrating the background directly into your design.

Tip: dark fabric works well visually but is harder to count — not the very first choice for your starting project.

How many strands of thread do you use per count?

Mouline thread consists of 6 strands that you split for use. What you use depends on your count:

• 11 count: 3 strands
• 14 count: 2 strands (the standard)
• 16 count: 2 strands
• 18 count: 1 or 2 strands (depending on desired coverage)

Too many strands = your work will be lumpy and stiff. Too few = the fabric will show through. Experiment with it, because it's also a matter of personal preference.

Frequently asked questions

Can I embroider the same pattern on different counts of Aida?

Absolutely. The finished work will only be larger (lower count) or smaller (higher count). Calculate the size of your work in advance so it fits your frame or intended purpose.

What is the difference between Aida and linen?

Linen has no visible squares — you count the threads yourself and usually stitch over two threads. Much nicer end result, but tougher to learn. Beginners: stick with Aida.

How do I wash Aida fabric?

Carefully by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent (wool detergent works well), do not wring, dry flat. Washing can be done before embroidering to prevent shrinkage or afterwards to remove fingerprints.

Getting started

Still in doubt? Start with our custom photo embroidery kit on 14 count Aida — that's the count most patterns are designed for, and the best place to start. Also read our beginner's guide to cross stitch and the guide to reading patterns.