Aida Fabric Explained: 11ct, 14ct, 16ct, or 18ct?
Last updated: June 14, 2026 — by Stitchly Studio
Stepping into an embroidery shop for the first time — or opening an online product page — you'll stumble across terms like 14 count Aida, 11ct, or 5.5 stitches per cm. It sounds technical, but it's not. In this article, we'll explain exactly what Aida fabric count means, and which one to choose for your first (or fiftieth) embroidery project.
In short
For most patterns, 14 count Aida is the best choice. All our cross-stitch kits with your own photo and our ready-made designs come standard on 14 count Aida — no puzzling over the count, just start stitching.
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 extra 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 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 poor eyesight or who prefer not to wear glasses
- Quick projects where you want a big impact
Disadvantage: the pattern becomes physically larger — a 100 × 100 square design on 11ct is already 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, but fine enough to achieve beautiful details. Almost all cross-stitch kits are designed for 14 count as standard. A 100 × 100 stitch pattern will be about 18 × 18 cm.
Tip: all our pre-made designs and the custom-photo kit are supplied on 14 count Aida as standard — no need to calculate anything.
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 bit 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 end results are beautiful and crisp.
How do I calculate what size fabric I need?
Good question — a common mistake is cutting too small. Calculate as follows:
- Count the number of squares in your pattern (width and height).
- Divide by the number of stitches per cm of your fabric. Example: 100 squares ÷ 5.5 (14ct) = 18.2 cm.
- Add at least 10 cm (5 cm on each side) to be able to stretch it in a hoop and later frame it.
For a 100 × 100 pattern on 14 count, you therefore need at least 28 × 28 cm of fabric. Rather a bit more generous than too tight. Prefer not to calculate anything? Our Aida calculator tool gives you the correct size in one click.
Which Aida color do you choose?
White and cream are the classics — they make your work stand out and suit every style. But modern embroiderers are also increasingly opting for:
- Black or dark grey — 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, ocher) — nice to immediately integrate the background into your design.
Tip: dark fabric looks visually beautiful but is harder to count — not the very first choice for your starting project.
Don't feel like gathering loose materials?
Our complete kits contain 14ct Aida to size, all DMC threads, a needle, and the pattern. View the pre-made designs → or let us create a cross-stitch kit from your own photo →
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. Play around with it, as it's also a matter of personal preference.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stitch the same pattern on different count Aida?
Absolutely. The finished work will just be larger (lower count) or smaller (higher count). Calculate in advance how large your work will be 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 to Aida.
How do I wash Aida fabric?
Carefully hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent (wool detergent works fine), do not wring, let air dry flat. You can wash it before stitching to prevent shrinkage or afterwards to remove finger oils.
Get started
Still in doubt? Start with our custom photo cross-stitch kit on 14 count Aida — that's the count most patterns are designed for, and the best place to start. Looking for a gift? Check out our Father's Day selection — all kits are on 14 count Aida and ready to go. Also read our beginner's guide and the guide to reading patterns.