Choosing Your First Cross Stitch Fabric: Count, Size and How Much to Cut
This guide helps you choose cross stitch fabric: which type, which count, which color and how much to cut. The short answer for a first project: 14-count Aida in white or cream, cut 6 inches bigger than the design in each direction. The rest of this page explains why, with real examples.
Which type of fabric
| Fabric | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Aida | Woven in clear little squares with a hole at each corner. One X goes over one square. | Beginners and most projects. All finished sizes on this site are for Aida. |
| Evenweave | Smooth fabric with no visible squares. Each X goes over 2 threads. | Stitchers with some experience who want a softer look. |
| Linen | Like evenweave, but with a natural, slightly uneven weave. | Experienced stitchers; heirloom pieces. |
28-count evenweave or linen stitched “over two” gives the same size as 14-count Aida.
What “count” means
The count is the number of squares (stitches) per inch. Higher count = smaller squares = smaller finished design.
To find the finished size, divide the pattern’s stitches by the count. Here are three patterns from this site:
| Pattern | Stitches | 11-count | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Slice | 28 x 24 | 2.5“ x 2.2“ | 2.0“ x 1.7“ | 1.8“ x 1.5“ | 1.6“ x 1.3“ |
| Wizard Owl with Star Wand | 75 x 82 | 6.8“ x 7.5“ | 5.4“ x 5.9“ | 4.7“ x 5.1“ | 4.2“ x 4.6“ |
| Red Fox Holding a Maple Leaf | 129 x 166 | 11.7“ x 15.1“ | 9.2“ x 11.9“ | 8.1“ x 10.4“ | 7.2“ x 9.2“ |
- Going from 14-count to 18-count makes a design about a fifth smaller.
- Going from 14-count to 11-count makes it about a quarter bigger.
- Every PDF on this site lists the finished size for 11-, 14-, 16-, 18- and 28-count.
Which count for a first project? 14-count. The squares are easy to see, and 2 strands of thread fill them neatly. Try 16 or 18 later, or when you want a tiny version of a small design.
How much fabric to cut
Add 3 inches on every side of the finished size (6 inches to the width and 6 to the height). This gives a hoop room to grip and leaves enough to frame.
| Pattern (14-count) | Finished size | Cut this much |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Slice | 2.0“ x 1.7“ | 8 x 8 inches |
| Wizard Owl | 5.4“ x 5.9“ | 12 x 12 inches |
| Red Fox | 9.2“ x 11.9“ | 16 x 18 inches |
Always round up. Too little fabric means the design runs to the edge with nothing to frame. For designs over 10 inches, read how to plan a large cross stitch project.
Which color
- White or cream: the best choice to start. Every pattern on this site is designed for white 14-count Aida.
- Antique white or cream: a warmer, slightly vintage look. Works with almost any design.
- Colored fabric: be careful when a design leaves a lot of fabric bare. On The Penguin Proposal, more than half the area is unstitched, so blue or gray fabric would change the whole picture.
- Black or navy: the hardest to stitch on, because the holes are hard to see. Leave it for later, and stitch in daylight.
Before you start
- Cut straight. Cut along one row of holes so the edges are straight.
- Stop fraying. Fold masking tape over each edge, or zigzag the edges on a sewing machine.
- Find the center. Fold the fabric in half, then in half again. Mark the center with a pin and start there.
Questions
What is the best fabric for beginners? 14-count Aida in white or cream.
What does 14-count mean? 14 squares (stitches) per inch of fabric.
How do I make a design smaller? Use a higher count. The same chart on 18-count is about a fifth smaller than on 14-count.
How much fabric do I need? The finished size plus 3 inches on every side.
What next? Read how to cross stitch for beginners for your first stitches, and how to print a cross stitch pattern to print an easy-to-read chart. For a first design, see the beginner patterns.
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