14, 16 or 18-count Aida: which should you use?
Short answer: the count is stitches per inch. 14-count is the easiest to see and the most common for beginners; 16 and 18-count make the same pattern smaller and finer. For photo patterns, 14 or 16 is a good start.
Same pattern, different fabric
| Width | 14-count | 16-count | 18-count | 22-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 stitches | 7.1 in (18 cm) | 6.2 in (16 cm) | 5.6 in (14 cm) | 4.5 in (12 cm) |
The pattern doesn't change; only the finished size does. A higher count makes the picture smaller and the stitches finer.
Which to choose
- 14-count: large holes, easy to see, quick to stitch. The usual choice for a first project.
- 16-count: a little finer, good for portraits that should look smoother.
- 18-count: fine detail, harder on the eyes; usually stitched with one strand less.
- 22-count Hardanger: very fine, for small pieces and experienced stitchers.
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Questions people ask
Is 14-count good for beginners?
Yes. It is the most common beginner fabric because the holes are easy to see.
Does a higher count need a different pattern?
No, the same pattern works. It just comes out smaller.
More guides
- Turn a photo of your dog into a cross-stitch pattern
- Turn a photo of your cat into a cross-stitch pattern
- A pet memorial cross-stitch from your own photo
- Turn a wedding photo into a cross-stitch pattern
- A cross-stitch pattern from a baby photo
- A family portrait cross-stitch from your photo
- Turn a photo of a house into a cross-stitch pattern
- Which photos make good cross-stitch patterns?
- How big will my cross-stitch be?
- How many colours should a photo pattern have?
- How your photo's colours become DMC thread numbers