The difference is that linen is typically stitched over 2. Linen works the same way as Aida, but the fabric counts are higher, typically anywhere from 22 stitches per inch to 40 stitches per inch. Check out our post on which size needle to use for cross stitch for more information. The largest apple was stitched on 6-count fabric (6 stitches per inch), the medium on 11-count fabric (11 stitches per inch), and the smallest on 16-count fabric (16 stitches per inch).įabric count also determines the size needle you use. With lower count fabrics you should use a bigger needle, and with higher count fabrics a smaller one.

The same apple motif was stitched on three different fabric counts, with very different results. The higher the fabric count, the smaller the finished design will be, and the lower the fabric count, the larger it will be. On 16-count fabric the piece will be 2.6 inches square, and on 18-count fabric it will be 2.3 inches square. For example if you are stitching a motif that is 42 stitches high by 42 stitches wide on 14-count fabric, the finished design will be 3 inches square (42 stitches / 14 stitches per inch = 3 inches). The count of the fabric determines the final size of your piece. The higher the count, the more stitches per inch. Similarly, 16-count Aida has 16 squares or stitches per inch and 18-count Aida has 18 squares or stitches per inch.

Squares per inch and stitches per inch are interchangeable in this example.

For example, 14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch, which means stitching on it will give you 14 stitches per inch. The number of squares per inch determines the count of the fabric. Appropriately called evenweave fabrics, they are perfect for cross stitch because they produce evenly-sized stitches. What is fabric count?Ĭross stitch fabric like Aida and linen are woven with the same number of threads in each direction to create evenly sized squares. How does count impact your cross stitch? Read on to find out. In short, count is the number of holes per inch in a piece of fabric. If you have spent any time looking at cross stitch patterns and kits, you have no doubt run across the phrase fabric count, as in 'stitched on 14 count fabric.' But what does 14-count mean when it comes to cross stitch?

Cross stitch graph 14 count