Aida cloth comes in different thread counts. Count in this instance refers to the number of square holes, between the threads in the weave of the fabric, in each inch. The most common aida thread counts are 6ct, 8ct, 11ct, 14ct, 16ct, and 18ct. The larger the number of squares in each inch the smaller the stitches will be making more detail possible in the design.
Evenweave fabrics like Aida and linen have the same number of threads in both warp and weft. This makes the small holes between threads all the same size and results in even cross stitches.
A high thread count like 18ct will result in smaller finished project than 6ct or 11ct when stitching the same design.
Linen is also an evenweave fabric and it has high thread counts. Linen comes in anything from 22 stitches to 40 stitches in each inch. Cross stitch is usually worked over 2 holes when working on linen. The same pattern worked on 28 count linen and on 14 count aida will result in similarly sized finished designs.
The different sized holes in the various thread counts will each work best with needle sizes as listed in our guide to best needle sizes. See below and in our needle size article.
A guide to best needle size for aida and linen.
- Needle Size 18 – 6 count aida fabric – 3 strands of floss
- Needle Size 20 – 8 count aida fabric – 3 strands of floss
- Needle Size 22 – 11 count aida fabric – 3 strands of floss
- Needle Size 24 – 14 count aida fabric or 28 count linen – 2 strands of floss
- Needle Size 26 – 16 count aida fabric or 32 count linen – 2 strands of floss
- Needle Size 28 – 18 count aida fabric or 36 count linen – 1 or 2 strands of floss
Check out our wide variety of premium quality Zweigart Aida cloth in a range of colours and thread counts including precuts, bands, and by the metre.
