Free tool · Planning
Fabric count converter
Switching from 14-count Aida to 28-count linen, or to 18-count? Enter your design once and compare every common fabric: finished size, fabric to cut, strands and needle size.
| Fabric | Finished size | Fabric to cut | Strands | Needle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aida 1111 st/in | 10.9″ × 8.2″ | 16.9″ × 14.2″ | 3 | 22 | 27% bigger |
| Aida 1414 st/in | 8.6″ × 6.4″ | 14.6″ × 12.4″ | 2 | 24 | Same size |
| Aida 1616 st/in | 7.5″ × 5.6″ | 13.5″ × 11.6″ | 2 | 24–26 | 12% smaller |
| Aida 1818 st/in | 6.7″ × 5.0″ | 12.7″ × 11.0″ | 2 | 26 | 22% smaller |
| Aida 2020 st/in | 6.0″ × 4.5″ | 12.0″ × 10.5″ | 1 | 26–28 | 30% smaller |
| Hardanger 2222 st/in | 5.5″ × 4.1″ | 11.5″ × 10.1″ | 1 | 26–28 | 36% smaller |
| Evenweave 25 over 212.5 st/in | 9.6″ × 7.2″ | 15.6″ × 13.2″ | 2 | 24 | 12% bigger |
| Evenweave 28 over 214 st/in | 8.6″ × 6.4″ | 14.6″ × 12.4″ | 2 | 24 | Same size |
| Linen 32 over 216 st/in | 7.5″ × 5.6″ | 13.5″ × 11.6″ | 2 | 24–26 | 12% smaller |
| Linen 36 over 218 st/in | 6.7″ × 5.0″ | 12.7″ × 11.0″ | 2 | 26 | 22% smaller |
| Linen 40 over 220 st/in | 6.0″ × 4.5″ | 12.0″ × 10.5″ | 2 | 26–28 | 30% smaller |
| Evenweave 2828 st/in | 4.3″ × 3.2″ | 10.3″ × 9.2″ | 1 | 28 | 50% smaller |
Needle sizes are tapestry needles; strand counts are for full cross stitches. Test a few stitches first: coverage depends on the thread brand and your tension.
How fabric counts compare
- 1
Enter the design
Width and height in stitches, from the pattern or the chart grid.
- 2
Choose your current fabric
The row marked Same size gives the same finished size. Linen over two at double the count matches Aida.
- 3
Pick a margin
Leave 2 to 3 inches each side for framing, more for a large hoop or a pillow.
- 4
Use the right strands and needle
Strands and tapestry needle size follow the usual pairing for each stitch size.
Turn any photo into a pattern
Real DMC colours, symbols, a thread list with skeins and a printable PDF.
Questions
- Is 28-count linen the same as 14-count Aida?
- Yes, when you stitch over two threads. 28 ÷ 2 = 14 stitches per inch, so the design comes out the same size.
- How much smaller is 18-count than 14-count?
- About 22% smaller in each direction, because 14 ÷ 18 = 0.78.
- What needle size should I use?
- Usually a size 24 tapestry needle for 14-count, 26 for 16 to 18-count and 28 for fine linen. Smaller numbers are thicker needles.
- How many strands for 18-count Aida?
- Most stitchers use 2 strands on 16 to 18-count for full coverage, and 1 strand on 22-count Hardanger or finer.