What 'count' means
Count is the number of stitches per inch. On 14-count aida you get 14 stitches (and 14 little woven blocks) per inch; on 18-count you get 18. The higher the count, the smaller each stitch and the more detail the same design holds in the same space — but the harder it is to see the holes.
Because count is stitches-per-inch, the same chart produces a different physical size on different fabrics. The formula is: finished size (inches) = stitch count ÷ fabric count.
14 vs 16 vs 18 at a glance
| Count | Stitches / inch | Strands (full stitch) | Needle | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 14 | 2 | size 24 | Beginners, kids, bold designs, easy on the eyes |
| 16 | 16 | 2 | size 26 | A step up in detail without much extra strain |
| 18 | 18 | 1–2 | size 26–28 | Fine detail, portraits, smaller finished size |
11-count also exists (11 stitches/inch, 3 strands, size 22–24 needle) and is great for children or low-vision stitchers — big holes, fast coverage.
The same pattern, three sizes
Say your photo pattern is 140 stitches wide. Here's the finished width on each fabric:
- 14-count: 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches wide
- 16-count: 140 ÷ 16 = 8.75 inches wide
- 18-count: 140 ÷ 18 ≈ 7.8 inches wide
Same stitches, same detail, different physical size. If you have a frame or a wall space in mind, work backwards: pick the finished size you want, then choose the count (and stitch width) that hits it. Always add a couple of inches of bare fabric on each side for framing.
Detail vs. comfort — the real trade-off
Higher count = finer detail but smaller holes, which means more eye strain and often good lighting or magnification. Lower count = faster, easier stitching but a physically larger piece for the same detail. For a photo portrait, 14 or 16-count is the practical sweet spot: enough resolution for a recognizable face, still comfortable to stitch. Reserve 18-count for when you specifically want fine detail in a compact finished size — and good light.
Which should you pick for a photo pattern?
- First photo project or a gift you want finished soon: 14-count.
- You want more detail in the face but not tiny stitches: 16-count.
- You want a small, finely-detailed keepsake and don't mind the eye work: 18-count.
Whatever you choose, keep the fabric count and stitch width in mind together — that's what sets both the detail and the finished size. When you export from StitchSnap you'll know the exact stitch dimensions, so you can pick a fabric that lands on the size you want.
Frequently asked questions
What does 14-count aida mean?
It means 14 stitches per inch — the fabric has 14 evenly-spaced woven blocks (and holes) per inch. 14-count is the most popular, beginner-friendly cross-stitch fabric.
Is higher count fabric better?
Not better, just finer. Higher count packs more detail into less space but has smaller holes that are harder to see. 14 or 16-count is the comfortable choice for most photo patterns; 18-count is for fine detail in a compact size.
How do I calculate finished size?
Divide the stitch count by the fabric count. A 140-stitch-wide design is 10 inches on 14-count, 8.75 inches on 16-count, and about 7.8 inches on 18-count. Add 2–3 inches of bare fabric on each side for framing.
How many strands for each fabric count?
Two strands for full cross-stitches on 14 and 16-count, three on 11-count, and one to two on 18-count. Backstitch is usually a single strand regardless of count.