14 Count vs 18 Count Aida vs 28 Count Linen Size Comparison
On a 140 × 200 stitch pattern, 14-count Aida yields a 10.00" × 14.29" finished design, identical to 28-count linen stitched over two threads. On 18-count Aida, the same design is 7.78" × 11.11": 22.2% smaller in each linear dimension and 39.5% smaller in design area.
Choosing between fabric counts alters not only your finished frame size, but also which pre-cut fabric package—such as a Fat Eighth or Fat Quarter—you need to purchase. These names do not guarantee one worldwide size: seller cuts depend on bolt width and cutting practice. Compare the actual width and height on the listing, and use the calculator's custom pre-cut dimensions when they differ from its examples.
Fabric preparation and handling can change the dimensions you measure. No wash-test or shrinkage percentage is assumed here. Follow the fabric and thread care instructions, measure the fabric's actual count, and recheck the size before cutting. Rounding the cut up to the next full inch provides a simple planning buffer, rather than a measured shrinkage allowance.
Master Cross Stitch Fabric Count & Pre-Cut Sizing Table (140 × 200 Stitch Pattern)
This table preserves a combined 3-inch margin per side: visible border = 0 inches and finishing margin = 3 inches. It is a separate example from the calculator's 4.5-inch-per-side default. Fit is checked against the upward-rounded cut, with rotation allowed, using an example 18" × 21" piece.
| Fabric Type & Count | Stitching Mode | Effective SPI | Finished Design Size (in / cm) | Cut Size (+3" Combined Margin/Side) | Fits Example 18" × 21" Cut? | Suggested Tapestry Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Count Aida | Over 1 | 11.0 | 12.73" × 18.18" (32.3 × 46.2 cm) | 18.73" × 24.18" (Cut 19" × 25") | No; choose a larger cut | Size 22 |
| 14 Count Aida | Over 1 | 14.0 | 10.00" × 14.29" (25.4 × 36.3 cm) | 16.00" × 20.29" (Cut 16" × 21") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 24 |
| 16 Count Aida | Over 1 | 16.0 | 8.75" × 12.50" (22.2 × 31.8 cm) | 14.75" × 18.50" (Cut 15" × 19") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 26 |
| 18 Count Aida | Over 1 | 18.0 | 7.78" × 11.11" (19.8 × 28.2 cm) | 13.78" × 17.11" (Cut 14" × 18") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 26 |
| 25 Count Lugana | Over 1 (Full Cross) | 25.0 | 5.60" × 8.00" (14.2 × 20.3 cm) | 11.60" × 14.00" (Cut 12" × 14") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 28 |
| 28 Count Linen | Over 2 | 14.0 | 10.00" × 14.29" (25.4 × 36.3 cm) | 16.00" × 20.29" (Cut 16" × 21") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 24 |
| 32 Count Belfast | Over 2 | 16.0 | 8.75" × 12.50" (22.2 × 31.8 cm) | 14.75" × 18.50" (Cut 15" × 19") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 26 |
| 36 Count Edinburgh | Over 2 | 18.0 | 7.78" × 11.11" (19.8 × 28.2 cm) | 13.78" × 17.11" (Cut 14" × 18") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 26 |
| 40 Count Newcastle | Over 2 | 20.0 | 7.00" × 10.00" (17.8 × 25.4 cm) | 13.00" × 16.00" (Cut 13" × 16") | Yes, for these dimensions | Size 28 |
Which fabrics produce the same stitched size?
14-count Aida over one and 28-count linen over two both give 14 stitches per inch. The same relationship connects 16-count Aida with 32-count linen over two, and 18-count Aida with 36-count linen over two. The cloth, texture and stitch appearance can differ even when the nominal design dimensions match.
Keep inches and centimeters on the same basis
The calculator uses exactly 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. A nominal 14 stitches per inch therefore converts to 5.5118 stitches per centimeter. A seller's independently stated metric fabric count can be a rounded commercial label; use one count basis for a calculation and check the actual fabric rather than mixing labels.
Choose a cut from the measurements, then confirm the finish
The example 18" × 21" piece fits the table's rounded 14-count cut of 16" × 21", leaving no extra length beyond that rounded result. Adding the default 1.5-inch visible border changes the required cut. Set both allowances before choosing a seller's package, and confirm your framer's or finishing method's requirements.
Need to compare other custom chart sizes side by side? Compare Fabric Counts in Live Cross Stitch Calculator.