Don't forget to leave plenty of extra fabric all around for borders (at least 3' on each side.) (If the math seems to be a bit much, try this handy cross stitch size calculator.) Preparing the Fabricīecause Aida Cloth is loosely woven, it has a tendency to fray. The same chart stitched onto 28-count fabric would be 5' wide x 7.5' high. For example, a chart that is 140 squares high by 210 squares wide stitched onto 14-count Aida Cloth would finish to 10' high x 15' wide. Divide each number by the count of your fabric.

To determine for yourself the finished size of any given cross-stitch chart, first count the number of graphed squares vertically and horizontally. Most cross stitch patterns will recommend fabric with a particular stitch count in order to achieve a specific finished size project. Stitching on fabric that is 28-count or higher requires good lighting and careful counting. Beginners may want to start with 11-count or 14-count Aida Cloth, as it is easy to see where to place the stitches. The higher the number, the smaller the stitches will be, because there are more stitches in each inch. The most common counts in Aida Cloth are 11, 14, 18 and 28. The size of the weave is measured by how many stitches can be made in one inch. How to Choose the Best Aida Cloth for Your Project Stitch Count Most Aida Cloth is 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and linen fibers. Aida Cloth can be purchased in small pieces, by yardage, or already inserted into prefinished projects. Because Aida Cloth is loosely woven, the spaces where the stitches need to be made are readily apparent. The fabric is an even weave, which leaves perfect squares for making cross-stitch x's. Still, it might be worth it to have all the different sizes in one place you can keep on your computer forever.Aida Cloth – Types, Stitch Counts, and TipsĪida Cloth is a woven fabric used primarily in counted cross-stitch. The only catch is that they are in the website’s store as a product, so you have to go through the process of creating an account and checking out in order to download them. These printables make it that much easier to make your own designs. You can use these to design for any of those counts, and there’s a little grid at the bottom where you can code the colored pencil or markings you make to the color of floss you want to use. The free PDF download includes four pages: (This website no longer exists but we were able to find these new links) If designing your own cross stitch patterns is one of your resolutions for the coming year, check out these free printable blank cross stitch grids from Ajisai Press.

14 ct cross stitch graph paper