Same stitches.
A different size.
Fabric count describes a density, not the physical size of the piece you buy. DMC defines Aida count as the number of stitches that can be made in an inch. A higher count produces a smaller design from the same chart.
A 140 × 180 stitch example
| Aida count | Design in inches | Design in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 10.00 × 12.86 | 25.40 × 32.66 |
| 16 | 8.75 × 11.25 | 22.23 × 28.58 |
| 18 | 7.78 × 10.00 | 19.76 × 25.40 |
These are stitched areas, not cut fabric sizes. Add border on all four sides. Values are rounded for reading; keep the full calculation when checking a close fit.
Why 28 over two equals 14 over one
On 28-count evenweave, crossing two fabric threads for each stitch gives 14 stitches per inch. The same chart therefore has the same physical size as 14-count Aida worked over one block. The fabric texture and stitching experience still differ.
The “over” setting is not the number of floss strands in your needle. Two strands of floss on 14-count Aida usually still means the over-one calculation; follow your chart’s instructions.
Choosing a count
Start with the chart, the finished size you want and what you can comfortably stitch. This calculator does not decide whether coverage, fractional stitches or fabric structure suit a project. If changing the designer’s material choice, stitch a small sample first.
Try the worked example in the planner.
Sources and method
DMC: Aida fabric count; Yarn Tree: cross stitch calculator. Example figures calculated independently as stitches ÷ effective count; centimetres = inches × 2.54.