Aida Fabric
Aida fabric is one of the most popular foundations for cross stitch, valued for its evenly spaced holes, easy counting, and wide variety of colors and stitch counts. Whether you're just learning to stitch or have years of experience, Aida provides a dependable surface for everything from ornaments and samplers to large, detailed projects.
At Maple Grove Needleworks, we offer premium Aida fabric from trusted manufacturers, including Zweigart, in several stitch counts to suit your project and stitching style.
Choosing the Right Aida Count
14 Count Aida
The most popular choice for cross stitch. With 14 stitches per inch, it offers larger holes that are easy to see, making it an excellent option for beginners, personalized gifts, ornaments, and many everyday projects.
16 Count Aida
A favorite among stitchers who want slightly finer detail without sacrificing comfort. At 16 stitches per inch, designs appear more refined while remaining easy to stitch.
18 Count Aida
Ideal for intricate designs and experienced stitchers who prefer smaller stitches and greater detail. Finished projects are more compact and produce beautifully crisp results.
No matter which count you choose, Aida fabric provides excellent stitch definition and works beautifully with stranded cotton, hand-dyed floss, metallic threads, and specialty fibers.
Not sure what size fabric you'll need? We've linked the Yarn Tree Fabric Calculator on this page to help you determine the correct fabric size before starting your next project.
Whether you're stitching your first ornament or your next heirloom sampler, you'll find quality Aida fabric at Maple Grove Needleworks to help bring your project to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aida fabric?
Aida fabric is one of the most popular fabrics for cross stitch. Its evenly spaced holes create an easy-to-follow grid, making it simple to count stitches and achieve neat, consistent results.
What Aida counts do you carry?
Maple Grove Needleworks offers premium Aida fabric in several stitch counts, including:
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14 Count Aida – The most popular choice, with larger holes that are easy to see and stitch.
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16 Count Aida – A great middle ground that offers finer detail while remaining comfortable to stitch.
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18 Count Aida – Perfect for intricate designs and stitchers who prefer a smaller, more detailed finished project.
Which Aida count should I choose?
The best count depends on the look you're trying to achieve.
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14 Count: Larger stitches and a larger finished design.
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16 Count: Medium-sized stitches with slightly more detail.
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18 Count: Smaller stitches that create a finer, more detailed finished piece.
Many stitchers also choose based on their eyesight, preferred stitching experience, and the pattern designer's recommendation.
Do you sell Zweigart Aida?
Yes. We proudly carry premium Zweigart Aida, known worldwide for its consistent weave, exceptional quality, and beautiful selection of colors.
What needle should I use with Aida fabric?
A general guideline is:
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14 Count Aida: Size 24 tapestry needle
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16 Count Aida: Size 26 tapestry needle
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18 Count Aida: Size 28 tapestry needle
Needle size is ultimately a personal preference, but these are the most commonly recommended combinations.
How many strands of floss should I use?
Most cross stitch patterns recommend:
Always follow the recommendations provided with your pattern when available.
How do I know what size fabric to buy?
We've linked the Yarn Tree Fabric Calculator on this page to help you determine the correct fabric size based on your pattern's stitch count and the border you'd like around your finished design.
Can I use hand-dyed or specialty threads on Aida?
Absolutely. Aida works beautifully with stranded cotton, hand-dyed threads, silks, metallics, and many other specialty fibers, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of cross stitch projects.
Do you cut fabric to custom sizes?
Many of our fabrics are available in multiple precut sizes. If you need a different size than what's listed, please contact us. Whenever possible, we're happy to help with custom cuts.
What's the difference between Aida and linen or evenweave?
Aida has clearly defined holes that make counting stitches easy, making it an excellent choice for stitchers of all experience levels. Linen and evenweave fabrics have a smoother, more natural appearance and are often stitched over two threads, creating a finer, more traditional finish.
