Best Fabric for Cross Stitch: Aida, Linen, or Evenweave?
When starting a new project, one of the first questions many stitchers ask is: what is the best fabric for cross stitch? With so many choices available, it can feel overwhelming. The three most popular options are Aida fabric, linen fabric, and evenweave fabric.
In this guide, we’ll compare Aida vs linen vs evenweave, explain fabric counts, and help you choose the right material for your stitching style.
Aida Fabric for Cross Stitch
Best fabric for beginners
Aida is the most common cross stitch fabric and the top choice for beginners.
• Structure: It has a clear, grid-like weave with visible holes that make counting stitches simple.
• Popular counts: 11, 14, 16, and 18 count. (14 count Aida is the most widely used.)
• Pros: Easy to see, perfect for beginners, affordable, comes in many colors.
• Cons: Holes can be too visible on larger projects, less refined finish compared to linen.
👉 If you’re searching for beginner cross stitch fabric, Aida is your best choice.
Linen Fabric for Cross Stitch
Best fabric for traditional and elegant designs
Linen fabric is loved by experienced stitchers who want a more classic look.
• Structure: Natural, slightly uneven weave gives projects a vintage and textured appearance.
• Popular counts: 28 count linen and 32 count linen (stitched over two threads, similar to 14 or 16 count Aida).
• Pros: Elegant finish, ideal for heirloom pieces, samplers, and decorative work.
• Cons: Smaller holes make it harder to see, less beginner-friendly, usually more expensive.
👉 If you’re comparing Aida vs linen, linen wins when you want a sophisticated, timeless finish.
Evenweave Fabric for Cross Stitch
Best fabric for flexibility and modern patterns
Evenweave is a great middle ground between Aida and linen.
• Structure: Smooth, evenly spaced threads make it perfect for specialty stitches.
• Popular counts: 25, 28, and 32 count (usually stitched over two threads).
• Pros: Great for more detailed and modern cross stitch patterns, softer than Aida, flexible.
• Cons: Requires careful counting, not as simple as Aida for beginners.
👉 If you’re wondering what is evenweave fabric — it’s ideal for stitchers ready to move beyond Aida.
Cross Stitch Fabric Count Explained
Fabric “count” means the number of stitches per inch.
• 11 count Aida → large, easy stitches (perfect for beginners).
• 14 count Aida → the most popular choice for everyday cross stitch patterns.
• 28 count linen or evenweave (stitched over two) → similar to 14 count Aida in size, but with a more delicate look.
👉 Understanding fabric count helps you select the right fabric for your chosen PDF cross stitch pattern.
Which Fabric Should You Choose? (Aida vs Linen vs Evenweave)
• Beginners or kids → Aida fabric
• Traditional or heirloom projects → Linen fabric
• Detailed, modern designs → Evenweave fabric
There’s no single best fabric for cross stitch - it depends on your skill level, design, and the finish you want to achieve.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cross stitch fabric can completely change the look of your project. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Aida, the elegance of linen, or the versatility of evenweave, each fabric has unique benefits.
👉 Ready to start stitching? Browse our [PDF cross stitch patterns] - designed to look beautiful on Aida ones.