14, 16 or 18 count aida: which to use
The count changes how big the finished piece is, not the pattern.
What the count means
The count is the number of squares, and so stitches, in one inch of fabric. 14-count aida has 14 squares to the inch, 18-count has 18. A higher count means smaller squares and a smaller finished piece.
Working out the finished size
Divide the stitch count by the fabric count. A chart 130 stitches wide is 130 ÷ 14 = 9.3 inches on 14-count, 130 ÷ 16 = 8.1 inches on 16-count and 130 ÷ 18 = 7.2 inches on 18-count.
Then add at least three inches on every side for the hoop and for framing. For a 130-stitch design on 14-count, cut your fabric to about 15 inches square.
How many strands
Embroidery floss comes as six strands twisted together, which you separate. On 14-count, use two strands. On 16-count, two strands is still usual. On 18-count, two strands gives fuller coverage and one gives a lighter, finer look. On 11-count, use three.
Which to choose
14-count is the standard for beginners: the holes are easy to see and the stitches are big enough to correct. 16 and 18-count give a finer, smaller result once you are comfortable counting.
On black aida, the larger holes of 14-count are much easier to see, so it is the one to start with on dark fabric.
