What is being counted?
- Aida fabric count: squares per inch. One full cross over one square on 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch.
- Linen or evenweave count: fabric threads per inch. A design worked over two on 28-count fabric has 14 stitches per inch.
- Pattern stitch count: the number of stitches across and down, such as 140 × 100.
- Stitch gauge: stitches or rows inside a stated measured span, such as 20 stitches per 10 cm.
Household sheet “thread count” is another convention, adding lengthwise and crosswise thread counts. It is not the cross-stitch fabric count.
Compare like with like
A 140-stitch-wide design is 10 inches wide on 14-count Aida over one, or 28-count linen over two. Specify the fabric count and stitch span in the cross-stitch calculator before comparing sizes.