How to Choose the Right Fabric for Cross Stitch: Aida vs Evenweave vs Linen

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of embroidery fabric and felt confused, you’re not alone. Choosing the right fabric for cross stitch can feel overwhelming at first. Should you go with Aida? What’s the difference between Evenweave and Linen? Does the fabric even matter that much?

Yes, it does. The fabric affects how easy it is to stitch, how your design looks, and even how long the project will take. This guide will walk you through the main differences between Aida, Evenweave, and Linen. You’ll learn how to choose the best cross stitch fabric for your needs — whether you’re just starting out or trying something new.

What Is Cross Stitch Fabric and Why It Matters

Cross stitch fabric is the base for your entire project. It’s where your design comes to life. Different fabrics offer different textures, thread counts, and levels of difficulty. Some fabrics are great for beginners. Others are better suited for experienced stitchers who enjoy more detail.

The three most popular fabrics used in cross stitch are:

• Aida
• Evenweave
• Linen
  

Each has its own feel, look, and stitching experience. Let’s break them down.

Aida: The Go-To Fabric for Beginners

Aida is the most common fabric in cross stitch. It’s also the easiest to work with.

The fabric has a clear grid pattern. The holes are easy to see and count. That’s why many beginners choose Aida for their first projects.

Aida comes in different counts, with 14 count being the most popular. That means there are 14 holes per inch. Your design will look more pixelated on 14 count and more detailed on 18 count or higher.

Why people love Aida:

• It’s affordable.
• It’s easy to count stitches.
• It doesn’t require a magnifier or strong lighting.
  

But Aida isn’t perfect. It can feel stiff, and it doesn’t allow for as much detail as other fabrics. Some advanced stitchers say it looks “blocky” for intricate designs.

Best for: Beginners, simple patterns, and designs with full cross stitches.

Evenweave: A Smooth Step Up

Evenweave fabric is smoother than Aida. It doesn’t have visible holes. Instead, it has an even number of threads running vertically and horizontally. That’s why it’s called “evenweave.”

With Evenweave, you usually stitch over two threads, so it creates a similar size stitch to 14-count Aida when using 28-count Evenweave.

This fabric is ideal for projects that include:

• Fractional stitches
• Backstitching
• Blended threads
  

Evenweave gives your work a cleaner look. It also works well with hand-dyed fabrics because of its smooth surface.

Challenges: It takes more focus. You need to count threads carefully. The holes aren’t as obvious as on Aida, which can slow you down at first.

Best for: Intermediate stitchers, detailed patterns, and softer finishes.

Linen: Classic and Elegant

Linen is a type of Evenweave, but with a twist. The threads are not always the same thickness, which gives linen a more organic and rustic feel.

This uneven texture adds charm to your finished piece. Many stitchers love linen for samplers, traditional motifs, and anything that needs a “vintage” feel.

Linen is usually stitched over two threads as well. The most common count is 32-count linen, which is similar in size to 16-count Aida.

Things to know about linen:

• It’s less predictable. Some threads are thicker, some are thinner.
• It gives your work a textured, high-end look.
• It may shrink if washed incorrectly, so handle it with care.
  

Best for: Experienced stitchers, antique-style projects, and anyone who wants a unique finish.

Quick Comparison Table

Real-Life Example

Emma, a beginner from Ohio, started with 14-count Aida for a sunflower pattern. She finished her piece in just three weeks and loved how easy it was to count.

Six months later, she tried 28-count Evenweave. The holes were harder to see, but the final result looked more polished.

Now she uses linen for family gifts, saying, “It gives a timeless feel. My grandmother used linen, and now I do too.”

Fabric Count and How It Affects the Design

The fabric count tells you how many threads or holes are in one inch of fabric.

• 14-count Aida = 14 holes per inch.
• 28-count Evenweave or Linen (stitched over 2) = 14 stitches per inch.
• 32-count Linen = 16 stitches per inch (when stitching over 2).
  

Higher count = more detail, but also smaller stitches. That’s something to think about if you have vision issues or prefer larger designs.

Which Fabric Should You Choose?

There’s no wrong answer — just what works best for your skill level and project.

• Choose Aida if you’re just starting out or want a relaxing stitch.
• Try Evenweave if you’re ready to add more detail and try new techniques.
• Go for Linen if you love traditional styles or want a more textured finish.
  

If you’re unsure, buy small cuts of each and test them. Many stitchers find their favorite by experimenting.

Final Thoughts

Choosing cross stitch fabric doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you know the difference between Aida, Evenweave, and Linen, you’ll start to notice what works best for you.

Each fabric has its own style, feel, and challenge. And the more you stitch, the more confident you’ll get at picking the right one.

So go ahead — grab your needle, pick your fabric, and enjoy the process. After all, stitching should be fun.