8 Count Aida: Stitches Per Inch, Design Size and Floss Chart
8 count Aida has 8 stitches per inch. A 100 by 100 stitch design finishes at 12.5 by 12.5 inches (31.8 cm), so cut fabric 19 by 19 inches for a 3 inch margin. Use 4 to 6 strands of floss and a size 20 needle.
8 count Aida has 8 stitches per inch, so a 140 stitch wide design finishes at 17.5 inches across. Fabric count is the number of stitchable squares or threads per inch: on 8 count aida, stitched over one block, every inch holds 8 cross stitches, which is what decides how big a pattern finishes. Large, easy-to-see holes; good for kids and low vision.
Those stitches are plain cross stitches, with outlines added in backstitch once the blocks of color are done. For a bolder or finer version of the same chart, compare 6 count and 11 count.
| Fabric type | Aida |
|---|---|
| Stitches per inch, over one | 8 |
| Stitches per inch, over two | 4 |
| Floss strands, cross stitch | 4 to 6 |
| Floss strands, backstitch | 2 |
| Tapestry needle | Size 20 |
| Beginner friendly | Yes |
How big is a cross stitch design on 8 count aida?
Finished size in inches is the stitch count divided by 8. The fabric column adds 3 inches on each side, which leaves room to frame, hoop or finish the piece.
The table below gives the finished size of square designs on 8 count: a 100 by 100 stitch design works out at 12.5 by 12.5 inches, and a 400 stitch square at 50 by 50 inches.
| Stitches | Finished (in) | Finished (cm) | Fabric to cut (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 x 25 | 3.1 x 3.1 | 7.9 x 7.9 | 10 x 10 |
| 50 x 50 | 6.3 x 6.3 | 15.9 x 15.9 | 13 x 13 |
| 75 x 75 | 9.4 x 9.4 | 23.8 x 23.8 | 16 x 16 |
| 100 x 100 | 12.5 x 12.5 | 31.8 x 31.8 | 19 x 19 |
| 150 x 150 | 18.8 x 18.8 | 47.6 x 47.6 | 25 x 25 |
| 200 x 200 | 25 x 25 | 63.5 x 63.5 | 31 x 31 |
| 250 x 250 | 31.3 x 31.3 | 79.4 x 79.4 | 38 x 38 |
| 300 x 300 | 37.5 x 37.5 | 95.3 x 95.3 | 44 x 44 |
| 400 x 400 | 50 x 50 | 127 x 127 | 56 x 56 |
What size fabric and hoop do common pattern sizes need?
Rectangular patterns are the norm. Here are typical chart sizes, from a small sampler to a large framed piece, with the smallest hand hoop that clears the design by about 1 1/2 inches. Big designs are easier on a scroll frame or Q-Snap frame than a hoop.
The table below pairs each common chart size with the fabric to cut and the hoop to use: a 150 by 200 stitch chart on 8 count needs 25 by 31 inches of fabric.
| Pattern (stitches) | Finished (in) | Fabric to cut (in) | Hand hoop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 x 100 | 10 x 12.5 | 16 x 19 | 14 in |
| 120 x 160 | 15 x 20 | 21 x 26 | Scroll frame |
| 150 x 200 | 18.8 x 25 | 25 x 31 | Scroll frame |
| 200 x 250 | 25 x 31.3 | 31 x 38 | Scroll frame |
| 250 x 350 | 31.3 x 43.8 | 38 x 50 | Scroll frame |
| 300 x 400 | 37.5 x 50 | 44 x 56 | Scroll frame |
How many skeins of floss do you need on 8 count?
A standard 8 meter skein of DMC six-strand floss covers roughly 1,000 to 1,500 full cross stitches on 14 count with 2 strands, according to published estimates. Coverage scales with stitch size, so the figures below adjust that range for 8 stitches per inch and 3 strands. Count the stitches of each color on your chart key.
The table below turns a per-color stitch count into skeins: at 8 stitches per inch, one skein covers about 209 to 392 stitches.
| Stitches of one color | Stitches per skein | Skeins to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | 209 to 392 | 1 to 2 |
| 500 | 209 to 392 | 2 to 3 |
| 1,000 | 209 to 392 | 3 to 5 |
| 2,500 | 209 to 392 | 7 to 12 |
| 5,000 | 209 to 392 | 13 to 24 |
| 10,000 | 209 to 392 | 26 to 48 |
Buy one extra skein of the big colors
Dye lots vary, and a slightly different shade halfway through a sky or background shows. For any color with thousands of stitches, buy the high end of the range. The cross stitch floss calculator works it out per color.
Supplies for stitching on 8 count
DMC Charles Craft Silver Label Aida, 14 Count, 30 x 36 Inch
Under $25A large 30 x 36 inch piece of 14 count Aida, enough for several projects or one big piece.
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DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
Under $100One hundred colors of six-strand cotton floss, a deep stash for most patterns.
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Q-Snap Frame 17 x 17 Inch
Under $50Holds fabric drum tight without hoop marks, and handles bigger designs than a hand hoop.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you would rather buy a chart, fabric and floss together, the best cross stitch kits are sorted by the count they include. For longer sessions, a cross stitch floor stand holds the work at a comfortable angle, and a magnifier becomes useful once you move to finer counts.
How does 8 count compare with other fabric counts?
The table below compares every count in one place: at 8 stitches per inch, 100 stitches on 8 count measures 12.5 inches, against 7.1 inches on 14 count Aida.
| Count | Fabric | Stitches per inch (as usually stitched) | 100 stitches finishes at | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 count | aida | 6 | 16.7 in | 18 |
| 8 count | aida | 8 | 12.5 in | 20 |
| 11 count | aida | 11 | 9.1 in | 22 or 24 |
| 14 count | aida | 14 | 7.1 in | 24 |
| 16 count | aida | 16 | 6.3 in | 24 or 26 |
| 18 count | aida | 18 | 5.6 in | 26 or 28 |
| 20 count | aida | 20 | 5 in | 28 |
| 22 count | hardanger | 11 | 9.1 in | 24 to 28 |
| 25 count | evenweave | 12.5 | 8 in | 24 |
| 27 count | evenweave | 13.5 | 7.4 in | 24 or 26 |
| 28 count | evenweave | 14 | 7.1 in | 26 |
| 32 count | linen | 16 | 6.3 in | 26 or 28 |
| 36 count | linen | 18 | 5.6 in | 28 |
| 40 count | linen | 20 | 5 in | 28 |
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches per inch is 8 count aida?
8 count Aida has 8 stitches per inch. Aida is woven in blocks, so each block holds one cross stitch. Stitched over one instead, 8 count gives 8 stitches per inch and a design half the size.
How big will a cross stitch design be on 8 count?
Divide the stitch count by 8. A 100 x 100 stitch design finishes at 12.5 x 12.5 inches, a 150 x 200 stitch design at 18.8 x 25 inches, and a 200 x 200 stitch design at 25 x 25 inches. The pattern chart lists its stitch count, usually on the key or cover, and the cross stitch fabric calculator does the division for you.
How many strands of floss do you use on 8 count?
Most patterns use 4 to 6 strands of six-strand cotton floss for cross stitches on 8 count aida, and 2 for backstitch outlines. Use a size 20 tapestry needle, which has a blunt tip that slides between threads without splitting them. More strands give fuller coverage; fewer look lighter and more delicate.
Is 8 count good for beginners?
Yes. At 8 stitches per inch the holes are easy to see and count, which makes 8 count a comfortable first fabric. Large, easy-to-see holes; good for kids and low vision. Cross stitch for beginners covers hooping, starting a thread and reading a chart.
How much fabric do I need for a 8 count cross stitch?
Work out the design size, then add about 3 inches on every side for framing or finishing. For a 150 x 200 stitch pattern on 8 count, the design is 18.8 x 25 inches, so cut fabric at least 25 x 31 inches. Small ornaments and cards can use 2 inches per side.
How many skeins of floss will a 8 count project take?
A single 8 meter skein covers roughly 209 to 392 stitches at 8 stitches per inch with 3 strands. So a color with 1,000 stitches needs 3 to 5 skeins. Count each color on the chart key, then check totals with the cross stitch floss calculator.
Do I need a magnifier for 8 count?
Not usually. At 8 stitches per inch most people can see the holes clearly in good light. A bright daylight lamp still helps in the evening, and magnification becomes useful if you move to 18 count or finer, or if you stitch for long sessions.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
