At its heart, 28 count Aida fabric is a finely woven canvas that lets you pack in 28 stitches for every inch of material. This high stitch count means the little squares are much smaller than what you'd find on more common fabrics, like 14 or 16 count.
This makes it the perfect choice when you want to stitch something with incredible detail, creating an almost photorealistic effect. If you want your final piece to look less like a collection of 'X's and more like a smooth, intricate image, 28 count is where you should be looking.
Unpacking the Magic of 28 Count Aida
A great way to think about cross-stitch fabric is to compare it to the resolution on a digital screen. A low-count fabric, say 11 count Aida, is a bit like an old-school video game—you can easily see the individual blocks that make up the picture.
But 28 count Aida fabric is like a modern, high-definition display. The tiny "pixels"—your stitches—blend together so seamlessly that they create a crisp, professional-looking image.
This fine weave is exactly why so many stitchers love it for turning personal photos into heirloom-quality keepsakes. The smaller stitches allow for subtle shading, delicate lines, and a level of nuance that's just tough to capture on fabrics with a bigger grid. For stitchers ready to take their work to the next level, it really hits a sweet spot. You get incredible detail without it feeling quite as intimidating as even higher counts like 32 or 40.
Why the 'Count' Matters So Much
In the world of cross-stitch, the 'count' simply tells you how many woven squares or blocks you can find in one linear inch of fabric. Getting your head around this is the key to planning any project.
- Higher Count, Smaller Stitches: The bigger the count number, the more stitches you can fit into one inch. This means your finished design will be smaller and more detailed.
- Lower Count, Larger Stitches: On the flip side, a lower count means fewer, larger stitches per inch. Your project will stitch up faster, but the final piece will be bigger.
Fabric count is a critical detail in cross-stitch, as it directly impacts the final size of your work and the whole stitching experience. 28 count Aida fabric is considered a high-count fabric, made specifically for projects demanding a lot of detail.
The Foundation of Your Artwork
Picking the right fabric is just as crucial as choosing the perfect floss colors. The count doesn't just dictate the final size; it also shapes the overall texture and feel of your finished art. For a refresher on the basics, you can check out our guide on what is Aida fabric.
Think of your fabric as the very foundation of your creative vision. A 28 count Aida provides a sturdy yet delicate canvas for your most ambitious designs. Because of its structured weave, it’s often easier to work with than linen or evenweave of the same count, giving you the best of both worlds: high detail with the familiar, easy-to-see grid that Aida is known for.
The Hidden Versatility of Stitching on 28 Count Aida
One of the best-kept secrets about 28 count Aida is its incredible dual personality. Think of it as having two different canvases in one piece of fabric. This flexibility gives you the power to decide the final look and feel of your project just by changing how you make your stitches. It's this unique quality that makes it a favorite for experienced stitchers and a fantastic next step for those ready to level up their skills.
You can tackle this fabric in two completely different ways: stitching "over one" or stitching "over two." Each technique creates a wildly different result on the exact same material, giving you amazing control over your finished piece.
Stitching Over Two for a Familiar Feel
The most popular way to get comfortable with this high-count fabric is by stitching over two. It’s a simple but brilliant trick. Instead of working your stitch within a single tiny square, you treat a 2x2 block of squares as one unit. Your needle goes over two threads horizontally and two threads vertically to form a single cross stitch.
So, what does that do? It effectively transforms your 28 count Aida into the visual equivalent of 14 count Aida. Your stitches become larger and much easier to see, making the whole process feel familiar if you've ever used a standard beginner's kit. This method is perfect when you want the soft, elegant drape of a high-count fabric but prefer the classic look of a larger cross stitch.
Stitching Over One for Maximum Detail
If you're aiming for breathtaking detail, stitching over one is your go-to method. This means you’re making a complete cross stitch inside every single tiny square on the fabric's grid. The result? A stunning piece with 28 stitches per inch, which produces incredibly fine, intricate work that looks almost like a painting.
This is where the magic of high-count fabric truly shines.
As you can see, the high count is what unlocks the high resolution you need for those photorealistic or highly detailed patterns.
Here's a quick breakdown of how these two approaches compare on the same piece of fabric.
Comparing Stitching Methods on 28 Count Aida
| Stitching Method | Stitches Per Inch (SPI) | Equivalent Aida Count | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over Two | 14 | 14 count | Standard patterns, larger stitches |
| Over One | 28 | 28 count | Highly detailed, photorealistic projects |
Ultimately, having both of these options available on one fabric gives you an enormous amount of creative freedom.
Comparing 28 Count Aida to Evenweave
While browsing, you’ll probably see 28 count evenweave as well. It has the same thread count as Aida but feels and looks a bit different up close.
- Aida: You can clearly see the grid pattern formed by bundled threads, which makes it super easy to count and place your stitches. This is perfect for patterns made mostly of full cross stitches.
- Evenweave: This fabric has a smoother, more uniform weave without those obvious square blocks. This makes it a better choice for patterns that use a lot of fractional stitches (like quarter or three-quarter stitches), as the needle can more easily pierce the center of a thread.
While you can stitch "over two" on both to get that 14-count look, Aida's built-in grid offers a bit more guidance for your needle. Understanding the subtle versatility of textiles helps you see how even small differences in material can open up new artistic possibilities. Knowing what makes each fabric tick is the key to picking the perfect foundation for your next masterpiece.
Choosing the Right Needles and Thread
Picking the right tools for your 28 count Aida fabric is like a chef choosing the perfect knife—it makes all the difference. The fine weave of this fabric calls for a bit more finesse than your average kit, but getting it right from the start makes for a truly smooth and enjoyable stitching session. Trust me, using the wrong needle or too much thread can quickly turn a relaxing hobby into a frustrating tangle.
What you're aiming for is a needle and thread that glide through the fabric effortlessly. If your needle is too big, it will force the woven squares apart, leaving noticeable holes in your final piece. On the flip side, a needle that's too small can be fiddly to handle and make the whole process feel clumsy.
Finding the Perfect Needle Size
First things first, for cross stitch, you always want a tapestry needle. These have a blunt tip and a larger eye, a design that helps them slip cleanly through the Aida’s existing holes instead of piercing the fabric threads.
When you're working with 28 count Aida fabric, here are your go-to options:
- Size 26 Tapestry Needle: This is a fantastic, versatile choice, especially if you're stitching "over two" (which works out to the same stitch size as 14 count Aida).
- Size 28 Tapestry Needle: This is your best friend when stitching "over one." It’s super slender and passes through those tiny fabric squares without any resistance at all.
Think of it like this: your needle is the key that fits your fabric's lock. A size 28 needle is perfectly cut for the delicate lock of stitching "over one," while a size 26 is the trusty master key for the more common "over two" method. To really get a handle on this, check out our complete guide to cross stitch needle sizes and stitch with confidence.
Mastering Thread Coverage for a Lush Finish
Just as critical as the needle is how much embroidery floss you use. The number of strands you pull from your skein determines your thread coverage—basically, how well the stitches fill up the little fabric squares. The sweet spot is a lush, full look without creating bulky stitches that make the fabric pucker.
The right strand count depends entirely on whether you're stitching over one square or two.
- For Stitching Over Two (14 stitches per inch): Stick with two strands of floss. This is the gold standard for 14 count fabric, and it gives you that classic, clean coverage everyone loves.
- For Stitching Over One (28 stitches per inch): Use just one strand of floss. The stitches are incredibly tiny here, so a single strand is all you need for a delicate, detailed finish that looks a lot like petit point. Any more than that, and you'll overcrowd the stitches.
When to Use 28 Count Aida for Your Project
So, you've got a project in mind, but is 28 count Aida fabric the right canvas for it? The short answer comes down to one word: detail. Think of it this way—while any fabric will get the job done, this high-count material is a specialist. It’s the fabric you grab when you want your final piece to look less like a collection of Xs and more like a single, seamless picture.
This fabric really comes into its own on projects that need subtle shading and crisp, well-defined lines. The smaller stitches act like pixels in a high-resolution photo, letting colors blend together flawlessly and allowing tiny details to pop. It’s the difference between a standard print and an HD image—that extra level of clarity makes all the difference in the world.
Ideal Projects for High-Detail Stitching
Some patterns just seem tailor-made for the fine grid of 28 count Aida. Its higher stitch density lets you capture details that would otherwise look blocky or get completely lost on lower-count fabrics like 14 or 16 count.
Here are a few project types where this fabric truly shines:
- Photorealistic Portraits: When you're stitching a beloved photo, every tiny color shift counts. The small stitches on 28 count Aida make it possible to create lifelike skin tones and expressive eyes that are nearly impossible to replicate on a larger grid.
- Intricate Samplers: Classic samplers are all about delicate lettering, fine borders, and miniature motifs. Using a high-count fabric ensures these elements stay sharp and elegant, not chunky.
- Detailed Landscapes: For capturing distant trees, the soft gradients of a sunset, or the subtle texture of water, those tiny stitches are crucial for creating a sense of depth and realism.
This is precisely why services that turn your photos into patterns, like the one offered by Cross Stitched, often recommend higher-count fabrics. They know that to truly capture the spirit of a photograph, you need the kind of resolution that only a fine-weave fabric can deliver.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Just like any specialty tool in your craft box, 28 count Aida fabric comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Knowing what you're getting into will help you decide if it's right for you and set your project up for success from the start.
Advantages of 28 Count Aida:
- A Professional, Delicate Finish: The final texture looks less like an obvious grid and more like a smooth, woven tapestry. It gives your work that polished, heirloom quality.
- Superior Detail and Blending: Colors melt into each other beautifully, which is perfect for creating those subtle gradients and photorealistic effects.
- Built-in Versatility: You can always stitch "over two," which effectively turns your fabric into 14 count Aida. It’s like getting two fabric options in one.
Potential Challenges to Consider:
- Good Lighting is a Must: Those tiny squares can be tough to see! Working in a well-lit space or using a craft light isn't just a suggestion; it's practically a requirement.
- It Demands More Precision: A steady hand and good eyesight (or a handy magnifier!) are your best friends here. Placing each stitch accurately is key.
- Progress Can Feel Slower: When stitching "over one," you're making four times as many stitches as you would on 14 count Aida to cover the same area. Be prepared for your project to take a bit longer.
The choice to use 28 count Aida is really a trade-off between speed and detail. It might ask for a bit more patience, but the stunning, high-definition result is often more than worth the extra effort—especially for a project that means the world to you.
How to Calculate Fabric Size for Your Pattern
There's nothing worse than getting halfway through a project only to realize your fabric is too small. It's a rite of passage for many stitchers, but it's one you can easily avoid. Figuring out exactly how much fabric you need is a core skill that gives you total control over your projects, and thankfully, the math is straightforward.
All you need are two pieces of information: the stitch count from your pattern and the count of your fabric. With those, you can buy the perfect piece of 28 count Aida every single time, without wasting money or material.
The Simple Two-Step Calculation
Let's break down how to find the final size of your stitched area. You'll do this once for the width and once for the height.
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Find Your Stitch Count: Grab your pattern and find the width and height in stitches. Let's imagine our pattern is 140 stitches wide and 196 stitches high.
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Divide by the Fabric Count: Now, just divide each of those numbers by your fabric count. Since we're using 28 count Aida and stitching "over one," we'll divide by 28.
Here’s how it works with our example:
- Width: 140 stitches ÷ 28 stitches per inch = 5 inches
- Height: 196 stitches ÷ 28 stitches per inch = 7 inches
And there you have it. Your finished design will measure exactly 5 x 7 inches on 28 count fabric. If you were stitching "over two" on this same fabric (making it equivalent to 14 count), you would divide by 14 instead, and your design would come out to be a much larger 10 x 14 inches.
Don't Forget to Add a Border!
This is the most important part! The calculation above only gives you the size of the stitched area. You still need extra fabric around the edges for handling while you stitch and for framing later on.
Crucial Tip: Always add a border. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 3 inches to each side. This means adding a total of 6 inches to your final width and height. For our 5x7 inch design, you'd want a piece of fabric that's at least 11x13 inches.
Using Online Tools for Instant Answers
While doing the math yourself is a great skill to have, sometimes you just want a quick answer. A dedicated cross stitch size calculator is perfect for this—just plug in your numbers and it does the work for you.
If you're creating your own patterns from photos, a tool like Pic2Pat is incredibly useful. It not only converts your image but also shows you the final dimensions on various fabric counts automatically.
For instance, Pic2Pat would instantly show that a design 150 stitches wide will be just a little over 5 inches on 28 count Aida, taking all the guesswork out of the process.
Caring for Your Finished Cross Stitch Artwork
You've poured hours into your beautiful cross-stitch project, and now it's time for the final touch. Properly finishing your piece is what turns it from a work-in-progress into a genuine heirloom, ensuring all that hard work looks its best for years.
The first step is a gentle hand wash. This isn't just about cleaning; it’s about removing any natural oils from your hands, dust that may have settled, or those stubborn hoop marks that sometimes linger on your 28 count Aida fabric. All you need is some lukewarm water and a drop of mild, color-safe soap.
Washing and Pressing Your Project
Let your piece soak for about 15-20 minutes. After its little bath, rinse it thoroughly under cool, clean water until every last bubble is gone. Be gentle when removing the excess water—squeeze it softly, but never, ever wring or twist the fabric. That’s a surefire way to distort your lovely, neat stitches.
For drying, lay your damp cross stitch flat on a thick, clean towel. Roll the towel up with your project nestled inside and press down gently. This is a great way to absorb most of the moisture without damaging anything.
When it's time to iron, always press your artwork from the back. Place it face down on another clean, dry towel and use a medium heat setting. This technique protects the texture and loft of your floss, making your stitches pop while perfectly flattening the fabric for framing.
Think of this simple aftercare routine as the final act of love for your masterpiece. It’s what guarantees that your project, stitched with so much care, remains a cherished piece of art for decades to come.
Common Questions About 28 Count Aida Fabric
Diving into a new fabric count always sparks a few questions. Whether you're eyeing 28 count Aida for your next project or you're in the middle of one and need some advice, getting straight answers is the best way to stitch with confidence. Let's tackle some of the most common things people ask.
Is 28 Count Aida Good for Beginners?
I'd call it a perfect "next step" fabric. While it might be a bit of a leap for your very first time picking up a needle, it's surprisingly friendly if you've got a project or two under your belt.
The trick is to stitch "over two," which makes it behave just like the popular 14 count Aida. This approach is fantastic because you get used to the feel of a finer fabric without having to immediately jump into tiny, intricate stitches. Once you're comfortable, you can try stitching "over one" for incredibly detailed work.
For someone just starting out, a 14 or 16 count kit is usually the best bet. It lets you master the rhythm of stitching without squinting at tiny squares.
Think of it like this: 14 count Aida is like learning to drive an automatic car. 28 count Aida is like a manual. You can keep it in an easy "gear" by stitching over two, or you can master the finer controls by stitching over one.
How Much Extra Fabric Should I Leave for Framing?
A good, safe rule of thumb is to add a border of at least 3 inches around all four sides of your finished design area. This isn't just wasted fabric—it's your working room!
This extra space gives you plenty to grip with a hoop or a Q-snap frame, so you don't have to worry about creasing your stitches. More importantly, that generous border is what a professional framer needs to properly stretch and mount your piece. So, if your pattern size is 5x7 inches, you'll want to cut a piece of fabric that’s at least 11x13 inches.
When Should I Use Evenweave Instead of Aida?
This is a great question, and the answer comes down to your pattern. Grab a 28 count evenweave if your design is loaded with fractional stitches—those tricky little quarter or three-quarter stitches. Evenweave doesn't have the distinct, chunky squares of Aida, so it’s much easier to pierce the fabric in the middle of a square.
But if your pattern is all full cross stitches? Stick with 28 count Aida. You'll likely find it easier and faster to work with.
Ready to see one of your favorite photos transformed into a beautiful, detailed cross stitch project? The team at Cross Stitched creates stunning, high-quality custom kits that are perfect for 28 count Aida. They send you everything—the pattern, the pre-sorted floss, and the perfect fabric—right to your door. You can start creating your personalized kit today and turn a memory into a masterpiece.
