Gear guide
Best 18 count aida cloth for detailed cross stitch
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
18 count aida packs 18 stitches into an inch, so each cross is about 1.41 mm against 1.81 mm on 14 count, and a 100 x 100 stitch design shrinks from 7.1 in to 5.6 in. Stitchers move to it for a finer look or for a full-coverage piece. It is worked with 1 or 2 strands of embroidery floss and a size 28 tapestry needle (size 26 is also used). The count is fixed, so listings differ by brand, cut size, color and packing. To size a cut, divide the stitch count by 18 and add at least 3 in on every side: a 15 x 18 in piece takes a design up to 162 x 216 stitches, a 19 x 28 in sheet up to 234 x 396 and a 39 x 60 in piece up to 594 x 972. This guide compares seven 18 count aida cloth listings from DMC, Zweigart and lesser-known brands in white, antique white, black and mixed colors, by what each listing states. Nothing was stitched or tested by us. For other design sizes, use the cross stitch calculator on this site.
Compare the picks
| Pick | Cut size | Color | Material | Pieces | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 DMC Charles Craft Silver Label 18 count, white, 15 x 18 in | 15 x 18 in | White | 100% cotton | 1 | - | Amazon |
 Zweigart 18 count aida, snow white, 39.4 x 39.4 in | 39.4 x 39.4 in | Snow white (100) | 100% cotton | 1 | - | Amazon |
 Caydo 18 count aida, black, 39 x 60 in | 39 x 60 in | Black | 100% cotton | 1 | - | Amazon |
 Donmon 18 count aida, white, 19 x 28 in | 19 x 28 in | White | 100% cotton | 1 | - | Amazon |
 KCS 18 count aida, 3 colors, 3 pieces of 15 x 18 in | 15 x 18 in | Khaki, grey, black | 100% cotton | 3 | - | Amazon |
 KCS 18 count aida, antique white, 19 x 28 in | 19 x 28 in | Antique white | Cotton | 1 | - | Amazon |
 YARRD 18 count aida, 3 black and 3 white, 12 x 18 in | 12 x 18 in | 3 black, 3 white | Cotton | 6 | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
If you just want one
- Closest match for the jobDMC Charles Craft Silver Label 18 count, white, 15 x 18 inListing states 100% cotton with a clearly defined square pattern and visible stitching holes.
- Most for the money on paperCaydo 18 count aida, black, 39 x 60 inListing states 100% cotton material, described as moderately soft and hard.
- Most complete listingZweigart 18 count aida, snow white, 39.4 x 39.4 inListing states 100% cotton with fine squares for detailed work.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · DMC
DMC Charles Craft Silver Label 18 count, white, 15 x 18 in
See price on AmazonA pre-cut 15 x 18 in piece of white 18 count aida packed in a soft tube. With a 3 in margin on every side it fits a design up to 162 x 216 stitches, a sensible first piece for trying the finer count.
What the listing offers
- Listing states 100% cotton with a clearly defined square pattern and visible stitching holes.
- Packed in a soft plastic tube that the listing says keeps the fabric clean and crease-free.
- Pre-cut to 15 x 18 in, ready to use without trimming for small and medium charts.
Limits to know
- One 15 x 18 in piece only, so a design wider than about 9 in (162 stitches) needs a larger cut.
- White only in this listing, and no fabric weight or stiffness is stated.
Pick 2 · Luca-S
Zweigart 18 count aida, snow white, 39.4 x 39.4 in
See price on AmazonZweigart 18 count aida in snow white (shade 100), cut to a 39.4 in square. With 3 in margins it fits a design up to about 601 x 601 stitches, the scale of a large full-coverage piece.
What the listing offers
- Listing states 100% cotton with fine squares for detailed work.
- Described in the listing as a strong, stable fabric that resists fraying and warping.
- A 39.4 x 39.4 in square gives room for one large full-coverage design or several smaller cuts.
Limits to know
- Sold under the Luca-S brand name rather than by Zweigart itself.
- The listing does not say whether the piece ships folded or rolled, and no fabric weight is stated.
Pick 3 · Caydo
Caydo 18 count aida, black, 39 x 60 in
See price on AmazonA large 39 x 60 in piece of black 18 count aida. With 3 in margins it fits up to 594 x 972 stitches, enough for a large full-coverage design or many small cuts. Dark fabric usually takes one strand more for coverage.
What the listing offers
- Listing states 100% cotton material, described as moderately soft and hard.
- About 39 x 60 in, which the listing says can be cut freely for one large project or several small ones.
- Black fabric with neatly cut edges at both ends, according to the listing.
Limits to know
- Folded for packaging, per the listing, so creases may need pressing out before stitching.
- No fabric weight is stated, and white in this size is a separate listing.
Pick 4 · Donmon
Donmon 18 count aida, white, 19 x 28 in
See price on AmazonA 19 x 28 in sheet of white 18 count aida. With 3 in margins it fits a design up to 234 x 396 stitches, or it can be cut into several smaller squares for ornaments and cards.
What the listing offers
- Listing states 100 percent cotton, white color, 18 count.
- 19 x 28 in (48.5 x 72 cm) sheet that the listing says can be cut into multiple small squares.
- Listing notes that soaking in water and drying flat makes a stiff cloth slightly softer.
Limits to know
- Ships folded rather than rolled, and the listing says to expect fold creases that need ironing.
- Lesser-known brand, and no fabric weight is stated in the listing.
Pick 5 · KCS
KCS 18 count aida, 3 colors, 3 pieces of 15 x 18 in
See price on AmazonThree 15 x 18 in pieces of 18 count aida in khaki, medium grey and black, rolled into a plastic box. With 3 in margins each piece fits a design up to 162 x 216 stitches.
What the listing offers
- Three pieces, each 15 x 18 in (38 x 45 cm), in khaki, medium grey and black.
- Listing states 100% cotton, starched, with no hoop needed for support.
- Packed rolled into a plastic box, which the listing says leaves no crease.
Limits to know
- No white or antique white piece in the set, so it suits designs planned for colored grounds.
- The listing text is roughly written and states no fabric weight.
Pick 6 · KCS
KCS 18 count aida, antique white, 19 x 28 in
See price on AmazonA 19 x 28 in piece of antique white 18 count cotton aida, described as starched and stiff. With 3 in margins it fits a design up to 234 x 396 stitches on an off-white ground.
What the listing offers
- Listing describes a starched, stiff aida that needs no hoop for support.
- Listing states that the aida becomes soft after dipping in water.
- Antique white color in a 19 x 28 in cut, stated as 18CT cotton aida.
Limits to know
- Only three short bullets: no packaging method, fabric weight or cotton percentage is stated.
- Sold starched and stiff, so it needs a dip in water first if you prefer a softer fabric.
Pick 7 · YARRD
YARRD 18 count aida, 3 black and 3 white, 12 x 18 in
See price on AmazonSix 12 x 18 in sheets of 18 count aida, three black and three white. With 3 in margins each sheet fits a design up to 108 x 216 stitches, a way to try the finer count on both a light and a dark ground.
What the listing offers
- Pack of 6 sheets, 3 black and 3 white, each measuring 12 x 18 in.
- Listing states cotton fabric and describes the sheets as soft with good thread visibility.
- Two colors in one pack give the same count on a light and a dark ground.
Limits to know
- Each sheet is only 12 x 18 in, which limits a design to about 6 x 12 in once margins are allowed.
- The listing says cotton but not 100% cotton, and gives no fabric weight or packing method.
Read before you buy
- How many cross stitches per skein: table by fabric count and strandsOne 8 m skein covers about 1,050 to 1,750 full crosses on 14 count with 2 strands. Table for 11, 14, 16 and 18 count with 1, 2 and 3 strands.
- Cross stitch needle sizes: which tapestry needle for each fabric countTapestry needle size for each cross stitch fabric: aida 6 to 18 count and 28, 32 and 36 count over 2, with needle diameter and strands in one chart.
- Cross stitch count explained: aida 11, 14, 16 and 18 count comparedCross stitch count is stitches per inch. Chart for 11, 14, 16 and 18 count aida: stitch size in mm, design size, needle and strands, plus the over 2 rule.
More gear for the fabric and count stage
Hoop and Floss chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.