Cross stitch needle size guide

To cross stitch, use a tapestry needle, which has a blunt tip and larger eye than a regular sewing needle. It easily passes through the fibres of aida and evenweave.

Different needle sizes are available, with varying lengths and widths, so choose the best for your fabric – see our handy needle size guide for cross stitch below.

Other needles are useful too… try a fine beading needle for adding bead accents. You may also prefer a sharp-tipped embroidery (or crewel) needle to split aida blocks when stitching fractional stitches.

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Needle size guide for cross stitch

You will need a blunt tapestry needle for cross stitch. Pick a size that matches the count of your fabric:

• 6-count aida fabric: Use a size 18 tapestry needle
• 8-count aida fabric: Use a size 20 tapestry needle
• 11 count aida fabric: Use a size 22 tapestry needle
• 14-count aida fabric: Use a size 24 tapestry needle
• 16-count aida fabric: Use a size 26 tapestry needle
• 18-count aida fabric: Use a size 28 tapestry needle
• 28-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use a size 24 tapestry needle
• 32-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use a size 26 tapestry needle
• 36-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use a size 28 tapestry needle
• 22-count hardanger fabric: Use a size 26 tapestry needle

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