Cross stitch needle size guide

Read about the different cross stitch needles and how to pick the right cross stitch needle size to match your fabric.

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Published: December 16, 2020 at 9:46 am

Cross stitch needles are called tapestry needles, which have a blunt tip and larger eye than a regular sewing needle, which makes them easier to thread up with cross stitch thread. Cross stitch needles easily pass through the fibres of aida and evenweave cross stitch fabric.

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

Cross stitch needle size guide

You will need a blunt tapestry needle for cross stitch. Pick a cross stitch needle size that matches the count of your fabric. You can find the cross stitch needle size you need be referring to the table below. It shows cross stitch needles at actual size, so you can also use it to identify cross stitch needles you have that you don’t know what size they are.

6-count aida fabric: Use size 18 cross stitch needles
8-count aida fabric: Use size 20 cross stitch needles
11 count aida fabric: Use size 22 cross stitch needles
14-count aida fabric: Use size 24 cross stitch needles
16-count aida fabric: Use size 26 cross stitch needles
18-count aida fabric: Use size 28 cross stitch needles
28-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use size 24 cross stitch needles
32-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use size 26 cross stitch needles
36-count evenweave fabric over two strands: Use size 28 cross stitch needles
22-count hardanger fabric: Use size 26 cross stitch needles

Want to find out more about cross stitch?

If you are looking for advice on getting started in cross stitching, check out our cross stitch for beginners article or click to find out more about cross stitch thread and cross stitch fabric. If you want to take a look at the free cross stitch patterns we have available for you on Gathered, we have lots of brilliant designs for you! For floral inspirations, try out our lavender cross stitch patterns and our sunflower cross stitch pattern or browse our selection of cross stitch flower patterns. If you are looking for simple designs that are great for beginners try our children’s cross stitch patterns or our cat cross stitch patterns. For fun cards which are always popular, try our caterpillar cross stitch patterns or for more grown up celebrations, our gorgeous cross stitch cards for all occasions. Don’t miss our special stitch of Durene Jones cross stitch fox pattern either!