THE STITCHING GUIDE
What does Aida count mean?
Calculate your finished cross-stitch size before cutting the fabric.
Count is stitches per inch
14-count Aida has 14 squares per inch. A 70-stitch-wide chart will therefore be 5 inches or 12.7 cm across. The same chart on 18-count Aida is about 9.9 cm across.
Leave a border
The finished size measures the stitched area. Add fabric on each side so that you can hold it in a hoop and finish the piece. The PDF suggests a 5 cm starting margin.
Test coverage
Two strands are a common starting point for 14-count cloth. Stitch a small test with your chosen floss to decide whether you like the coverage.