Not sure whether to start with a counted or printed cross stitch kit? You're amongst many others who feel the same way. Differences between counted and printed cross stitch are one of the most common questions new stitchers ask.
The good news is that both methods produce beautiful results, and knowing the key differences between counted and printed cross stitch will help you pick the one that's right for you from day one.
Quick Answer:
- Printed (stamped) kits have the design pre-printed directly onto the fabric, great for total beginners or kids who want to jump straight in
- Counted kits start with blank Aida fabric and a symbol chart – you count the squares to place each stitch
- 14-count Aida is the best starting point for most beginners, regardless of which method you choose
- Both methods use the same basic cross stitch technique and the same DMC floss; the fabric is what changes
- If you're planning to stitch long-term, counted is worth learning from the start
What Is a Counted Cross Stitch?
Counted cross stitch starts with a blank piece of Aida fabric: a stiff, evenly woven cloth with clearly visible holes. You work from a printed or digital chart that uses symbols and colours to tell you exactly where each stitch goes. Your job is to count the squares on the chart, then count the matching squares on your fabric to place every stitch.
It sounds more complicated than it is. Once you get your eye in, the counting becomes second nature. And because the fabric is blank, you have full creative control; you can resize a design, shift its placement, or even combine elements from different patterns.
Most quality counted kits include everything you need: pre-cut Aida, DMC floss sorted by colour, a needle, and a clearly printed chart. DMC floss is widely available across Australia, so topping up colours later is never a drama.
What Is Printed (Stamped) Cross Stitch?
Printed cross stitch (sometimes called stamped cross stitch) has the design already printed or stamped onto the fabric in light ink. Instead of counting from a chart, you simply stitch over the marks already there. The colours and placement are shown right on the fabric.
This makes printed kits very appealing for beginners, kids, and anyone who wants a more relaxed introduction to the craft. There's no chart to decode, no counting to manage, you pick up your needle and start stitching.
The differences between counted and printed cross stitch come down to this: printed removes the counting step entirely, while counted gives you full chart-based control.
Counted vs Printed Cross Stitch: Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Counted |
Printed |
|
|
Setup |
Blank Aida + symbol chart |
Pre-printed design on fabric |
|
Counting effort |
Required – you count squares |
None needed |
|
Speed to start |
Slower – you need to find your starting point |
Fast – just pick up and go |
|
Creative flexibility |
High – resize or reposition freely |
Low – design is fixed to the fabric |
|
Mistake recovery |
Easy – unpick and re-count |
Trickier if you stitch off the printed lines |
|
Long-term potential |
Unlimited – access to thousands of patterns |
Limited to printed kits only |
|
Finish quality |
Identical when done well |
Identical when done well |
Understanding Aida Count: Which Is the Beginner Sweet Spot?
Whether you choose counted or printed, your fabric will have a count, and this matters more than most beginners realise. The count refers to how many squares (holes) per inch the Aida has.
11-count Aida
This has large holes and creates big, chunky stitches. Great for young children or anyone with limited vision, but the finished result can look rough on detailed designs.
14-count Aida
The holes are easy to see, the stitches sit at a comfortable size, and almost every beginner kit, both counted and printed, uses 14ct. It's the standard for a reason.
16-count Aida
This one produces finer, more detailed work, but the smaller holes require more concentration and better lighting. Worth graduating to once you've got a few projects under your belt.
Pro tip: start at 14ct. You'll thank yourself later.
Who Should Choose Printed Cross Stitch?
Printed kits suit you if:
- You've never stitched before and want the most approachable entry point possible
- You're buying for a child or young teen who wants immediate, visual guidance
- You want a relaxed, low-pressure craft activity without chart-reading
- You'd like to try cross-stitch before committing to the counted method
The printed method is a genuinely enjoyable way to stitch. There's no shame in starting here; plenty of experienced stitchers keep a stamped kit on the go for TV nights.
Who Should Choose Counted Cross Stitch?
Counted kits suit you if:
- You want access to the full world of cross stitch – thousands of free and commercial patterns online
- You're drawn to more complex, detailed designs
- You plan to stitch regularly and want skills that grow with you
- You enjoy a bit of problem-solving as part of the creative process
The differences between counted and printed cross stitch become most obvious here: counted opens the door to an enormous library of designs. Once you can read a chart, you can stitch almost anything.
Ready to Start? Explore Our Cross Stitch Range
Whether you go printed or counted, cross stitch kits from CraftOnline come beautifully packaged and dispatched fast, so you're not waiting weeks to get stitching. CraftOnline is a family-owned Australian business with over 20 years in the craft industry, trusted by thousands of repeat customers. With free shipping available over the threshold, careful packaging, and over 900 brands stocked, it's a genuinely great place to start your stitching journey.
Keen to explore beyond cross stitch? Browse embroidery kits for surface embroidery styles, or try diamond art kits for a different kind of counted craft that's just as satisfying.
FAQs
Is printed (stamped) cross stitch considered "real" cross stitch?
Absolutely. The stitching technique is identical; you're still forming the same X-shaped crosses on fabric with the same thread. The only difference is how the design is marked. Stamped and counted cross stitch produce the same type of finished piece.
Does the printed ink wash out after the project is complete?
Most stamped fabrics use water-soluble or fade-resistant ink that disappears after a gentle hand wash. That said, it's always worth checking the specific kit's instructions before washing, as some inks are designed to remain hidden under the stitching rather than fully wash away. Always wash in cool water and lay flat to dry.
Can I move between printed and counted styles as I progress?
Definitely, and many stitchers do exactly this. A common path is starting with a printed kit, building confidence in the basic stitch and rhythm, then moving to a 14-count kit once you're comfortable. The two styles share all the same skills; the only new element in counted stitching is reading the chart.
What's the best Aida count for first timers?
14-count Aida is the go-to recommendation for beginners. The holes are clearly visible without needing magnification, the stitches form at a satisfying size, and virtually every beginner kit uses it. If you're buying for a very young child (under 8), consider an 11-count kit for the larger, easier-to-handle holes.
Why do kits with hoops included help learners?
A hoop keeps your Aida taut while you stitch, which makes forming neat, even crosses much easier. Without it, the fabric can bunch or distort, and your stitches may look uneven. Beginner kits that include a hoop remove one more decision from the process – you have everything you need right out of the box, so you can focus entirely on learning the stitch itself.
