There isn’t a single “best” mesh—choose based on your project, thread, and detail level.

• 7-count plastic canvas: Great for yarn, kids’ crafts, and sturdy 3D items like boxes or bag bases. The larger holes make stitching straightforward.
• 10–14 mesh/counted fabric: Versatile for pillows, wall art, and ornaments. Works with tapestry wool or multiple strands of embroidery floss.
• 18 mesh/finer counts: Ideal for crisp detail and small motifs, using finer threads or fewer strands.

Consider your comfort with small stitches, lighting, and the pattern’s recommended count. On Walmart.com, you can browse various counts, shapes, and multipacks, and choose pickup or delivery for convenience.

They both work, but they feel different in the hand.

• 13-mesh: Larger holes, thicker thread, and quicker coverage. It’s often easier to see the grid and manage tension, which many beginners appreciate.
• 18-mesh: Smaller holes allow finer detail, but it typically needs thinner thread, good lighting, and a bit more precision. Progress may feel slower at first.

Starting with a small swatch on each count can help you gauge comfort with visibility, speed, and texture. Your ideal choice may evolve as your skills grow, so it can be helpful to try both and see what feels most enjoyable.

Costs can vary for several reasons, and it’s not just the canvas.

• Material quality: Denser mesh counts and precision manufacturing can influence price. Specialty shapes or pre-marked guides may also cost more.
• Fibers and threads: Different fibers (e.g., wool vs. synthetics) vary in feel and durability, which can affect pricing.
• Project size and accessories: Larger pieces require more canvas, thread, and finishing materials (backing, trims, etc.).

If you’re budgeting, consider smaller projects, value multipacks of plastic mesh, and acrylic yarns or fewer floss strands. Shopping online with pickup or delivery can also help consolidate supplies in one trip.

Mesh (or count) is the number of holes per inch. It tells you how fine the grid is and impacts detail, thread thickness, and finished size.

• Lower counts (e.g., 7-count plastic canvas): Larger holes for yarn or multiple floss strands; bold texture.
• Mid counts (e.g., 14-count fabrics): Balanced detail using several floss strands.
• Higher counts (e.g., 18): Finer detail with thinner threads.

A quick sizing tip: approximate finished width by dividing stitch count by the mesh count (results can vary). Choose a count that aligns with your pattern’s recommendation and your preferred look.

Pick the base that fits your project style and finish.

• Plastic mesh (plastic canvas): Rigid, cuttable, and great for 3D pieces, organizers, and bag bases. Typically used with yarn or multiple floss strands. Edges don’t fray, and it holds shape well.
• Aida cloth: Woven fabric for cross-stitch and embroidery. Ideal for framed art, samplers, and apparel accents. Usually placed in a hoop; edges may need finishing to reduce fraying.

Consider the final use (decor vs. functional), texture, and durability. Both come in different counts and sizes on Walmart.com, so you can match the mesh count to your pattern and preferred thread.