The count number is how many holes there are per inch (I think it's per inch). Basically, the higher the number, the more holes there are per square inch and so the smaller and more closer together they are. Also, therefore, the smaller the number of holes per inch, the larger the stitches will be. So, if a finished size is given on a pattern for 18 count aida, if stitched on 14 count it will end up bigger. Hope that my waffling helps to make sense of it all to you!
If you look in the General Section there is a thread titled Glossary Terms you night find some answers there to some of the questions that you are having. We love helping you get into this wonderful craft and don't mind the questions but you may get a better definition there.
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