Choosing Fabric

The fabric used in cross stitch plays a crucial role in the look of the final project. There are many options available, and the most common features and types are explained below.

Fabric count refers to the number of threads or squares per inch of the fabric. It determines the size of the stitches and the overall appearance of the finished design. The higher the count, the smaller the stitches and the finer the detail in your design.

Fabric color can significantly affect the appearance of your design. Light-colored fabrics are typically easier to work with, but darker fabrics can create striking effects.

The choice of fabric texture can add to the overall look and feel of the finished piece.

Each type of fabric offers unique qualities, and the choice depends on your project requirements, skill level and personal preference.

1. Aida Cloth

This is the most popular and commonly used fabric for cross stitch, especially for beginners. It has an open, gridlike weave, making it easy to see where to place your stitches. It is available in a wide variety of colors with fabric counts typically ranging from 11 to 22 squares per inch, with the most popular being 14-count. Aida is typically stitched over one square.

2. Evenweave Fabric

Evenweave fabric has an even number of threads per inch both vertically and horizontally, making it easy to place your stitches while also providing a smoother, more detailed finish. It is available in a wide variety of colors and in various fibers, such as cotton, linen and blends. Fabric counts typically range from 25 to 32 threads per inch, with the most popular being 28- or 32-count. Common brand-specific types of evenweave fabric include Jobelan and Lugana. Evenweave fabric is typically stitched over two threads.

3. Linen

Linen is a natural fabric with a slightly uneven weave, giving it a unique texture and appearance but making it bit more challenging to place stitches. Fabric counts typically range from 25 to 56 threads per inch, offering many options for detailed work. Linen fabric is typically stitched over two threads. When stitching on fabric counts over 32, it is often necessary to use only strand of floss.

4. Perforated Paper or Perforated Plastic

These are stiff materials with evenly spaced holes, which are perfect for stitching small projects that need to be rigid or cut to shape, such as bookmarks or ornaments. Perforated paper and perforated plastic come in sheets that are typically 14-count and are stiff, so they don’t need to be placed in a hoop.

5. Waste Canvas

Waste canvas is used when you want to stitch a design onto a material other than those created specifically for stitching, such as clothing, bags, home decor items and more. 14-count waste canvas is the standard. The canvas is placed over the fabric to guide the stitches. Once the design is stitched, the canvas threads are removed, leaving the design on the original fabric.