Nancy L. Haydon

A few months ago some friends and I were chatting about which fabric we enjoyed cross stitching on, and it seemed that we all had strong allegiances to our favourites -- aida and evenweave. Then we asked ourselves why we chose these fabrics… and discovered with some disappointment that we tended to use a particular fabric because we were familiar with it, rather than for any other reason. I decided to experiment with different fabrics over the next few weeks, and was pleasantly surprised to discover a new dimension to my stitching.

Each fabric gives a different look to a project so it is worth trying different types so that you can decide which is best for your next design. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut, using the same type, usually aida, for every project you approach. Here are some choices below:

Aida. This has to come first because it is popular, especially with beginners, because of its clearly defined blocks. This means that each stitch can be worked over one block, from the bottom left corner of the square to the top right, then bottom right to top left. The 'count' is the number of holes per inch (hpi). Each cross stitch should be worked over a single aida block. The most commonly used aida is 14-count (14 holes per inch). The greater the number of holes per inch, the smaller is the stitched design.

Evenweave. This is also a popular fabric, but can be perceived to be difficult due to the fine fabric threads and increased hpi compared with aida. Every stitch covers two threads of fabric but is worked in exactly the same way as cross stitch on aida. The fabric is loosely woven, like linen. Cross stitches are worked over where two vertical and two horizontal threads intersect. The 'count' for evenweave fabric is the number of warp threads to the inch, and the most common is 28 count. Worked over two fabric threads, this means there will be 14 cross stitches to the inch, just the same as the 14 count aida.

Linen. Similar looking to evenweave, linen offers a different thickness of each thread, which adds texture and character to a design. Lower counts produce a thick, basic feel, while the smaller weaves (up to 55 hpi) look transparent.

Jobelan. This is a sort of evenweave single-thread fabric. It has the same number of threads running in both directions. This gives an even appearance, and is therefore simple to stitch on. Anchor provides this fabric in 28-count. You may wish to start to stitch on this fabric to create a small design and then progress to larger and more ambitious projects as your confidence grows.

Afghan. This fabric is woven like evenweave but stitches are made over a single thread. Afghans range from 14-count to 25-count. The fabric is soft and supple which makes it ideal for tablecloths or throws.

Damask. These fabrics include a range of embossed motifs on the fabric and sections of fabric similar to aida that are ready to be stitched on. This is particularly useful for stitching large projects such as tablecloths.

Aida band. As the name suggests, this fabric is a band of aida. They come with different coloured edges and in varying widths; widths range from two to five inches. These bands are ideal for edging towels, pillows, curtains and bags. Colours can be chosen to coordinate with a colour scheme of a room, and small motifs can look great on these bands. If you wish to create a more uneven look, then you can use linen bands instead, in 25-count or 32-count.

Binca. This is very coarse 6-count fabric with tightly woven threads but large holes. It is ideal for teaching children to cross-stitch, especially if used with soft cotton. It is also a good choice for people who have poor vision or limited use of their fingers.

Waste Canvas. This is an oddly-named but very useful fabric. It allows you to stitch designs onto bags, t-shirts, and other materials. You pin it to material, then stitch a design onto it, much as you would with normal aida. When you have finished this design, you dampen the waste canvas, and pull out each thread of it. The design you have just stitched is left on the base fabric.

With so many fabrics to choose from, it is worthwhile trying something a little different from that with which you are familiar. You will be surprised to see the difference that just a change in fabric can make to your designs, so why not try experimenting soon!