Jobelan fabric is great to use on cross stitch projects where you want an old-fashioned or elegant appearance. Since it is an evenweave fabric, Jobelan has an even number of threads running both vertically and horizontally. One advantage to evenweave fabrics is that they are softer than Aida. In fact, Jobelan is smoother and softer than Aida and most linens.

Jobelan is made up of a mix of approximately 50% cotton and 50% of a man-made material, such as rayon. It comes in a variety of colors and usually can be found in thread counts of 16, 20, 25, 28, and 32. Since the thread count refers to the number of threads per inch, a larger thread count means your fabric will be finer in texture. The 25 and 28 counts are very popular and are great to use with most cross stitch projects.

When stitching on Jobelan, you will want to stitch over two strands in most cases. Unlike Aida, Jobelan has no visible holes, so you need to count the threads. Because you stitch over two strands, in essence the thread count of the material is halved. For instance, if you are stitching a design on 28-count Jobelan, the end result will be the same size as if you had stitched on 14-count Aida.

You will find that Jobelan, like all evenweaves, makes it easy to stitch fractional cross stitches. Unlike Aida, where you make a fractional stitch by punching through a square, on Jobelan you simply stitch over one thread instead of two. You will find it simple to create quarter, half, and three-quarter stitches on Jobelan fabric.

When you start stitching your project on Jobelan fabric, you should consider making your first stitch to the left of a vertical thread. This thread can serve as your marker, which will make it easy for you to count threads. Moreover, by having a marker, you will be able to see quickly if you ever make a mistake in counting.

Because the threads are close together in Jobelan fabric, some stitchers find it easier to work in very bright light or to use a magnifying lamp. Once you are used to stitching on this type of fabric, you may find you no longer need a magnifier or an extremely bright light and instead can see the threads clearly.

When it comes to the design, you may want to choose something that lends itself to the elegant nature of Jobelan fabric. Many stitchers find that complex, ornate designs look wonderful on this fabric. In addition, samplers have an authentic, old-world appearance when done on Jobelan.

One other factor you should consider with Jobelan fabric is the size of the needle you plan to use. Since this fabric has a high thread count, you may want to use a smaller needle, such as a #26. The selection of a needle size is one of personal preference, but many stitchers find that with fine thread fabrics, a smaller needle makes it easier to stitch.

Generally, Jobelan fabric washes and irons well. As with all projects, though, you will want to make certain the thread is colorfast before washing a completed project. Many threads, such as silk, can bleed, so determine before washing if your thread is colorfast.

Finally, no matter what color of Jobelan you pick or what design you choose to stitch, you will find that this elegant, versatile fabric can help you create a cross stitch masterpiece you will treasure for years to come.