The most popular fabric for cross stitch is called aida. Specifically designed for cross stitch, aida has an even weave made of blocks of threads so the holes are clearly defined. This helps cross stitchers to make regular even cross stitches that are all the same size.
Can You Cross Stitch on Any Fabric?
Aida is the most popular fabric for cross stitch and was developed for counted embroidery techniques. Its obvious holes make it easy for beginners and experienced stitchers alike to form neat cross stitches. However, you can cross stitch on almost any fabric you like. Another popular choice for cross stitch are evenweave fabrics. It is easy to see the warp and weft threads that make up evenweave fabrics as well as the holes between them. By counting the threads and putting your needle between them (rather than piercing the fabric) you can create stitches that are all the same size. If you want to stitch on smoother fabrics where the weave isn’t so visible, such as denim or cotton, the simplest way is to use DMC Water Soluble Canvas. Water Soluble Canvas is a dissolvable fabric with holes so you can make the same neat stitches you make on aida. Stitch all the way through the guide and your fabric then run your completed cross stitch under water to dissolve the canvas.
Which Aida Cloth Is Best?
When customers order aida they often ask ‘what is the difference between 14 and 18 count aida?” or “which is better 16 or 14 count aida?” To answer these questions you need to understand what the “count” of a cloth means. Aida cloth is sold in different “counts”. The “count” is the number of stitches you can make in an inch. The higher the count the smaller stitches you will make. We recommend beginners use a 14 count aida which will help you make even and neat cross stitches.
What Does it Mean to Stitch “Over Two”?
Cross stitch is a counted stitch technique, you count the number of squares or threads you cross to create your stitches and patterns. Before aida was invented in 1890, cross stitch was worked “over two” on woven fabric that had clearly visible vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threads. Working “over two” means making a cross stitch over two warp and two weft threads. This method is still popular today when cross stitching on other fabrics.
How Can I Cross Stitch on Clothing?
Cross stitch can be used really effectively to repair and embellish clothing. To easily cross stitch on clothing use DMC Water Soluble Canvas so you can make the same neat stitches you make on aida. DMC stranded embroidery threads use colorfast and fade resistant dyes making them ideal for using when embellishing clothes that will be washed repeatedly.
