Choosing and Preparing Fabric

Ready, Set, Stitch!

Most counted cross-stitch projects are worked on evenweave fabrics made especially for counted thread embroidery. These fabrics have vertical and horizontal threads of uniform thickness and spacing.

Aida cloth is a favorite of beginning stitchers because its weave forms distinctive squares in the fabric, which makes placing stitches easy.

In addition to evenweave fabrics, many stitchers enjoy using linen, waste canvas and perforated paper. Waste canvas is basted to clothing or other fabric, forming a grid for stitching which is later removed. Perforated paper has holes evenly spaced for 14 stitches per inch.

To determine the dimensions of a stitched design on any fabric, use this formula: number of stitches across design area ÷ number of threads per inch of fabric = size of fabric in inches. If working over two threads on linen, use this formula: number of stitches across design area / half the linen count size = size of fabric in inches.

Add at least 3" to all outside edges of design area measurements, or cut fabric to measurements listed in the Materials section. For example, if your design area is 6" x 8", fabric should be cut at least 12" x 14".