About Types of Fabric in Cross-Stitch
Types of Fabric Commonly Used in Cross-Stitch: Aida, Linen, and Waste Canvas
When starting a cross-stitch project, one of the most important choices you will make is the type of fabric. The fabric not only determines how your stitches will look but also affects the overall size and finish of your work. Among the most popular options are Aida cloth, linen, and waste canvas. Each fabric has its own unique characteristics, making it suitable for different levels of experience and types of projects.
Aida Cloth
Aida is the most commonly used fabric for cross-stitch, especially for beginners. It is woven in a very precise, grid-like structure that forms perfect squares, making it easy to see exactly where to place your needle. This structure is what makes cross-stitch on Aida so approachable, even for those who are new to the craft. You will often see fabric described in terms of “count,” such as 14-count, 16-count, or 18-count Aida. The count refers to the number of stitches (or squares) per inch. The higher the number, the smaller and finer the stitches will be. For example, a design stitched on 14-count Aida will appear larger than the same design stitched on 18-count Aida. On our site, we include size references for 14, 16, and 18-count Aida to help you visualize the final dimensions of your project.Linen
Linen, as the name suggests, is a natural fabric made from flax fibers. Unlike Aida, linen is woven with a higher thread count and has a more delicate appearance. Most linen fabrics used in cross-stitch are finer, which means the stitches will be smaller and more detailed. However, linen is more challenging to work with. Instead of following obvious square holes, you often need to count the individual woven threads, which requires precision and patience. Many stitchers use the technique of working “over two threads,” meaning that two vertical and two horizontal threads of the weave are treated as one square. This allows for larger, more visible stitches while still taking advantage of linen’s refined look. Linen is not usually recommended for complete beginners, but for stitchers seeking an elegant, professional finish, it is a beautiful choice.Waste Canvas and Water Soluble Canvas
Waste canvas is a special tool used when you want to stitch on fabrics that do not have an even weave, such as T-shirts, blouses, handkerchiefs, or even accessories like hats and canvas sneakers. The canvas provides a temporary grid that mimics Aida cloth. You stitch directly on the canvas, and once the design is complete, you carefully remove the canvas threads one by one. It is important not to stitch too tightly, otherwise the removal process becomes difficult and can distort the design. Waste canvas opens up endless creative possibilities, allowing you to personalize everyday items with your embroidery.A modern alternative to waste canvas is water soluble canvas. This fabric looks and feels similar to waste canvas, but instead of pulling out threads after stitching, the entire grid simply dissolves in water. This eliminates the sometimes time-consuming step of removing canvas threads one by one, and it ensures that your stitches remain neat and undisturbed. Water soluble canvas is especially convenient for delicate projects or when you want a smooth, professional finish without the risk of tugging on your embroidery. Like waste canvas, it allows you to stitch on clothing, accessories, or even unconventional surfaces, but with the added benefit of an easier cleanup process.
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