The Best Fabrics for Cross Stitching: Aida, Linen and More (2024)

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Ironically, while cross stitch might seem straightforward, choosing the right fabric can feel like decoding an intricate pattern.

Do you need special fabric for cross stitch? Yes, and no. While you could technically use regular fabric, mastering Aida, linen, and evenweave will elevate your work.

This guide offers you detailed insights into each type, ensuring you select the best fabric to match your project’s intricacy and your stitching prowess.

Let’s transform your cross stitch experience from basic to brilliant.

Do You Need Special Fabric for Cross Stitch?

Yes, you need specialized fabric for cross stitch to guarantee your project’s optimal appearance and effortless completion. Fabrics like Aida, Evenweave, and Linen are custom-made for cross stitching because they possess uniform holes or weaves, simplifying the creation of accurate, consistent stitches.

Regular fabric lacks these attributes, potentially resulting in uneven and more challenging stitching. Employing the appropriate fabric not only enhances ease but also contributes to achieving that polished, professional finish.

Curious about the fabric best suited for your project? Let’s explore the options.

Can You Cross Stitch on Regular Fabric?

Yes, you can cross-stitch on regular fabric. However, it’s worth remembering that some fabrics are more suitable for cross-stitching than others. When opting for a fabric to use for cross-stitching, think about using waste canvas, dissolving canvas, or sticky Fabri-Solvy, particularly if you’re a beginner. These selections provide a grid that you can stitch over, making it easier to create neat and precise stitches.

Alternatively, you can use a printable grid to mark your fabric before stitching. This method allows you to create custom graph paper with the desired dot size, cross spacing, and color.

Easiest Fabrics for Cross Stitching

If you’re new to cross-stitching, you’ll want to start with fabrics that are easy to work with. Aida is a great go-to fabric for beginners as it’s widely available and has a uniform size and shape that makes stitching a breeze. You can also try evenweave or linen, which give your projects a more refined look. These fabrics are stitched "over two," meaning you stitch over two fabric threads, which reduces the overall count by half. So, if you’re using a 28-count evenweave, you’ll get a 14-count cross stitch. Monk’s cloth is another name for evenweave, so you can use it the same way.

For something a little different, you can try stitching on waste canvas. This method works well with cotton fabrics and gives you the same experience as stitching on Aida. Simply wet the waste canvas when you’re done, and pull out the fabric threads to reveal neat cross stitches.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some cross stitches to your knitting or crochet projects. This technique works best on soft materials and gives your creations a unique, one-sided look.

Popular Cross Stitch Fabric Types

Aida, evenweave, and linen are the key types of fabric you’ll encounter for cross stitching. Each has its unique characteristics, making them suitable for different levels of stitching expertise and project needs.

Aida Fabric

Aida is the go-to fabric for cross stitchers, especially beginners. It’s easy to find, simple to stitch on, and creates nice, uniform crosses.

Aida cloth is made from cotton and has a stiff feel to it. You’ll see it referred to by its "count," which refers to the number of stitches per inch. For example, 14-count Aida fabric has 14 holes per inch.

Evenweave Fabric

Evenweave fabric is another popular choice for cross-stitching. It’s a type of linen that’s specifically made to have a uniform weave, which means the stitches will be the same size in both directions. This fabric is often used for counted thread embroidery techniques, where you count the threads in the fabric to create precise stitches.

Evenweave has a more refined appearance than Aida and is great for learning how to stitch "over two," which means stitching over two fabric threads. This fabric is available in different thread counts, and you can reduce the overall count by half by stitching "over two." For example, with a 28-count evenweave, you can create a 14-count cross stitch.

Evenweave is also known as Monk’s Cloth, and you can use it for the same types of projects as Aida. It’s a versatile fabric that can be used for various embroidery techniques, and it’s especially useful for creating pre-finished items like tablecloths, towels, and bibs.

Linen Fabric

Linen is another popular fabric for cross stitch. Unlike Aida, linen isn’t uniform in size and shape—it’s bigger in one direction than the other, which can make it more challenging to work with. However, linen does have a soft hand and a high thread count, giving your projects a natural and refined appearance.

Counting and stitching on linen can be tricky due to its irregular structure. You’ll typically stitch over two threads, which reduces the overall count by half. For example, with a 28-count linen, you’ll get a 14-count cross stitch.

Difference Between Cross Stitch and Embroidery Fabric

Cross stitch is a type of embroidery that uses a stitch that forms an "X" on the fabric to create a design. The term embroidery is an umbrella term for embellishing fabric with thread. Cross stitch is often a beginner’s craft on the way to needlepoint, which is a more complicated art form that uses more than half a dozen stitches. Cross stitch is cheaper than needlepoint, as the canvas is more readily available. Needlepoint also uses larger holes in the canvas, allowing crafters to be more creative.

Cross stitch is also related to petit point, which is a form of needlepoint embroidery. Petit point uses a single stitch to form almost interlocking diagonal or tent stitches, whereas cross stitch uses a two-step stitch. Petit point uses a much smaller weave size and a smaller needle, and the stitches cover the canvas completely, whereas with cross stitch, the fabric colour usually shows through the stitches. Petit point is also more detailed, as it uses more strands of floss.

Bullion knots, or bullion stitches, are a type of stitch that can be used in embroidery to add unique texture to your project. They can be tricky to master, requiring patience and a steady hand, but they can add a sense of accomplishment when you get them right.

Pros and Cons of Different Cross Stitching Methods

There are several methods for cross-stitching on plain weave fabric, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a rundown:

1. Waste Canvas: This option offers easy visibility and a tactile experience. It’s available in various counts and is inexpensive. However, it requires basting and removal, which can be time-consuming.
2. DMC Water-Soluble Canvas: Providing a precise stitching experience, this canvas dissolves without leaving gaps. It may be challenging to see, and it’s only available in a 14 count, which can be pricier.
3. Printed Grid on Sticky Fabri-Solvy: The least expensive option, allowing you to pre-mark designs and easily hoop and wash away. No basting is needed, but it might feel sticky on needles.
4. Custom Graph Paper: While not a stitching method per se, creating your own graph paper with the Incompetech website lets you customize cross spacing and dot size, ensuring your stitches are precise.

Creating Your Own Custom Printable Grid

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even design your own custom graph paper to use as a printable grid for your cross-stitch projects. Head on over to the Incompetech website and get ready to express your inner artist!

Here, you’ll be able to personalize your graph paper to your heart’s content. Opt for the cross-grid graph paper if you just want the intersections, and then experiment with the dot size and spacing between the crosses. A black cross is the standard, but feel free to explore with different colors to find what works best for you.

Printable Grid Options	Benefits	Considerations
Custom Graph Paper	Allows complete customization of dot size and spacing.	Requires extra time and effort to create.
Cross-Grid Graph Paper	Provides clear intersections for stitching.	May not offer the same level of detail as custom graph paper.
Dot Size Adjustment	Helps ensure dots are visible and easy to work with.	Smaller dots may be challenging to see, especially for detailed projects.
Spacing Customization	Enables precise stitching and alignment.	Closer spacing may result in a crowded appearance.
Color Selection	Offers the ability to choose a color that suits your project and personal preference.	Some colors may be harder to see, especially on certain fabric colors or patterns.

Creating your own printable grid gives you the freedom to tailor your cross-stitch experience to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this option adds a whole new level of creativity and control to your stitching journey.

Practical Applications for Cross Stitching

Now that you know how to create your own custom printable grid, let’s explore some practical applications for cross-stitching.

Cross-stitching is a versatile craft with a range of applications, from simple decorations to personalized gifts. Online, you can find countless cross-stitch patterns, or you can create unique designs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a lot to explore.

A popular application is creating framed artwork. You can use cross-stitch patterns to stitch scenic landscapes, quotes, or abstract designs, and then frame them to hang on your walls. Cross-stitch frames come in various sizes and styles, so you can showcase your finished pieces beautifully.

Another fun idea is to incorporate cross-stitch into clothing or accessories. You could stitch patterns onto a shirt pocket, a denim jacket, or even a pair of sneakers. With a bit of creativity, you can add unique touches to your wardrobe.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try three-dimensional cross-stitch projects. Create stuffed animals, ornaments, or small pouches with intricate cross-stitch designs. These projects usually involve stitching on multiple sides of the fabric and then assembling the pieces.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with cross-stitch techniques and embellishments. Try specialty threads, beads, or ribbons to add texture and dimension to your projects. There are endless possibilities for practical applications, so grab your favourite fabric and get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)