The World of Cross Stitching

How to…

CHOOSE YOUR ESSENTIALS…

Start with these must-have items

FABRICS

Most stitchers start off using aida – a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares by a grid of holes, making it an ideal fabric for beginners. Each cross stitch is worked over one square.

Or you may prefer evenweave, which is also woven in a grid but in a finer count. Each cross stitch is usually worked over two threads of the fabric (shown below), making it the equivalent size to stitching on aida (eg. 28-count evenweave would produce the same size finish as 14-count aida). Fractional stitches are easier to work on evenweave, as there’s a central hole spare so you don’t need to split a block as you do for aida.

THREADS

You’ll need – this coloured thread comes in 8m skeins and is made up of

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The World of Cross Stitching

The World of Cross Stitching1 min read
On The Road
× Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 10cm (4in) x desired length × Stranded cotton as listed in the key × Size 24 tapestry needle × Coloured card, white paper for backing, acid-free double-sided tape and wooden crate of your choice from local st
The World of Cross Stitching3 min read
Ask The Experts
Fiona Baker Senior Technical Editor Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant Vicki Atkinson Editor Q I would like to stitch the 'State Fair' project from issue 335 (August 2023), but I don't like working on 28-count cashel linen. Please could you advise if
The World of Cross Stitching2 min read
Bon voyage!
As summer is right around the corner, it means it’s time for us to pack our suitcases and go on our next European adventure. And what better way to document the highlights of your travels than with postcards painting a stitchy scenery of each locatio

Related