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When starting a new cross stitch project, it’s important to think about what kind of fabric you want to use. While there’s no right or wrong answer, it can be a little overwhelming to choose between the different options available, especially if you’re a cross stitch beginner.
In this guide, we’re going to look more in depth at the three main types of fabric used by cross stitchers: aida, evenweave, and linen. We’ll cover the reasons why you might want to choose one or the other depending on the type of cross stitch project you’re working on, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of each.
You can also head over to our YouTube channel and watch our handy videos which help you to choose the perfect fabric for your cross stitch project.
Aida cross stitch fabric is considered to be the most popular and widely recognised, and because of how easy it is to get started with, it’s generally the go-to choice for those who are new to cross stitching.
Made from 100% cotton, the fabric is instantly recognisable from its distinct, block-like weave. This helps to create a visible grid pattern that makes it very easy to see exactly where your needle should go and how to count the stitches.
Aida is a great fabric to get started with as a beginner to cross stitching due to the way the fabric is laid out and the holes being so visible. This is generally recommended for beginners as it allows them to gain plenty of practice and build confidence.
Thanks to the grid pattern with clearly visible holes, it’s easy to count the stitches and it’s clear where to place your cross stitch needles during stitching.
Aida comes in a range of counts, which makes it a very versatile fabric and easily adaptable to many different cross stitch projects.
Aida is a strong fabric that is easy to stitch with, but that also is less likely to become damaged during stitching.
The large stitches on aida fabric can make it difficult to create projects with more intricate details.
Unlike other fabrics, aida is quite a stiff and sturdy fabric, which makes it a bit less flexible to work with.
Using aida fabric can sometimes mean that finishing touches like washing or ironing may be needed to remove things like hoop marks or wrinkles in finished projects.
Evenweave is another highly popular cross stitch fabric that many stitchers choose. Unlike aida, this fabric has an even thread count which is applied both vertically and horizontally, and features a smoother, more even appearance. While aida is made using 100% cotton, evenweave can be made with a variety of materials like cotton, linen, or even a blend of the two.
This provides cross stitchers with a range of choice when it comes to textures, so it’s great for many different types of cross stitch projects. Evenweave does have a higher thread count than other fabrics, which lends itself well to more intricate and detailed designs.
Thanks to the tight weave of this fabric, the finished result often appears more refined and professional looking.
Evenweave is mostly used in projects that require a lot of intricate detail, thanks to the higher thread count.
The smooth texture of this fabric makes it easy and pleasant to work with.
Evenweave is a great fabric to use in a range of cross stitch projects because it’s available in many different thread counts.
For those new to cross stitching, evenweave can be a bit more challenging because of the need for more precision when counting stitches and the softer fabric.
Although this always depends on the place you’re buying it from, evenweave is typically a bit more expensive than other types of fabric.
Due to the softer fabric, if pulled too tightly when stitching, the fabric can become bunched and damaged.
For more experienced and advanced cross stitchers, linen tends to be the go-to choice. Known for its unique texture, it’s also considered to be one of the most visually appealing fabrics with a very classic and timeless look.
Linen has a very natural texture, which adds elegance to finished projects, and can often be found in cross stitch designs that are sold by professionals.
The higher thread count offered by linen fabric makes it a good choice for those looking to stitch very detailed designs.
Unlike aida that can appear quite grid-like, linen has a less obvious, plainer background, which allows more emphasis to be placed on the finished design.
As it’s a natural fabric, the texture may be a little uneven, which can make it challenging to work with for those who have less experience with cross stitching.
Linen is often more expensive than fabrics like aida, so it’s generally used by those who are creating cross stitch designs to sell, rather than simply as a hobby.
Linen as a fabric in general is known to fray, so it’s important to take extra care when using this as a cross stitch fabric.
In the world of cross stitch, you’ll often hear the term “count” or “stitch count”, which can be a little confusing for those just getting started with cross stitching.
Count simply means the number of squares or stitches per each inch of the fabric. As an example, if you see something advertised as 14-count aida, this means there are 14 squares per inch, and a 16-inch aida has 16 squares per inch.
The count of the fabric you choose will influence things like the size of the needle you use and the size of the finished design.
The most common counts you’re likely to come across are, 12, 14, 16, and 18. However, there are many cross stitchers who need a higher count, so it really does depend on the project you’re working on.
With 12 stitches per inch of fabrics, this is one of the most commonly-available counts and is a favourite among beginner cross stitchers. The larger holes make it easier to see where the needle should be placed, so it’s great for learning how to handle a pattern and see the progress. This count also offers a good balance between being easy to work with and allowing for finer details.
This is another of the most popular and commonly used counts, with 14 stitches per inch. As with the 12-count, it’s easy to see where the needle should go thanks to the larger holes in the fabric.
Although still a popular and common count used by cross stitchers, this lends itself better to those who are planning to add more detail to their designs. It’s typically used by those who are a bit more experienced in cross stitching due to the finer weave of the fabric.
This higher count is perfect for those who are looking to stitch very detailed and intricate designs, and is definitely more suitable for advanced cross stitchers.
Anything with a 20 count and above is generally reserved for professional cross stitchers and those with a lot of experience due to the level of attention to detail required when working with this stitch count.
Now that you know the difference between the main cross stitch fabrics and what to look for, we’re here to help you on your way to becoming a confident cross stitcher.
We stock high quality cross stitch kits, patterns, accessories and more so that you have everything you need, no matter what your cross stitching experience.
If you’re looking to learn more about cross stitch, or want to build on your existing skills, check out our blog, and YouTube tutorials for all the latest tips and tricks.
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