How to pick fabric for cross stitch – Aida Cloth

How to pick fabric for cross stitch – Aida Cloth

Aida cloth is manufactured with various size spaces or holes between the warp and weft to accommodate different thicknesses of yarn. Aida cloth has a tendency to fray and often needs hemming before use. It should never be laundered prior to craft work and tends to contract when the finished item is washed in soap and water. Hand washing improves the appearance of finished cross-stitching because Aida cloth naturally contracts in specific areas where it is embroidered.

Choosing fabric for a cross stitch project can seem overwhelming. There are several different types of fabric suitable for cross stitch, and each has its own unique texture, feel, fiber content, and range of colors. In this post we will take a look at the pros and cons of main types of fabric - Aida, linen, and evenweave - so you can choose with confidence.

Aida fabric is one of the most widely used cross stitch fabrics. Made from 100% cotton, Aida is a particularly good choice for beginners because the wide, open weave makes the holes easy to see.

Aida was created specifically for cross stitch in the late 1800's or early 1900's by the Zweigart company in Germany. Zweigart remains one of the largest manufacturers of Aida today. Other makers include Wichelt (Permin) and Charles Craft. There are also a number of small indie makers who are hand dying Aida (as well as linen).

Aida comes in different fabric counts. A fabric's count is the number of holes per inch, which in turn determines the number of stitches per inch. (For more see Cross & Stitch Australia) Aida in 14 count is easy to find and is a good choice for stitchers who are just starting out. Other common counts are 11, 16, 18, and 20.

Aida also comes in a 6-count version called Herta that is perfect for teaching children to stitch or for chunky “big stitch” projects.

Fiddler's Cloth is similar to Aida in its weave, but is made of 50% cotton, 42% polyester, and 8% silk. It comes in 14, 16, and 18 counts and is popular for its rustic oatmeal coloring.

Aida is typically stitched over one and can be stitched with or without a hoop. It comes in a range of colors, including hand dyed and novelty printed styles. Aida is starched, so it is fairly stiff. Wichelt makes a version of 100% cotton Aida called Country French that has a softer feel. It's a good choice if you don't like the stiffness of regular Aida.

As for how to pronounce Aida, that's a long-running debate. Most pronounce it AY-da, but some say I-EE-da like the Verdi opera. Either works!

PROS: Readily available and comes in lots of colors and counts. Easy to stitch, so it's perfect for beginners and novice stitchers.

CONS: Because of its large, open weave, Aida has a coarser finish than linen or evenweave (but it's a look that lots of people love). It's not a great choice for more advanced patterns that use fractional stitches like 1/4 or 3/4 stitches.

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