How do you decide which fabric to use for your cross stitch pattern? In this post we’ll look into the two most popular options and help you decide which is best for you. The options we’ll look into are Aida fabric and linnen fabric.
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Both options are available in different ‘counts. Count stands for the number of squares the fabric has per inch (or 2,54 cm).
I have always used 14 count Aida fabric for my cross stitching. On this fabric, you use one square for each cross stitch. On 32 count linen you use a total of 4 squares (2 high and 2 wide) to make one cross stitch. See below for a visual example:
I have always wanted to try cross stitching on linen. I find that it looks much more sophisticated and detailed. But I held myself back because it seemed so much more difficult to cross stitch. But after having garnered enough experience cross stitching on Aida, I decided to just go for it.
Preparing the fabric
Often times cross stitch patterns are divided in squares which consist of 10 cross stitches high and 10 cross stitches wide. Before I start cross stitching, I draw these squares on the fabric using my Pilot Frixion Pen. Drawing these squares on your fabric will be very helpful in following the cross stitch pattern.
I draw the squares by first doing the horizontal lines, then the vertical lines or vice versa. Drawing these lines on Aida fabric was pretty easy, because you just count the 10 squares on the fabric to make for one pattern square. But on linen, since you need to 2 squares wide and 2 squares high for one cross stitch, you need to count 20 squares high and 20 squares wide to make for one pattern square. Because the squares on linen are much smaller, it makes counting a bit more challenging. I normally draw my first line and measure it. Then I place a preliminary small mark on where I measure the next line will most likely be. I still count whether or not it’s 20 squares, but it helps me keep track of my count. Once I have confirmed it is in fact 20 squares, I then draw the line.
Very important: you need to draw these lines using a special pen. Do not use a pencil, because you will not be able to remove pencil drawn lines from your fabric. As I mentioned before, I use a Pilot Frixion Pen. The squares I make using this pen disappear when I iron the fabric (the heat removes the ink), like in the video below. Be aware though, that when you iron your embroidery or cross stitch project, it is better to place a towel over it or to place your fabric upside down. This way you’ll avoid ‘squashing’ your cross stitches or embroidery.
Beginners
Have just started cross stitching, or are you considering starting cross stitching? Then I would recommend to start by using 14 count Aida for practice. When I decided to take a leap and start cross stitching on linen, I started by first trying the smallest patterns. I then slowly started expanding and doing more complicated patterns on linen. Nowadays it’s the only pattern I use.
There is one pattern that have stitched on both Aida as well as linen. Seeing the two side by side really shows the difference between the two fabrics (left is Aida and right is linen).
Which fabric do you think looks better?
