If you’ve ever been to a needlework or craft shop, it can be overwhelming (in a good way) to see all the cross stitch fabrics that are available these days. Cross stitch fabrics come in a wide variety of types, colours, and textures. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced stitcher, there really is something for everyone (and every budget). From Aida to evenweave to linen, there are many options for the modern cross stitcher. This video tutorial will show samples of various types of cross stitch fabric, including some specialty fabrics.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission (such as from Amazon). Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality, and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use myself. 🙂
Cross stitch fabrics: Aida
- Features blocks of threads, so the holes are much more distinct
- Good for beginners or those who have difficulty seeing finer fabrics
- 14 count is normal for beginners (many intermediate or advanced stitchers also prefer 14 count)
- There are a variety of qualities (ie Michaels’ Loops & Threads brand is quite stiff, whereas Zweigart Aida is very soft and pliable)
- There are many specialty Aida varieties such as Fiddlers Cloth by Charles Craft (oatmeal Aida) and Zweigart’s linen Aida
- Used 16 count Fiddler’s Cloth for the Adorned Life Collection
Evenweave fabric
- Usually cotton or cotton blends
- Threads are very consistent in diameter and evenly spaced
- You usually stitch over two but can stitch over one for very large projects
- Better for fractional stitches
- Takes a little bit to get used to as the weave is finer than Aida and the holes less visible, but once you get the hang of it, it’s great
- A huge variety of prints, patterns, and colours available (like this pretty green 28 count Zweigart evenweave)
- Used 25 count Lugana (stitched over 2) for the Royal Proclamations Collection
Linen fabric
- Made from the flax plant
- Similar thread counts to evenweave and higher (can go up to 40 or more)
- The threads often have “slubs”, or tiny sections of linen lumps — these are normal and give linen its unique appearance
- Linen has a bit of a sheen, and creases more easily
- Working with linen is similar to working with evenweave
- Using “raw linen” usually indicates the fabric is the natural mid-brown colour
Links mentioned in the video:
Fabrics
Retailers
Peacock & Fig collections mentioned in the tutorial:
- Adorned Life Collection (Fiddler’s Aida)
- Spirited Animals Collection (Zweigart Aida)
- Royal Proclamations Collection (Zweigart Lugana)
Want to see more recommendations of stitching materials and tools, as well as stitchy books? Head to the Peacock & Fig Amazon page! 😀
20 Responses
Sharon Malek
What a beautiful site you have. Your videos are so full of information. I can tell you enjoy doing crafts and teaching, keep on!
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Sharon! I’ve been going over seven years now, and am a working artist as well. Thanks for the encouragement and feedback! ❤️❤️
Emerald
This is pretty helpful, I’ve been stitching only on Aida cause ive been to chicken to try linen. Theres so much helpful info on this site I love it!
Does anyone know where to get that peacock pattern from the heading picture? It doesnt appear to be on the site and I would love to try it in a darker purple/green mix.
Dana Batho
Hi Emerald, I’m glad the tutorial has inspired you to try linen! You’ll love it, it’s got such a lovely look and texture. And that peacock is actually a vintage filet crochet pattern I turned into a cross stitch pattern — I can’t put the pattern on my site as it’s not my original design. The pattern was from an antique pattern library, it was totally ok to use to make my own personal project, but I’m not legally allowed to share the cross stitch version of that pattern (even for free). 🙂
Lyssa
Dana, can you make some simple changes to the Peacock pattern so you can legally share or sell the pattern to folks like Emerald and me? That would be super!
Dana Batho
Hi Lyssa! That’s not how copyright works unfortunately, making some changes does not mean it’s “yours” to do with as you please. That’s a common misconception about copyright, that if you change 10% or 20% or whatever that it’s now legal for you to share it. It’s not, not unless you’ve paid to license the art (in arrangement with the copyright holder, usually the artist), or you’ve arranged with the artist/designer to change or use the design. In this case, the pattern was from a filet crochet pattern that’s available in the public domain online (but I have no idea where I found it, it was years ago, this original post is from 2017). It’s not my right to release the pattern as a cross stitch pattern, as I explained to Emerald. 😊
Michelle Thomas
Does anyone ever buy linen off the bolt at JoAnn for their needlework projects?
Dana Batho
Hi Michelle! I have never been to a JoAnn’s shop (I’m in Canada), but yes, that’s why they have the bolts of fabric available. Some people want to buy in bulk as it’s usually less expensive (I know some people even buy a bolt of linen themselves for all their projects). Also for some bigger projects, you can only get fabric big enough if you buy off a bolt. 🙂 Happy stitching!
Lena Montgomery
Joann’s does not sell linen off the bolt in their shops. You can buy it by the yard on the online store but Joann;s is way overpriced for linens and everything else. Even with a coupon you can get a better prive online such as at 123stitch.com. Joanns raises most of their prices by 50% before they issue their 50% & 60% off coupons. Just an FYI.
Dana Batho
Haha thanks Lena! I don’t know — I’ve never been to a Joann’s, I assumed that since I was asked about their bolts of fabric that they sold that in their shops. We don’t have Joann’s in Canada, just Michaels. 🙂
Gayle
Thanks !
Dana Batho
You’re welcome Gayle! 🙂
Linda
Dana, thank you for the tutorial. It was very informative. I do enjoy learning about different materials and techniques for cross stitching. I work at Michael’s and so it also helps me with my customers.
Dana Batho
That’s great, I’m glad the tutorial helped Linda! It’s a shame Michael’s doesn’t have a big range, but at least having knowledgable staff like yourself will definitely help. 🙂
Maxiely
Thanks.
Dana Batho
You’re welcome, happy stitching! 🙂
Joanne Obergfell
Enjoyed this tutorial and seeing the different material up close. Thank you!
Dana Batho
You’re very welcome Joanne, glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Carol
Thank you for the tutorial ~ I have not tried any kind of even weave or linens just Aida but I may now. I really like the ones with the printed backgrounds (like the little stars and hearts). Enjoyed the tutorial.
Thanks again
Dana Batho
You’re welcome Carol! I know right, the printed ones are so neat, I love them. Have fun experimenting! 🙂