Cross stitch fabric: aida, evenweave and linen explained
All three are grids. They differ in how visible the grid is and how the count is read.
Aida
Aida is woven in blocks with a clear hole at each corner, so every square is obvious and one stitch covers one block. The count is blocks per inch: 14-count has 14 squares to the inch. It is the fabric nearly every beginner starts on and the one all our charts are sized for.
Evenweave
Evenweave is a plain weave with the same number of threads in each direction. You stitch over two threads, so 28-count evenweave gives the same 14 stitches per inch as 14-count aida. The surface is smoother and fractional stitches are easier, but counting threads instead of blocks takes practice.
Linen
Linen is also stitched over two threads, usually at 28, 32 or 36 count. Its threads are slightly irregular, which gives finished work an antique look. It is the hardest of the three to count on and the most expensive, and it is not where to start.
Dark fabric
Our charts are designed for black or very dark aida, which leaves the background as bare cloth and makes pale floss glow. The holes are harder to see on black: stitch in daylight or under a bright lamp, and put something white on your lap so light comes through the fabric from behind.
