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 Instruction Manual |
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Instruction Manual |
Aida
Aida is the most common fabric for Cross stitch. Aida is a block weave giving it a strong texture with holes that are easily seen.
Standard Aida is 100% cotton but there are several special fabrics using lurex, linen and a metallic fleck.
Normally Aida is sewn over one thread, which is using every hole. If you look at the fabric the "squares" are easy to see so you can relate it easily to the chart or pattern. Sizes available are:
Huck
Aida Band
Strips of Aida with sewn, or scalloped sides. Edging comes in various colours from white through to metallics.
Aida Plus
Treated with a special process, this cloth can be cut without unravelling. You can also bend, curl or fold it without damaging the weave.
Waste canvas
Waste canvas is canvas that when you have stitched on it, you remove it.
Specialist fabrics
Once you get into cross stitch you will discover that there are many more fabrics. With names like Annabelle, Jessica, Belinda they combine stitching and plain fabrics for table cloths, table runners, chair backs and so on. It would be impossible to list them all but if you have a project in mind it is worth asking if there is a suitable fabric designed for it.
If you have any comments or suggestions Contact Stitch Pics
6 (binca), 11, 14, 16, 18.
For 14 count you use 2 strands of thread for general coverage. 3 strands gives a more solid look and is better if sewing on dark coloured fabric.
16 count is that little bit finer. It still is large enough to see easily but gives a slightly better look.
18 count is finer still and slightly harder to see. The results are worth it though.
11 count is good for introducing to cross stitch, especially younger children or adults who have poor eye sight.
Stitch Pics stocks 14 count in many colours, 16 count in white, cream , ecru and some pastels, 18 count in a variety of colours, plus binca.
Huck is 7½ count and is a special weave for Huck Weaving also called "Huck Darning" or " Swedish Weaving". Thread is woven in and out of the blocks caled "Floats". This type of embroidery was most popular during the 1940s but is having a small revival. There are several books on the subject and a specialist web site Here and Now who have several free patterns to get you started.
Evenweave is woven fabric made from cotton, linen or man made fabrics such as rayon or lurex. It is by nature finer than block weave and, therefore, gives a smoother finish to the unsewn areas of the fabric.
Evenweave
Linen Evennweave
Usually you sew over two threads with this sort of fabric, that is every other hole. This has the advantage that part stitches become that much easier as you have a central hole to aim for.
Remember that if you are sewing over two thread then the sizing is the equivelant of half the hole count, i.e. 28 count over 2 is the same as 14 count aida( sewn over 1)
22 Oslo, 27 count (Linda) , 28 count (Quaker annabelle & Cashel) and 32 (Belfast) are the most common.
Stitch Pics stocks Hardanger in white and ecru, Linda in white, blue and cream but can obtain other fabrics in quantities of 1 metre or more.
It comes in many different widths.
It also comes in varying hole counts 14 and 16 being the most common.
Stitch Pics stocks the 14hpi 2 inch variety. Other sizes are available in quantities of 1 metre or more.
Ideal for bookmarks or cake bands.
9" x 12 " 14 hpi
No need for hoops or frames as the cloth is stiffened.
Using Waste Canvas is as easy as doing cross stitch on Aida because
that's what you are doing. In fact, it is sometimes easier because
Waste Canvas has a blue line in it which can help with counting.
You can stitch by hand onto any product such as a knitted garment,
T-shirt, Sweat shirt, Sun hat, pillow case etc. by first attaching
a piece of Waste Canvas to the fabric and then stitching through it.
When the design is complete, dampen the canvas and pull out the individual
threads of the Waste Canvas to leave just your cross stitching behind.
The dampening of the canvas loosens the glue which holds this special
product together.
Waste Canvas comes in 11 hpi, (rare) 14 hpi (blue line) or 18hpi (green line)
Stitch Pics only stocks 14 hpi at the moment
A couple of tips for using Waste Canvas; Don't make your stitches
too tight or you will not be able to remove the canvas from beneath.
Use a pair of tweezers to pull out the canvas. Don't attempt anything
too big!
Canvas comes in two basic types: Embroidery canvas, which has two strands and Interlock which has one.
Embroidery Canvas
Interlock Canvas
Most printed canvases come on the two strand variety as it gives more fabric to print on.
Interlock is slightly eaier with wool as the holes are bigger.
Counts vary from 6 to 22. The type and hole count you use will depend on whether you are using wool or stranded cotton.
Stitch Pics stocks interlock canvas in 10, 12 & 14 counts plus a wide variety of printed canvases.
Also available are towels with a stitchable area, which come in variious sizes from hand or guest towel up to bath sheets. Bibs, hats even teddy bears are also available.
Stitch Pics can obtain most specialist fabrics. Please contact us for prices and delivery times.