Amazing Aida, part II Counted Cross Stitch

Counted Cross Stitch

In part I of this article, we talked about the different manufacturers, colors and counts of Aida cloth.  There are so many different types available, some solid, some heathered, some soft, some not!

Typical aida that most stitchers think of when they talk about “aida cloth” is available in a wide variety of counts/colors/sizes and isn’t hard to find for purchase.    This “regular” aida, we’ll call it, is typically 100% cotton and usually has more of  a stiff feel to it.  Most of the time, as it’s being stitched on, it does loosen up some and become softer.   This stiffer texture does make stitching small projects without a hoop much easier for some, but that is mostly personal preference.

Not all aida cloth types have this stiff feel, however.  One such aida cloth, called “Country French Soft Touch Aida” is available through needlework shops, and is very soft and “drapable”, much like many of the evenweave fabrics (such as lugana).  When would you want to use a drapable cloth?  How about if you are making a breadbasket cloth?  You would want to be able to drape the cloth over your bread or inside the basket.  The stiffer aidas wouldn’t work as easily for this.  Country French Soft Touch Aida is also 100% cotton and is currently available only in 14 count, and just a few colors.   It is so very “yummy” to stitch on and worth a try to test it out.

Zweigart produces a couple of fabric types, Rustico and Yorkshire, that aren’t solid in their coloring.  They have a heathered look to them.  This makes a more interesting background for your project.    The Rustico fabric is a cotton/rayon/linen blend and is perfect for a ‘country’ look, while the Yorkshire is a cotton/polyester (96/4) blend.  Yorkshire currently is available in 14 count, while Rustico has limited colors in 12, 14, 16, and 18 count.

Zweigart Rustico Aida

Zweigart Yorkshire Aida

Wichelt Imports also now has a new Jobelan Aida.  This fabric is currently only in White and Ivory 14ct.  It’s also a cotton blend.  (51% Cotton & 49% Rayon/Modal).  I have not personally used this aida yet, so I cannot comment on the feel of it.

There are multitudes of other aida cloths available.  We’ve stocked Wool Aidas at one point, as well as Damask Aidas.  The wool, was just that – manufactured from wool and was thick and sturdy as one would expect.  Damask Aida is also a Zweigart product.  It has a beautiful sheen to it, which makes it great for elegant projects such as wedding samplers.

This wraps up a general summary of a few of the main types of aida. Stay tuned for part III, where we’ll talk about the basics of stitching on aida, and when you might want to consider a different type of fabric other than aida when stitching.

For lots of aida choices, visit Everything Cross Stitch:

Aida at Everything Cross Stitch

and for Hand Dyed aida cloth:

Silkweaver Hand Dyed Aida