Counted Cross Stitch

A common problem that many stitchers have when starting a new project is trying to figure out how much fabric they will need for their project. If you know the stitch count of your design, it’s not too difficult, but it can be very frustrating for some. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Fabric size calculations:
What is the stitch count of my pattern:
*A*_________x *B*__________
What count is my fabric? If using aida cloth, or stitching “over one”, enter the amount in blank *C*. If using linen or evenweave and stitching “over two”, divide that number by 2. (Example: For 28 count fabric, divide by 2, and enter ‘14’ in blank *C*)
*C*___________
To figure the finished design size, divide the stitch count by your fabric count. Find the values from the blanks above and do the calculations here:
*A* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *D* ________ inches
*B* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *E* ________ inches
My finished design size will be *D* x *E*, but I will need to add extra fabric to each side to allow for framing. Most framers like to have an extra 3-4 inches on each side. (This also helps if I accidentally stitch my design off center a bit.)
How much fabric do I want to add to each side? *F* _______ inches
Now, multiply this by two. *F* _______ x 2 = *G* _______ inches
Add this to my finished design size that I figured earlier (*D* x *E*).
*D* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *H* _______ inches length
*E* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *I* ________ inches width
The fabric size that I need for my project is:
_______ x _______ inches

We’ve created this easy to use Project Planner in a download form also. Feel free to print out as many copies as you need. It’s great to have handy when you are out shopping as well.

Click here to download Cross Stitch Project Planner

Counted Cross Stitch

For the final part of our Aida article, we’ll talk about when aida is a good fabric choice.

The number ONE reason for using Aida cloth is personal preference! If you like it, use it.   Stitching should be enjoyable!   Stitchers have a variety of reasons for preferring aida cloth, including that it’s easier to see, it’s not as confusing, or that they like the sturdy feel.

However, there are some stitchers that prefer not to use aida. The main reason, from my experience, that people don’t want to use aida is because of fractional stitches.  The weave of aida cloth can make fractionals a little more difficult, but it can be done.  See the image below:

Fractional Stitches on Aida

In the first diagram, you will see a full “X” made on Aida cloth.

In the next one, a 1/4 stitch is shown.  Notice that the stitch goes from one “hole” to the center of the ‘square’.  For aida cloth, you must use your needle to piece through the fabric at this center point to achieve this smaller stitch.

In the far right image, you see a 3/4 stitch, which is a 1/4 stitch and then a full ‘leg’ going in the opposite direction.  The smaller stitch is achieved in the same way as the 1/4 stitch.

While some stitchers feel that they ‘must’ use linens or evenweaves to achieve the same degree of detail in a pattern, that’s not always necessarily true.  Again, stitching is our hobby – we should relax and enjoy it!  With the vast amount of colors and counts avialable, combined with being widely available, aida cloth will likely remain a favorite needlework fabric for years to come.

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

6 pks 14 &18 Count Charles Craft Cross Stitch Fabric 15" X 18" NEW AIDA Cloth $15.50

14 count Green Aida Cloth 12x18 - Charles Craft Quality Cross Stitch Fabric $2.00

Baby's Room Aida + Kitten Bunny Cross Stitch Pattern $2.97

Lot of 4, New 18 Count Aida Cloth Cross Stitch Bookmark Blanks $10.01

SULTANA COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT WINTER SCENE 5X7 14 COUNT AIDA SEALED KIT#32158 $9.29

Cross Stitch Aida Christmas Green 27 x 21 14 ct Fabric $12.99

2 rolls Charles Craft Cross Stitch Fabric Brand New in Package 14 count Aida $1.95

WHITE AIDA 18 CT 10" X 17" CROSS STITCH FABRIC $3.50

WHITE AIDA 18 CT 9" X 17" CROSS STITCH FABRIC $3.50

IVORY AIDA 18 CT 16" X 19" CROSS STITCH FABRIC $4.00

Counted Cross Stitch

Aida cloth is probably the most well known of cross stitch fabrics.   Most stitchers have used or routinely use this type of fabric, as it’s widely available in most needlework shops, craft chain stores, and discount stores.   There are scores of different brands, with each having a slightly different “hand”, or feel.  These facts, along with the variety of counts and colors available, make aida cloth very versatile.

The number (and quality) of brands of Aida cloth can be overwhelming.   To name a few of the more common brands, there is Zweigart, Permin (also known as Wichelt), and Charles Craft.   The latter brand is more well known in craft chain stores and discount stores.  It’s usually available in tubes, which prevents fold lines in the fabric, and typically is only available in a few neutral tone shades.   Zweigart and Permin aidas are more commonly found in needlework shops and are regarded to be of highest quality by most stitchers.  Both manufacturers create a mind-boggling array of colors with descriptive names such as Forest Mist, Jade Stone and Baby Lotion.   With so many choices available to today’s stitcher, it’s no wonder that Aida cloth is so popular.

The “count” of Aida cloth refers to how many “blocks” are in a typical inch.  For example, if you are stitching on 14 count aida, and you stitch one full inch horizontally (or vertically), you will have 14 “x” stitches per row.   The most common counts of Aida cloth are 14, 16, and 18, however there are several other counts worth mentioning.  Counts as low as 6 (stitches per inch) can be found as well as as high as 22.  Remember, when talking stitch counts, the “lower” number means bigger stitches.   With so much variety, how do you know which to use?  The biggest factor in deciding is simply personal preference.   Eight or 11 count might be ideal for teaching children to stitch.  Factors to consider when deciding might be the experience of the stitcher,  whether the desired color is available, finished size of the design, and the eyesight/hand-eye coordination of the stitcher.

In Part II, we’ll explore specialty aidas, fiber content, aida “hand” and when to choose/not to choose to stitch on Aida.

Counted Cross Stitch

This will be the first in a series of articles de-mystifying the many types of cross stitch fabric available to the stitcher these days.  There are oh, so many different fabrics – enough to make one feel dizzy-headed just picking something out for their next project.

First, let’s talk terminology.   Most of us are familiar with aida cloth.  Some of us started out stitching on it, but then tried other fabrics.  Others of us love to stick with the old faithful.  In general, aida cloth is considered by most stitchers to have “holes” for stitching, as opposed to more of a woven appearance.

“Evenweave” is a term that can actually have more than one meaning, depending on whom you are talking to.  Technically, evenweave refers to a fabric that has the same number of threads horizontally, as vertically.  Using this definition, most all cross stitch fabrics would be considered evenweave, even aida.  For example, good quality 14 count aida will have 14 squares horizontally, and 14 square vertically.  (There are some linen fabrics available that have 36 threads in one direction and 38 in the other. )  Again, with this definition, fabrics ranging from 7 count Klostern, all the way up to 40ct Newcastle linen would be evenweave.

Another school of thought for the word evenweave is a fabric that has smooth, even threads, and that is not Aida cloth.  Fabrics that are made with linen fibers have threads that vary in thickness throughout the cloth, and also have “slubs”, which look like tiny little knots or lumps in the fabric.  Because of these variations in the cloth, they are not considered evenweave since the threads aren’t smooth and even.

The term linen also can have a couple of different meanings among stitchers.   Some refer to linen as any fabric that’s not aida cloth. Others refer to linen as fabrics that are indeed made from true linen threads.

As you can see, just the basic terminology can even be confusing if everyone isn’t on the same page, so to speak.   While one stitcher may say “I’d like to use linen for this project”, they may mean a fabric such as Cashel Linen or they may just mean anything other than Aida cloth.