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Types of Cross Stitch FabricTypes of Cross Stitch Fabric

How to Choose from the Different Types of Cross Stitch Fabrics

Choosing your cross stitch cloth is one of the first and most important decisions you'll make for your project. While choosing your base may seem like an afterthought, the cloth you choose can actually change the feel, workability, and appearance of your finished piece.

To help you choose from the different types of cloth, we've put together a simple guide that will outline some of the key differences between each option.

The Types of Cross Stitch Fabric

There are 4 four main types of cross stitch fabric - Aida, Evenweave, Linen, and Lugana. Each cloth has its own unique characteristics that can affect your finished product. Some are easier to use, making them ideal for beginners, whereas others are best suited for more experienced stitchers that work with more detailed and vintage-inspired designs.

Aida Cloth

Aida fabric is the most popular cross stitch cloth choice and has been widely used among cross stitchers since the 1890s. It's easily recognizable by its perfectly square holes and stiff feel.

Aida is an excellent choice for beginners because it doesn't warp, and the holes are easy to see due to the open weave. It's an incredibly versatile fabric and can be used for a wide range of different projects. Not only can it be purchased with printed count guidelines and patterns to follow, but you also print custom designs of your own directly onto the fabric as your guide.

Aida Fabric Characteristics:

  • Made from 100% cotton.
  • Has an open weave mesh that makes it easy to count stitches.
  • Available in different count sizes (14, 16, 18, 20, and more).
  • Suitable for a range of various projects.
  • Ideal for beginners to more experienced stitchers.
  • Comes in a variety of colors.
Aida Cross Stitch ClothAida Cross Stitch Cloth

Linen Cross Stitch Cloth

Linen is a luxurious fabric with a beautiful natural texture made of woven flax fibers. It has a unique look that can add an extra level of sophistication and a vintage look to your finished piece, but it is a challenging cross stitch cloth to work with. Unlike Aida cloth, the cross stitch linen weave is uneven, which means even the most experienced stitchers must take special care with each stitch to ensure they're even throughout the design.

Linen Fabric Characteristics:

  • Made of natural flax fibers.
  • Adds greater depth to the finished piece.
  • Challenging to work with due to the uneven weave.
  • Available in different count sizes (28, 32, 36, and 40).
  • Recommended for more experienced cross stitchers.
Linen Cross Stitch FabricLinen Cross Stitch Fabric

Evenweave Cloth

Evenweave fabric is similar to Aida in that it has a perfectly even weave, with the same number of threads, horizontally and vertically. The main difference is that the fabric counts are much smaller, meaning that the holes are smaller. This type of fabric is ideal for cross stitch projects that require a lot of detail work.

Evenweave Fabric Characteristics:

  • More refined look than Aida, but less so than linen.
  • Similar stiffness to Aida with a cotton/rayon blend.
  • Available in 10, 25, 28, and 32-count sizes.
  • Consistent texture and ideal for advanced patterns.
  • Typically stitched over two threads. This will halve the count size, meaning a 28 count stitched over two measures the same as a 14 count.
Evenweave Cross Stitch FabricEvenweave Cross Stitch Fabric

Lugana Cross Stitch Cloth

Lugana is a soft, heavy, evenly woven cross stitch cloth with a beautiful drape. It's made of a cotton/viscose rayon blend and has a subtle sheen that gives it an elegant look. The even weave of the fabric makes it easy to count and stitch, so it's a good choice for both beginners and experienced stitchers alike. Lugana is ideal for large decorative projects like pillows, table linens, and wall hangings.

Lugana Fabric Characteristics:

  • Made of a 52% cotton/48% viscose-rayon blend.
  • The fabric has a subtle sheen.
  • It's an evenly woven fabric that's easy to count and stitch.
  • Ideal for large decorative projects due to its softness and weight.
  • Available in different count sizes (25, 28, and 32)
  • Typically stitched over two threads. This will halve the count size, meaning a 28 count stitched over two measures the same as a 14 count.
Lugana Cross Stitch FabricLugana Cross Stitch Fabric

Which Cross Stitch Cloth is Best For Beginners?

If you're a beginner, the best type of cross stitch fabric to start with is Aida. It's easy to work with because the holes are evenly spaced and easily visible. Plus, it's widely available in different count sizes, so you can find one that suits your needs.

Once you get more experience, you may want to try linen or Evenweave cloth. Both of these fabrics have a more refined look than Aida but can be challenging to work with because the holes are smaller. Once you're up for the challenge, they can add a beautiful level of detail to your finished piece.

Where to Buy Different Types of Cross Stitch Cloth

You can find all of the different types of cross stitch cloths mentioned above on our Cross Stitch Fabric page. We have a wide selection of cloths in different colors, count sizes, and brands.

No matter which type of cross stitch cloth you choose, Fat Quarter Shop has everything else you'll need to get started on your crafting next project. We hope you found this guide helpful, and we wish you the best of luck with your next cross stitch project!