Choosing Your Cross-stitch Fabric Some people love to work on Aida while others prefer linen. White or ivory Aida 14 is the most common and 14 count is an easy fabric for beginners. The number of stitches per inch will determine the finished size of the design. A design that is 28 stitches wide stitched on Aida 14 (14 stitches per inch fabric) will be 2 inches wide. The same design will be 2.5 inches wide on Aida 11, and 1.25 inches wide stitched on hardanger (22 stitches per inch). Most designs show the sizes for different counts of fabrics.
Storing Threads There are thread organisers and little bits of card, but the best method I've found is standard white envelopes and shoeboxes! Write the code and name of the colour on the front of the envelope and stick a piece of the colour at the top left of the envelope. Then stack the colours in numerical order in shoeboxes and when you next need a colour you'll find it's easy. Another great thing about the envelopes is you can store lots of bits of threads and easily find the right length when you need it. It is a real pain trying to wrap and keep small bits of thread around small bits of card!
Stitching Methods There are two methods. The first is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the Xs. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches. It is important that all the Xs are crossed in the same direction. The top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction (either \ or /). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.
Finished work Dry cleaning is not recommended. Needlework should be cleaned using a mild detergent and cold water. Rinse well and air dry on a towel. Do not wring, but you can roll the piece in a towel to absorb most of the water. If the dye in the floss being used runs, continually rinse the fabric until the water runs clear. Once the piece has dried, the colour will be set.
Warped Fabric Sometimes fabric that has been stretched will warp after a while. This can be avoided by using cardboard-backed foam rather than using plain cardboard to mount the fabric. It could be warped by being displayed in an area of high humidity. Once a needlework piece has been warped, the only solution is to unframe it, restretch it, and reframe it.
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