Tools and Materials

Fabric

When it comes to fabric there are so many options, but my lasting love will always be for Aida. The pre-woven holes make stitching a breeze. I’m all about enjoyment when it comes to stitching and, as much as I appreciate the neatness of linen or Hardanger, the stress of working with it can override the enjoyment of stitching itself. It’s important to not take on too much or work on something that you struggle with, so choose your fabric wisely.

Throughout this book I have recommended specific fabrics to use on each piece. These are chosen to work best with the colours but, of course, substitutions can always be made to suit stitching your own style. Here’s a simple breakdown of the individual fabric types:

• Aida is an open and even weave cotton fabric. It has a natural mesh that helps guide the stitcher and enough stiffness that for smaller projects a hoop isn’t always required.

  

• Fiddler’s Cloth is similar to Aida but is slightly irregular, producing a more rustic, aged look, which is good if you want something a little less perfect.

  

• Hardanger is made of 100% cotton at 22-count. It is typically used for Hardanger embroidery but can also be used for cross stitch to give a much finer finish. It’s trickier to work with because of its size but the results can be well worth it if you’re up to the challenge.

  

• Linen has a crisp feel with a finer weave than Aida so is usually stitched over two threads of the fabric rather than one. It offers a more traditional look. Working with linen can be a bit more challenging, but is well worth the effort.

  

• Jobelan is a soft fabric with a slight sheen. It is also stitched over two threads, but is more resistant to wrinkles compared to linen. It’s easy to wash, so is ideal for larger projects for the home, such as tablecloths and pillows.

  

Thread

Thread is the paint of the stitching world and offers endless creative possibilities. However, with counted cross stitch it’s super simple to use and the worst that can happen is that it can knot. I always recommend working with two strands for whole stitches (so dividing the original thread into three sets of two strands) and then working with lengths of around 30-50cm (12-20in), adjusting them on your needle to get started. For backstitch use a single strand.

In this book I have used DMC stranded cotton (floss), but there are many alternatives available and the conversion chart at the end of this book will help you to get the closest colour matches.

Scissors

Good embroidery scissors are sharp and fine-pointed for cleanly cutting thread to the correct length, and for snipping off loose ends. To keep them sharp, never use them to cut paper or fabric. Instead you will need a separate pair of fabric scissors to cut your Aida or linen.

Needles

Like most things, you can get by with needles that are too big or too small, but using a good embroidery needle that is the right size for the fabric will make stitching much quicker and easier. Tapestry needles are best for cross stitch because they have a rounded point so will not snag the fabric. However, always be careful with where they are left (please never, ever, cross stitch in bed!). A magnetic needle minder is a good idea to give you somewhere to ‘park’ your needle when it’s not in use – there are so many fun designs available.

Frames

Frames keep your fabric taut while working, can save you a huge amount of time and also ensure that your stitching is even. I like to keep it simple and use a bamboo hoop but there are many varieties available, including some really fancy ones that you don’t even have to hold! Try out a few different models if you’re unsure. A local craft store can be a good source of inspiration and advice here.