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There are many different types of fabrics available. The most
commonly used one is Aida, which is what most kits use, but
there is also evenweave, silk, and several others.
Most stitchers tend to use Aida fabric because it is very
obvious where to put the needle. There is a problem when you
need to make partial stitches, like half or quarter, though.
They are a lot easier to do when using evenweave or linen, since
with these fabrics you tend to stitch over two, meaning that
every stitch goes over two horizontal and vertical threads.
An evenweave fabric is any cotton or synthetic fabric woven so
there is a hole for stitching between each single thread. Some
people prefer to stitch on evenweaves rather than on Aida since
few specialty stitches or other counted thread techniques (like
hardanger embroidery) can be done on Aida.
Silk is another popular fabric to use, but it is more difficult
since it is slipperier. You can use any type of needle you want,
but make sure the eye is small so there is less friction when it
goes through the fabric. It is also rather abrasive to thread,
so stick the needle in and out of the material at a 90-degree
angle. Also be careful if you aren’t going to cover the entire
background with stitches, since silk is very transparent and it
will be easy to see any threads you carry across the back.
Another hint is to use a dark napkin or cloth behind your work
to help you see. It is also important to have a lot of light and
use magnification if you need it. You should use a sharp needle
to prevent making holes too large. Color in the chart with a
similar color to the silk so there is less miscounting, since
ripping on silk can cause a lot of damage. And finally, keep
your hands very clean as it is more difficult to clean than
other fabrics.
About the author:
Katrina Renouf is the founder and owner of the cross stitch
website www.matkailuxstitch.com
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