If you're searching for "best cross stitch fabric", "Aida Fabric vs Evenweave Fabric", or trying to understand "what fabric to use for cross stitching", you're in the right place.
Choosing the best fabric for cross stitching can be tricky — especially with popular options like Aida, Evenweave and Linen on the market. Each one has its pros, textures, and counts. So, how do you decide which cross stitch fabric is right for your project?
At Willow Fabrics, we specialise in providing the highest quality cross stitch fabrics in the UK, and we're here to help you make the perfect choice. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced stitcher, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right fabric confidently.
Why Fabric Choice Affects Your Cross Stitch Project?
Fabric is the foundation of every embroidery or cross stitch project. The wrong fabric can cause frustration, miscounted stitches, or even ruin delicate patterns. The right cross stitch fabric, on the other hand, enhances your design and makes stitching smoother and more enjoyable.
Aida Fabric: The Go-To for Cross Stitch Beginners
Aida fabric is hands down the most popular choice for anyone starting their counted cross stitch adventure, and for a good reason! Its unique weave makes stitch counting incredibly straightforward.
What it is:
Typically 100% cotton, Aida is specially woven to create clear, defined squares and evenly spaced holes. This built-in grid is a dream for beginners, making it easy to see exactly where your needle should go.
Counting Made Simple:
This is Aida's superpower. The prominent blocks mean fewer miscounts, leading to a much more relaxed and enjoyable cross stitch journey.
Fabric Count Explained:
Aida is measured by "count," which tells you how many stitches fit per inch. Common counts you'll find at Willow Fabrics include 11, 14, 16, 18, and 20 counts. Remember, a higher count means smaller stitches and a finer, more detailed finished look.
Why stitchers love it:
- Easy to Count: Perfect for beginner cross stitch projects.
- Budget-Friendly: Generally the most affordable needlework fabric.
- Widely Available: You'll find Aida in tons of colours and counts right here at Willow Fabrics.
- Durable: It holds up well to handling, even if you're a tight stitcher!
Things to consider:
- Visible Holes: On lower counts, the distinct holes can be quite noticeable, which some stitchers might not prefer for designs with lots of unstitched backgrounds.
- Stiffer Feel: It can feel a bit stiff to start, but it softens beautifully after washing.
Best for:
New stitchers, cross stitch kits, quick projects, designs that will be fully covered with stitches, and any time ease of stitch counting is your top priority.
Evenweave Fabric: Your Versatile Cross Stitch Companion
Evenweave fabric offers a step up in sophistication, giving your hand embroidery a smoother, more refined finish. It's called "evenweave" because each thread is woven individually and uniformly, both horizontally and vertically.
What it is:
Evenweave can be made from various fibres like cotton, Linen, rayon, or blends. Popular varieties available at Willow Fabrics include soft Jobelan and smooth DMC.
Counting Over Two:
Unlike Aida's distinct blocks, stitching on Evenweave usually means you'll count over two fabric threads for each cross stitch. So, if you're using 28-count Evenweave, your stitches will be the same size as on 14-count Aida (28/2 = 14). This takes a little more focus but creates a much finer, more elegant result.
Fabric Count Explained:
Common Evenweave counts include 25, 28, 32, and 36 counts.
Why stitchers love it:
- Smoother Finish: The individual threads create a more continuous and less "holey" look.
- Incredibly Versatile: Fantastic for a wide range of cross stitch designs, from intricate details to delicate samplers.
- Softer Drape: It generally feels more pliable and flows beautifully.
- Blends Seamlessly: The fabric itself is less prominent, making your stitches really pop, especially in designs with open areas.
Things to consider:
- Harder to Count: Counting over two threads can be a learning curve for beginners or those with vision challenges.
- Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than Aida.
- Fraying Edges: The edges tend to fray more easily, so it's a good idea to finish them before you start stitching.
Best for:
Intermediate cross stitchers, designs with fine details, projects where you want a refined finish, and anyone looking to move beyond Aida cross stitch fabric. You'll find a wide selection of evenweave fabric to inspire you at Willow Fabrics.
Linen Fabric: The Elegant Choice for Cross Stitch
Linen fabric is the timeless choice for cross stitchers seeking a truly classic and elegant aesthetic. It's also a type of evenweave, but its natural characteristics make it unique. True Linen comes from flax fibres, which have natural variations in thickness called "slubs" – these aren't flaws, but part of its charm and give it that distinctive, organic texture.
What it is:
Pure Linen is woven from natural flax fibres. Those charming slubs are inherent to the flax plant, adding to the fabric's Character.
Counting Over Two (with Character):
Like other evenweaves, you'll stitch over two threads on Linen. The slubs can sometimes make counting more challenging than on perfectly uniform evenweaves. Still, experienced stitchers adore the unique Character these variations add to their cross stitch art.
Fabric Count Explained:
Common linen fabric counts include 28, 32, 36, and 40 count.
Why stitchers love it:
- Beautiful Drape: Linen feels luxurious and drapes wonderfully.
- Unique Texture: Those natural slubs create a distinctive, often rustic or antique feel that elevates any cross stitch design.
- Heirloom Quality: Projects stitched on linen cross stitch fabric often feel more substantial and become cherished heirloom embroidery pieces.
- Naturally Breathable: An adorable fabric to work with, especially for larger needlework projects.
Things to consider:
- Most Challenging to Count: The slubs can make precise counting a bit more demanding, especially if you're new to evenweave cross stitches.
- Highest Price Point: Linen is typically the most premium cross stitch fabric option.
- Wrinkles Easily: It does tend to wrinkle, but these usually press out well.
Best for:
Advanced cross stitchers, traditional samplers, intricate designs that benefit from a sophisticated background, and anyone who appreciates the inherent beauty and history of natural fibres. Discover our exquisite collection of Zweigart linen and other premium linens at Willow Fabrics.
Fabric Thread Counts Explained
Thread count refers to the number of threads per inch — which determines how many stitches fit into that space.
- Aida 14 = 14 stitches per inch
- Evenweave 28 = stitched over 2 threads = 14 stitches per inch
- Linen 32 = over 2 = 16 stitches per inch
Use our cross stitch charts & designs to match your design with the correct fabric count.
So, Which Cross Stitch Fabric is Right for You?
There's no single "best" cross stitch base fabric – the ideal choice depends on your specific project, your skill level, and what you enjoy stitching on!
- Just starting? We highly recommend Aida fabric. It's forgiving, easy to count, and perfect for building your confidence.
- Ready for a new challenge? Explore Evenweave fabric. It offers a step up in refinement and versatility without being overly daunting.
- Dreaming of an heirloom piece? Embrace Linen fabric. Its elegance and unique texture are perfect for creating truly exceptional, museum-quality cross stitch art.
Where to Buy Quality Cross Stitch Fabric Online
At Willow Fabrics, we offer a wide range of colours and counts, Pre-cut and bulk options. Our selection includes Aida Fabrics, Evenweave, and Linen — all trusted by UK stitchers for quality and consistency. Shipping to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand.
When making your decision, ask yourself:
- - What's my comfort level with counting stitches?
- - How intricate is my design?
- - What kind of finished look do I want?
- - What's my budget for this project?
- - Which fabric feels right to me?
Conclusion: What Fabric Should You Choose?
The best cross stitch fabric depends on your experience, the pattern complexity, and personal preference.
- - For simple patterns or new stitchers, Aida is best.
- - For detailed or textured designs, choose Evenweave
- - For traditional looks, go with Linen.
At Willow Fabrics, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect cross stitch cloth for your next creative endeavor. We stock a vast range of high-quality cross stitch fabrics, including Zweigart Aida, premium evenweaves like Jobelan and DMC, and exquisite linens.
Ready to find your next perfect fabric? Explore our full collection of cross stitch supplies today!
