Cross stitching is kind of a complex stitch among types of stitches embroidery. So you can’t do it in any kind of fabric. Cause the x effect is pretty strong and it needs a strong fabric to hold on in it.
And 5 types of cross stitching fabric can actually hold this stitch well. For intense,
- Aida
- Evenweave
- Linen Cross
- Waste Canvas
- Plastic Canvas
Ok, but why? And which one is best for all kinds of cross stitch patterns? I know your confession. That’s why I document the whole fabric thing in my POV.
At a glance:
- Evenweave is my favorite fabric for this stitch.
- You can cross stitch any fabric, but not all of it suits it.
- Fabric count matters a lot when cross stitching.
- Cross stitch Fabric 14 count is another of the best fabrics for cross stitch.
Table of Contents
Can I Cross Stitch On Any Fabric?
Technically, yes—but some fabrics are much easier to work with than others. Fabrics like Jersey and stretchy don’t go well with cross stitching. It is even tougher since they move while you stitch, messing up your design.
And don’t get me started on silk or satin—
They’re slippery, delicate, and unforgiving if you make a mistake. So, not all fabrics are suitable for this stitch.
What Is The Cross Stitch Fabric Called?
The most common cross stitch fabric is called Aida. Cause it has an easy-to-see grid. The needle can easily travel through it, and the fabric is strong enough to hold it together.
Other options include evenweave, which has a finer texture for detailed work. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even stitch on waste canvas to add cross stitch designs to regular fabric!
But that’s not it. There are more fabrics to explore. Let me introduce you to all.
Cross Stitch Fabric Types
See, just like without the right thread and right needle. You can’t do a perfect cross stitch project. Like that, you need the right fabric to hold all the designs together perfectly and long enough.
- Aida
- Evenweave
- Linen
- Waste
- Plastic Canvas
Aida Cross Stitch Fabric
Aida cloth, sometimes called Java canvas, is an open, even-weave cotton fabric specially designed for cross-stitch embroidery. Thanks to its natural mesh-like structure, stitching on it is a breeze. Its stiffness means you often don’t need an embroidery hoop.
Why it’s so suitable for this stitch? Well,
Aida is woven with evenly spaced holes. It makes it easy to guide your stitches. The spacing is measured in counts—meaning how many squares fit in one linear inch. This is also a wash cross stitch pattern.
For example,
A 10-count Aida cloth has 10 squares per inch. The most common counts range from 7 to 20, with lower counts with larger holes and higher counts with finer details. It’s available at most craft stores in pre-cut sheets or bolts between 40″ and 60″ wide.
So it gives plenty of options to choose from. This fabric won’t even let cross stitch fraying.
Evenweave
Evenweave is a soft, evenly woven fabric perfect for embroidery and other needlework projects. Unlike Aida, which has a visible square mesh. Evenweave has a smoother texture with a consistent thread count in both directions. That’s why it got its name.
They come in various thread counts, typically 22 to 32, meaning the weave is finer and the holes smaller than Aida. This makes it a favorite for detailed and delicate designs. It is also easy to add an outline to a cross-stitch pattern.
One of the biggest advantages?
Evenweave allows for fractional stitches, which means you can create more intricate patterns with curves and shading. However, since it doesn’t have pre-made holes like Aida, stitching on Evenweave can take some getting used to.
Many stitchers use the “over two” method on this. This means that they stitch over two fabric threads to mimic the spacing of Aida squares.
Linen Cross Stitching Fabric
Linen is one of the most elegant and traditional cross stitch and embroidery fabrics. Made from natural flax fibers, linen has a slightly uneven weave, which gives stitched pieces a beautiful, organic look. This fabric is even best for caterpillar cross stitch patterns.
Unlike Aida or Evenweave, linen threads vary in thickness. It makes it a bit trickier to work with—but the results are stunning!
The best part is,
Linen comes in higher thread counts, typically ranging from 28 to 40 count, meaning the holes are much smaller than those in Aida. Stitchers usually work “over two threads” to create a look similar to stitching on 14-count Aida.
One of the best things about linen?
It has a soft, natural drape and rich, earthy tones, perfect for vintage-style cross stitches and samplers. Because of its fine weave, it’s ideal for intricate designs and projects with a lot of detail.
Waste Canvas Cross Stitching Fabric
Ever wanted to cross stitch on a t-shirt, denim jacket, or tote bag? That’s where waste canvas comes in! It’s a special type of fabric that lets you stitch on non-evenweave materials like cotton, linen, or even velvet. This is perfect for doing wedding cross stitch patterns.
Waste canvas is a stiff, gridded fabric (similar to Aida) with evenly spaced threads. You baste it onto your fabric and stitch your design just like you would on Aida.
And then here’s the magic—
You remove the canvas threads individually, leaving only your cross stitch behind. It works best on all kinds of cross stitches, but I love doing beads cross stitches here.
It typically comes in counts like 8.5, 10, 12, or 14. It is versatile for different project sizes. Just dampen the waste canvas slightly before pulling out the threads, and they’ll slide out easily.
Plastic Canvas
Plastic canvas is a stiff, grid-like material made from lightweight plastic. It is designed for needlepoint, cross-stitch, and various craft projects.
Unlike traditional fabrics, it holds its shape without needing an embroidery hoop. It is perfect for structured designs like ornaments, coasters, and 3D projects. This is perfect for stardew valley cross stitch.
Plastic canvas comes in different mesh sizes, measured in counts—just like Aida cloth. The most common sizes are 5, 7, 10, and 14 counts, with lower counts having larger holes for thicker yarns and higher counts suited for finer threads.
One key difference—
Plastic canvas doesn’t shrink or stretch like fabric, so your stitches will remain crisp and even. It’s perfect for beginners or crafters looking to create sturdy, long-lasting designs without worrying about fabric distortion.
This fabric also makes my how to grid cross stitch headache easy. Cause it is stong and can hold any big pattern.
What Is The Best Fabric For Cross Stitching?
I think evenweave fabric is best for cross stitching. The smooth texture and even spacing made every stitch look clean and polished.
Unlike Aida, where the holes are obvious, evenweave gives a more refined, seamless look, which I adore.
I stitched over two threads, and the result was stunning—soft, elegant, and almost like a hand-painted design. It took a little practice at first, but I couldn’t go back once I got the hang of it.
Cross Stitch Fabric Count
Fabric count is just a fancy way of saying how many stitches fit into an inch of fabric. The higher the count, the smaller and neater your stitches will be. The lower the count, the bigger and chunkier they’ll look.
Simple, right? Not really, I know! So here is a basic guide you can keep in mind about Cross stitch fabric sizes,
- 11-Count Aida – Super easy to see and stitch on. Perfect for beginners or if you want bold, chunky stitches.
- 14-Count Aida – The go-to for most stitchers. Not too big, not too small—just right!
- 16-Count Aida – Smaller stitches, but still easy to work with. Great for adding more detail.
- 18-Count Aida – This one gives you finer details but needs more patience.
- 25-Count Evenweave/Linen – Often stitched over two threads, making it similar in size to 14-count Aida but smoother.
- 28-Count Evenweave/Linen – More intricate and delicate, but oh-so-worth-it for elegant projects.
- 32-Count Evenweave/Linen – Tiny stitches, high detail—perfect if you’re feeling adventurous!
Still confusing? So, here’s the trick:
Lower count = bigger stitches, easier to see. Higher count = smaller stitches, more detail.
Pick what works best for your project (and your eyesight)! 😆 If you are still lost and don’t know what to do, use a cross stitch fabric calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does some fabric make cross stitching harder?
Tighter weaves (like linen) or slippery fabrics (like satin) don’t have obvious holes, making it harder to count stitches and guide the needle.
Does cross stitch fabric need to be washed before stitching?
Aida shouldn’t be washed beforehand as it can shrink. Evenweave and linen can be pre-washed if they feel stiff or dusty.
How do I stop Aida fabric from fraying?
You can use masking tape, fray check, or hem the edges with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
Can I use embroidery fabric for cross stitch?
Some embroidery fabrics work, but they don’t always have the grid-like structure of Aida, making stitching more challenging.
Conclusion
So yes, I like to use evenweave fabric as cross stitching fabric cause the wavy effect makes it easier for me to stitch. I don’t have to struggle or spend so much time here. So, if you are looking for a faster way to cross stitch, then use this fabric.
So, what’s your favorite type of cross-stitching fabric? Let sewinginspo know.
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