I would like to thank you for leaving this video on your channel. I had watched it before, but I had to come back to it to refresh myself on the different types of fabric.
Here's the odd one who until now didn't know about fat quarters! *raises hand* :-) Long-time stitcher but first time HAED stitcher. I found your channel when I looked for HAED tips on TH-cam, and have been enjoying your vids a lot this past week. Believe it or not, I'm taking notes! :) :)
thanks for the video! geez there are a ton of fabrics. hopefully one day I will get better enough to attempt some of these(maybe once I get a magnifier). a lot of your fabrics are beautiful, I love your choices (your right, the dark goddess is wicked cool). thanks!
I agree with you about the Zweigart fabric and it's quality. I am stitching on some right now and I love, love it. I am going to start venturing out on higher count fabrics and hope all goes well. Thanks for sharing your beautiful fabric collection, it really is amazing!
Thank you for making this video. I have been stitching for years but only on 14 cnt Aida. I have been watching videos and on some facebook pages, and have heard so much talk of these other fabrics. I was so glad to see what they actually look like. You have no idea how excited I am to try them now. I was so fearful of linen, not knowing at all what they looked like. It looks do-able. Loved all your fabrics and projects, just beautiful!
Thank you Coleen! I'm so glad you found the video helpful - I love stitching on different fabrics, there is so much choice nowadays! I hope you have fun trying out different ones. For a lot of stitchers, once they start on evenweave they never go back to aida :).
Watching this way after you posted it but I wanted to thank you for it. I'm just starting to pick stitching back up after a LONG hiatus and I've only ever worked on Aida. This was very helpful information.
The video is so helpful. Thank you. I have a better understanding now of cross stitch fabric and so grateful for the links you provided. Your stash is dreamy.
Thank you for this video! Very informative! I'm new to stitching and I get confused about the different fabrics and counts, but you have helped to clear up a few things. :)
Hi Amanda, yet again you fill us up with some much wonderful information. It really is a joy to watch your videos. I'm taking the plunge and starting a new project, it's call Moonbeam by Enchanted Lair and it's stitched on 28ct Jobelan Hand Dyed Fabric called Daybreak. There's not a lot of colours but there is some beading, blending filament and very fine #4 braid all in Kreinik. Lots of firsts going on in this project, but thought it would be good to do third before doing the Mira SAL. Keep your videos coming I can listen to you talk for hours.
Oooo that project is gorgeous Lorraine - make sure you enjoy every stitch, I'm sure you won't have any problems with any of those new elements! I can't wait to see all these new projects in your videos :)
Another great video. The medieval lady is beautiful! I love Joan Elliott. I.have all her patterns. I did some model stitching for her cross stitch cards book.
Thanks for making this video, I have just started my first evenweave project on jobelan and I had no idea this was a brand not a type. this whole video was amzing.
Thank you Samantha, I'm glad you found it helpful! Jobelan is a gorgeous fabric (although it is a "brand" we all call it Jobelan :)) I hope you are enjoying stitching on it!
I've been watching all of your videos over the past couple of days whilst stitching. I've only recently got back into stitching in the past month or so, but I've dived straight in with two BAP HAED designs (because I'm obviously insane) and because of your videos I've been eyeing Chatelaines. Whilst I was watching this video, I've been finishing off a chart I started when I was about 12 or 13 (so, 10 years ago!) and it's on 11 count aida! It's bizarre stitching on this after working on 25 count lugana for my HAED projects. Thanks for all of your knowledge and expertise. There's so much I want to try because of you and your videos, and I hope one day I'll have the confidence and knowledge to share my stitching with a wider audience like you. :)
Thanks Emily! Great to hear you have started stitching again - what are the two HAEDs you have started working on? You never know you might find yourself doing videos - or there is always IG, 1,000s of cross stitch WIPs and finishes on there and it would be great to see your work :)
I'm working on The Butterfly Ball by Aimee Stewart and Man of War by Ciro Marchetti. I've joined some HAED Facebook groups and will probably share my work there when I've done more of it! :) I actually just commented on your WIP in one of the groups. I recognised it from one of your videos! What is IG? I've pretty much stuck to Facebook before, so I'd love to branch out. :)
I just cant' tell you how much I have learned from you. I know you will say "You are no expert", but you are. Your wealth of knowledge has been so useful. When you share it in a very easy to digest!!
You've definitely taught me a lot watching this. I've always chosen my fabrics based on count and colour only without giving any thought to the type of fabric. I had never stitched on evenweave until I started my first Chatelaine and only because Martina told me in no uncertain terms that stitching one on aida would be a bad idea. Now look at me I've just finished the model for Northern Expressions Needlework on 40 count (I think it might have even been linen it definitely had slubs in it). I don't know if you've done one yet or not but I would definitely be interested in seeing your chart stash.
Thanks Nic! Yeah, I love fabric lol! To be honest I don't have a huge amount of chart stash, I showed my HAEDs and Chats at the end of their respective videos. Other than that the majority of charts I have (PDFs) I've stitched. I have a few paper/PDF charts waiting in the wings, but hardly anything. I have a huge Pinterest wishlist (as you know!) but I'm not greatly tempted to purchase charts unless I'm ready to stitch them. I'm much more about the fabric and threads - if I have those I can stitch anything, especially as I have a ton of freebie charts and every single issue of the Gift of Stitching magazine! Now that I'm moving away from HAEDs and Chats next year, I may find myself purchasing a few more charts from my wishlist :).
I downloaded and started stitching "There's No Place Like Home" while I was still watching the episode. I only have the Ruby Slippers to finish. I have a key charm I am going to add. A friend just bought her first house and loves the play Wicked. The Home Sweet Home small stitch I originally stitched for her can go into the gift pile. This is much more appropriate for her.
So glad to hear that Bev! I'm a huge Oz and Wicked fan so that little stitch was a must stitch for me - there are so many Oz themed patterns on my wishlist!
Thanks so much for this video, I learnt so much. I have never tried hand dyed fabrics but I'm going to give them a go for my next new start. I've just discovered cross stitching videos on You Tube and I am enjoying working my way through the videos you have posted - and picking up lots of tips!!! Louise (aka TwoPurpleThreads)
Ahhh now I know who you are Louise! Glad you liked the video and found it helpful - look forward to seeing what you pick out hand dyed fabric wise for your future projects :).
Awesome video about fabrics. In trying to learn all the differences. Oh by the way because of your encouragement I went to Chatelain Designs and download a couple of free patterns to try. Just trying to find the right fabric to use. Thanks for the informative thoughtful videos you do a great video kindest regards, Anb
Would you please give me a suggestion for fabrics for the Chatelaine Design called Debi's Rose. Today is my shopping day lol. Thank you for your response
It absolutely depends on your personal preference and what you are used to, whether you prefer cotton mix evenweaves over linen etc. 28ct Brittney (or Lugana if in the US) or Jobelan are two of my favourites along with 28ct Cashel linen, or their 32ct equivalents would be great for this type of project :).
Thank you very much. I'm from Canada. I was wondering about the count. You and Carol Mazzeo from Australia have really peaked my interest in the love of this craft once again. Really want to work on technique. I have been working on Belfast linen 18count I believe to practice. I now feel ready to try the small Chatelaine Design. So thank again for info. I do enjoy the softness of the linen so I will look for those counts. Enjoy your day! Freezing cold here in Canada today lol but I will brave the elements for such a worthy cause lol
Thank you for this video. I'm slowly working up the count chain. My current projects are 16 ct. and 18 ct. The holes in 14 ct look huge. I really don't want to stitch with 14 ct anymore; however, I have a ton in my stash. I can't see it going to waste. Maybe my daughter will get the cross stitch bug one day and she can start off with it.
Yes I know what you mean about 14ct, it looks like big binca to me now, and so does 18ct! There is no need of course to change stitching on 16ct or 18ct, if you love it stick with it - your stitching will be beautiful whatever count of fabric you use :).
I always go to the end of your videos and see them more times, and I want to thank you for all the time that you put to make them and the knowledge sharing!! I live in Portugal, and here whe don't have many stores, and the one that we have (most of them closed their doors!!) did sell Zweigart fabric, but we just buy the fabric! About 2 years ago (or more, I don't know) I realise that it as an "whole world" about the fabric, and I didn't understand that much hehe so this video it's really helpfull (really really!!) I have in my stasth (all kitted up) an Joan Elliott design: Unicorn & Maiden, and a new kind of fabric: an Hand Dyed Fabric of Polstitches Designs in 28ct Jobelan in the color Avalon (this may seem strange but it smells so good!!!)... So it will be my first work using: beads (but I will do an little butterfly first), metalic floss and hand dyed fabric... a lots of first hehe
Polstitches Avalon on Jobelan is the fabric I used to stitch the Joan Elliott I showed in this video - I love it! Polstitches fabric always smells gorgeous, I always have to give it a little sniff! I can imagine it must be difficult to get supplies in mainland Europe, but as you know Sew and So is pretty good and all the suppliers I use ship worldwide, but I expect the postage is annoying for you even if the items come from the UK!
Yes it is the same :) I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that sniff's the Polstitches fabric hahaha I never bought anything in Sew and So, because I always try to buy in Casa Cenina (www.casacenina.com/) if I buy 35€ the postage it's free, and the prices are not bad, some of them are better than in Sew and SO... But I want to try another fabric (opalescents) and I have to go to another place. As the prices of postage it's something that I have to deal with it if I want the stuff (and I really want hehe)... I have to see the Sparklies site with "care", because I believe that I have to make an order ;)
Casa Cenina is a great store - I check their prices every so often just in case they are cheaper! I try and avoid ordering from the US where I can as it works out expensive as I often seem to end up with customs and tax charges, other times my parcels don't get caught by customs but I don't like to take the risk!
I love my Lugana - it was the first evenweave I stitched on (way back in June, haha!) and I was so surprised at how soft it was. Aida feels much more stiff to me now. I really like the price point of Lugana too. I don't really aspire to frame my projects or properly "finish" them, so I'm not always willing to spend the money on linen or pricier fabrics. You'll never take my Micheal's coupons from me, muahaha! McKenzie
If you think Lugana is soft, you should try Jobelan! I'm very much the same when it comes to framing and finishing projects too McKenzie (which I know some stitchers find strange, so I'm happy to have an ally) and eBay very much helps in offsetting my more expensive stitching purchases - what I wouldn't do for JoAnn and Michaels' coupons though ha ha! The cheapest price online for DMC here is equiv. $0.67 (not extortionate) - but to buy in a brick and mortar store is equiv. to about $1.69 (daylight robbery!). So me, jealous of your coupons........of course not ;) lol!
You, jealous? NEVER. I had never thought to check eBay for fabric, but you're absolutely right - once you know what you like to stitch on you can find some great bargains. I think I like the process of stitching more than the actual finished product (most of the time), so I never want to spend the money to frame. Jobelan here I come ...
I have been buying bits and pieces of different types of fabrics from 123 Stitch and DMC Charles Craft. I am planning to stitch some of my freebies on them and see how they go. I have used the raw linen, which I found to be too rustic and nearly impossible to remove hoop marks from. I love the hand dyed Zweigert pieces I have gotten for my Halloween stitches and can't wait to start them.
It's always good to try out new fabrics, but also to try the same fabrics by different brands - that's why I personally go for Zweigart. I remember stitching something on so called linen by that company M something Textiles, can't remember the name right now, but they come in little packets with the black label. It was hideous and waxy, awful fabric to stitch on - so glad I wasn't put off as it was not representative of a linen fabric at all! When I tried Zweigart linens I knew they were the genuine article and pretty much go for their Cashel/Belfast/Edinburgh every time! Look forward to seeing your stitching on your hand dyeds!
MCG Textiles. I have Belfast Linen in my stash for my Chatelaine, but I am not sure where the online store purchased their supply from. The DMC Charles Craft is Carolina Linen which I have never heard of before. I bought Cashel from 123 Stitch also Monaco Evenweave.
Another awesome video. I love my evenweave but really can't work on anything finer than 28ct but interestingly I picked up some 32ct today because I wanted a raw linen and that is all it came in. I should just buy a bolt for myself :) Having said that my favourite to stitch on is Lugana/Jobelan.
Thanks Aysh! I would have a problem if I had to stitch on only one fabric for the rest of my life as I love linen/Jobelan/Lugana equally, just depends on the project! What's the 32ct for - a project you've told us about or a sneaky new start :)
Ah I know the one :) was tempted but didn't know what I would do with it afterwards - which is stupid as my other finishes are sat in a drawer anyway ha ha! Made your thread selection yet - look forward to seeing what you choose!
MrsMilkybarKid I thought the same thing, but I decided to just play with thread, use bright colours on raw linen and at a pinch I could make it into a cushion. I am going to use Jodyri threads as I haven't played with any yet. I am staring at them now and can't decide on what colour the first fish will be. I think I might do it as a luck dip. :)
I finally chose my Mirabilia design, and while I'm very excited I'm also super nervous. I've done tons of smaller projects but nothing on anything smaller than 22 count... Plus, I learned that I only live about 10 minutes from the 123Stitch warehouse, which is dangerous seeing as I can place a massive order online and pick it up the next day.
Hi Devyn, you can stitch a Mira on 14 or 16 count aida if you want to. My personal preference for fabrics are evenweaves and linens which really aren't that big a deal to stitch on as long as you have the eyesight for them :). Stitching on 28 or 32ct over 2 means that your crosses will be the same size as if you were stitching on 14 or 16ct aida over 1. How lucky you are to live so close to 123stitch........very tempting!
MrsMilkybarKid I think I'm going to go for something smaller, mostly because I love the look of it and want to get some more experience with evenweaves and linens. Hopefully I can find something beautiful and unique to stitch this on!
I watched both your new videos today and as usual they are great! Pardon me for writing a unified comment :-)) You have so much knowledge to share and you do it so graciously that it is a joy to watch, no matter how long the video is! If you were my neighbour I would be over to stitch very often so consider yourself lucky I am so far hah I can relate with Carla as also in Italy the sources for stitching materials so meager they are pathetic... so I find mud scouring ebay.UK quite often as postage is not too bad and I never payed custom. The other day I won a meter of 25 count antique white lugana for 5.5 pound plus shipping!
Yay, I know you are a fan of Ebay like me Orietta, sometimes I wonder if we are bidding on the same things ha ha :). Love stocking up on fabrics on Ebay as well as expanding my thread collection ;)
Hi there, thank you for this video. I been stitching for a few years on and off and only stitched on Aida. It will be lovely if u can recommend me what kind of fabric should I try that is softer than Aida. I been searching for a different kind of fabric but cannot find 14 count. Help is greatly appreciated cause I was planning to start a Lizzie Kate project. 14 count is the smallest count I can stitch. Thank you.
Hello! I LOVE this video :) I have been an aida stitcher for ages (8 years maybe), as I didn't realise you could get other types, until I discovered stitching online! I am trying to pick a fabric for my wedding sampler, as the fabric will be the background for it and I would like something "nicer" looking than aida. I think I will try a type of evenweave. Hoping I can actually find some in a local store here as I would like to start my project on the weekend. Thanks for the informative videos :) Some more "experienced" stitchers have said to do a small project on evenweave before doing my sampler, but as the sampler isn't very big, I feel like that would be a waste of my stitching time (which is fairly limited). They make it sound like it is far far more difficult than stitching on aida...is it? Because the evenweave looks fairly straightforward.
Hello! In my opinion stitching on even weave is no more difficult than on aida - just different! The only factor that could make it difficult is if you have bad eyesight as obviously the holes are smaller! I talk about this topic more in the video before this one - #11 My stitching journey where I talk about my personal transition from aida to even weave. If you feel a bit nervous do a few test stitches on a piece of even weave - but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it!
Do you wash your fabric before starting to work on them as some stitch sites suggest? When you buy the hand-dyed fabrics, r they colorfast or will they bleed? There's also a suggestion that u separate your threads and then put them together again to cut down on tangling and use the waxy stuff on the thread. This seems to be tedious to me. What's your opinion?
I never wash my fabric - either before I stitch on it or after I have completed my work, it's personal choice as to whether you do. The majority of hand dyed fabrics (and threads) are not colourfast, I think Picture this Plus might be, but you would have to check with each dyer. Separating each strand of thread in the needle does help with tangling as does Thread Heaven. I rarely use Thread Heaven these days, I don't really have problems with thread tangling but occasionally I will use it on the odd unruly metallic.
MrsMilkybarKid Thank you for answering so quickly. Having watched your latest vid, I looked at Mirabilia designs. They are incredible. Trying to "sit on my hands" on this. but maybe it will be a Xmas gift to myself and I can do my very first sal with you:)
I have a question about using needles when cross stitching on different fabrics. Does it matter what size you use for the different counts? Like if you were to stitch on a 22 count evenweave would you use a smaller needle than if you were to stitch on a 14 count aida?
My answer to that question would be yes and no lol! For example, regardless of whether I am stitching on 18ct aida, 28ct/32ct/36ct linen - I always use a size 28 tapestry needle, it doesn't matter if your needle is smaller. What does matter is if your needle is too big for your fabric and ends up stretching the holes a little bit - that's when needle size matters! Hope that helps :)
Hi Pat, if you look in the video description you'll see I have listed all the hand dyed fabric companies I could think of as well as links to their websites. The ones I use are all mainly based in the UK:Polstitches, Crafty Kitten, Sparklies and Jodyri Designs.
I notice many stitchers have a wide border on their projects, usually 3 to 4 inches beyond the pattern. Is there a reason for that? Don't know if you r really busy right now. Thanks
Yes, there is a very good reason for that - it's their framing allowance, the amount of fabric needed to wrap around mount board for when the time comes to frame your piece. Of course it depends on how you want to finish your project, but even for things like cushions, it's just good practice to leave a 3 inch or so border for finishing.
Your knowledge absolutely amazes me! You are a living cross stitchers encyclopaedia!! xx
Ha ha I don't know about that, there's always more to learn :)
I've been stitching for 25 years and don't know a fraction of what you do!! xxx
I am a beginner. This video was so helpful. Glad I found it.
I would like to thank you for leaving this video on your channel. I had watched it before, but I had to come back to it to refresh myself on the different types of fabric.
Thank you this thorough video. I'm new to this so I am grateful for the detailed explanation. Love your videos!
Here's the odd one who until now didn't know about fat quarters! *raises hand* :-)
Long-time stitcher but first time HAED stitcher. I found your channel when I looked for HAED tips on TH-cam, and have been enjoying your vids a lot this past week. Believe it or not, I'm taking notes! :) :)
Thank you LadyEkster! I'm glad you've found my videos helpful, if you ever have any other questions don't be afraid to ask :)
thanks for the video! geez there are a ton of fabrics. hopefully one day I will get better enough to attempt some of these(maybe once I get a magnifier). a lot of your fabrics are beautiful, I love your choices (your right, the dark goddess is wicked cool). thanks!
snobunni426 Thank you :)
I agree with you about the Zweigart fabric and it's quality. I am stitching on some right now and I love, love it. I am going to start venturing out on higher count fabrics and hope all goes well. Thanks for sharing your beautiful fabric collection, it really is amazing!
Thank you for making this video. I have been stitching for years but only on 14 cnt Aida. I have been watching videos and on some facebook pages, and have heard so much talk of these other fabrics. I was so glad to see what they actually look like. You have no idea how excited I am to try them now. I was so fearful of linen, not knowing at all what they looked like. It looks do-able. Loved all your fabrics and projects, just beautiful!
Thank you Coleen! I'm so glad you found the video helpful - I love stitching on different fabrics, there is so much choice nowadays! I hope you have fun trying out different ones. For a lot of stitchers, once they start on evenweave they never go back to aida :).
Watching this way after you posted it but I wanted to thank you for it. I'm just starting to pick stitching back up after a LONG hiatus and I've only ever worked on Aida. This was very helpful information.
The video is so helpful. Thank you. I have a better understanding now of cross stitch fabric and so grateful for the links you provided. Your stash is dreamy.
I'm glad you found it helpful Tami! Fingers crossed your fabric turns up soon!
Thank you for this video! Very informative! I'm new to stitching and I get confused about the different fabrics and counts, but you have helped to clear up a few things. :)
Hi Amanda, yet again you fill us up with some much wonderful information. It really is a joy to watch your videos. I'm taking the plunge and starting a new project, it's call Moonbeam by Enchanted Lair and it's stitched on 28ct Jobelan Hand Dyed Fabric called Daybreak. There's not a lot of colours but there is some beading, blending filament and very fine #4 braid all in Kreinik. Lots of firsts going on in this project, but thought it would be good to do third before doing the Mira SAL. Keep your videos coming I can listen to you talk for hours.
Oooo that project is gorgeous Lorraine - make sure you enjoy every stitch, I'm sure you won't have any problems with any of those new elements! I can't wait to see all these new projects in your videos :)
Another great video. The medieval lady is beautiful! I love Joan Elliott. I.have all her patterns. I did some model stitching for her cross stitch cards book.
Thank you! Yes, Joan Elliott is an amazing designer!
Thanks for making this video, I have just started my first evenweave project on jobelan and I had no idea this was a brand not a type. this whole video was amzing.
Thank you Samantha, I'm glad you found it helpful! Jobelan is a gorgeous fabric (although it is a "brand" we all call it Jobelan :)) I hope you are enjoying stitching on it!
Thank you! This info helped me. I am a newbie!
I've been watching all of your videos over the past couple of days whilst stitching. I've only recently got back into stitching in the past month or so, but I've dived straight in with two BAP HAED designs (because I'm obviously insane) and because of your videos I've been eyeing Chatelaines.
Whilst I was watching this video, I've been finishing off a chart I started when I was about 12 or 13 (so, 10 years ago!) and it's on 11 count aida! It's bizarre stitching on this after working on 25 count lugana for my HAED projects.
Thanks for all of your knowledge and expertise. There's so much I want to try because of you and your videos, and I hope one day I'll have the confidence and knowledge to share my stitching with a wider audience like you. :)
Thanks Emily! Great to hear you have started stitching again - what are the two HAEDs you have started working on? You never know you might find yourself doing videos - or there is always IG, 1,000s of cross stitch WIPs and finishes on there and it would be great to see your work :)
I'm working on The Butterfly Ball by Aimee Stewart and Man of War by Ciro Marchetti. I've joined some HAED Facebook groups and will probably share my work there when I've done more of it! :)
I actually just commented on your WIP in one of the groups. I recognised it from one of your videos!
What is IG? I've pretty much stuck to Facebook before, so I'd love to branch out. :)
Instagram :), great way to share stitchy photos with a lot of stitchers without the drama that sometimes comes with Facebook!
Ohh, I see! When I'm a bit further with my WIPs I'll look into it. Thanks. :D
Thank you - really informative. If I ever finish my Disney Princesses I will definitely now give evenweave a try.
Pleased to hear that Annie :)
Excellent video. Thank you for all of the links as well. I have saved this to my 'To Stitch By' folder so I can find it later! :)
Thank you Kristina!
Watched a 2nd time! Got so many ideas for my first non-kit project Can't wait to go shopping a bit more informed. Thanks again!!
Second time!! You are a glutton for punishment :)!
I just cant' tell you how much I have learned from you. I know you will say "You are no expert", but you are. Your wealth of knowledge has been so useful. When you share it in a very easy to digest!!
Thank you that is very sweet!
So much information! love your videos.
Thank you :)
You've definitely taught me a lot watching this. I've always chosen my fabrics based on count and colour only without giving any thought to the type of fabric. I had never stitched on evenweave until I started my first Chatelaine and only because Martina told me in no uncertain terms that stitching one on aida would be a bad idea. Now look at me I've just finished the model for Northern Expressions Needlework on 40 count (I think it might have even been linen it definitely had slubs in it). I don't know if you've done one yet or not but I would definitely be interested in seeing your chart stash.
Thanks Nic! Yeah, I love fabric lol! To be honest I don't have a huge amount of chart stash, I showed my HAEDs and Chats at the end of their respective videos. Other than that the majority of charts I have (PDFs) I've stitched. I have a few paper/PDF charts waiting in the wings, but hardly anything. I have a huge Pinterest wishlist (as you know!) but I'm not greatly tempted to purchase charts unless I'm ready to stitch them. I'm much more about the fabric and threads - if I have those I can stitch anything, especially as I have a ton of freebie charts and every single issue of the Gift of Stitching magazine! Now that I'm moving away from HAEDs and Chats next year, I may find myself purchasing a few more charts from my wishlist :).
I downloaded and started stitching "There's No Place Like Home" while I was still watching the episode. I only have the Ruby Slippers to finish. I have a key charm I am going to add. A friend just bought her first house and loves the play Wicked. The Home Sweet Home small stitch I originally stitched for her can go into the gift pile. This is much more appropriate for her.
So glad to hear that Bev! I'm a huge Oz and Wicked fan so that little stitch was a must stitch for me - there are so many Oz themed patterns on my wishlist!
Thanks so much for this video, I learnt so much. I have never tried hand dyed fabrics but I'm going to give them a go for my next new start. I've just discovered cross stitching videos on You Tube and I am enjoying working my way through the videos you have posted - and picking up lots of tips!!! Louise (aka TwoPurpleThreads)
Ahhh now I know who you are Louise! Glad you liked the video and found it helpful - look forward to seeing what you pick out hand dyed fabric wise for your future projects :).
Awesome video about fabrics. In trying to learn all the differences. Oh by the way because of your encouragement I went to Chatelain Designs and download a couple of free patterns to try. Just trying to find the right fabric to use. Thanks for the informative thoughtful videos you do a great video kindest regards, Anb
Thank you for your kind comment Ann, glad you found the video helpful - it's always fun trying out new fabrics :).
Would you please give me a suggestion for fabrics for the Chatelaine Design called Debi's Rose. Today is my shopping day lol. Thank you for your response
It absolutely depends on your personal preference and what you are used to, whether you prefer cotton mix evenweaves over linen etc. 28ct Brittney (or Lugana if in the US) or Jobelan are two of my favourites along with 28ct Cashel linen, or their 32ct equivalents would be great for this type of project :).
Thank you very much. I'm from Canada. I was wondering about the count. You and Carol Mazzeo from Australia have really peaked my interest in the love of this craft once again. Really want to work on technique. I have been working on Belfast linen 18count I believe to practice. I now feel ready to try the small Chatelaine Design. So thank again for info. I do enjoy the softness of the linen so I will look for those counts. Enjoy your day! Freezing cold here in Canada today lol but I will brave the elements for such a worthy cause lol
Thank you for this video. I'm slowly working up the count chain. My current projects are 16 ct. and 18 ct. The holes in 14 ct look huge. I really don't want to stitch with 14 ct anymore; however, I have a ton in my stash. I can't see it going to waste. Maybe my daughter will get the cross stitch bug one day and she can start off with it.
Yes I know what you mean about 14ct, it looks like big binca to me now, and so does 18ct! There is no need of course to change stitching on 16ct or 18ct, if you love it stick with it - your stitching will be beautiful whatever count of fabric you use :).
I always go to the end of your videos and see them more times, and I want to thank you for all the time that you put to make them and the knowledge sharing!! I live in Portugal, and here whe don't have many stores, and the one that we have (most of them closed their doors!!) did sell Zweigart fabric, but we just buy the fabric! About 2 years ago (or more, I don't know) I realise that it as an "whole world" about the fabric, and I didn't understand that much hehe so this video it's really helpfull (really really!!)
I have in my stasth (all kitted up) an Joan Elliott design: Unicorn & Maiden, and a new kind of fabric: an Hand Dyed Fabric of Polstitches Designs in 28ct Jobelan in the color Avalon (this may seem strange but it smells so good!!!)... So it will be my first work using: beads (but I will do an little butterfly first), metalic floss and hand dyed fabric... a lots of first hehe
Polstitches Avalon on Jobelan is the fabric I used to stitch the Joan Elliott I showed in this video - I love it! Polstitches fabric always smells gorgeous, I always have to give it a little sniff! I can imagine it must be difficult to get supplies in mainland Europe, but as you know Sew and So is pretty good and all the suppliers I use ship worldwide, but I expect the postage is annoying for you even if the items come from the UK!
Yes it is the same :) I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that sniff's the Polstitches fabric hahaha
I never bought anything in Sew and So, because I always try to buy in Casa Cenina (www.casacenina.com/) if I buy 35€ the postage it's free, and the prices are not bad, some of them are better than in Sew and SO... But I want to try another fabric (opalescents) and I have to go to another place. As the prices of postage it's something that I have to deal with it if I want the stuff (and I really want hehe)... I have to see the Sparklies site with "care", because I believe that I have to make an order ;)
Casa Cenina is a great store - I check their prices every so often just in case they are cheaper! I try and avoid ordering from the US where I can as it works out expensive as I often seem to end up with customs and tax charges, other times my parcels don't get caught by customs but I don't like to take the risk!
I usually do not buy anything from the USA, for the same reason, but if I do I try to go under 50 dolares! but it's still not safe ...
I love my Lugana - it was the first evenweave I stitched on (way back in June, haha!) and I was so surprised at how soft it was. Aida feels much more stiff to me now. I really like the price point of Lugana too. I don't really aspire to frame my projects or properly "finish" them, so I'm not always willing to spend the money on linen or pricier fabrics.
You'll never take my Micheal's coupons from me, muahaha!
McKenzie
If you think Lugana is soft, you should try Jobelan! I'm very much the same when it comes to framing and finishing projects too McKenzie (which I know some stitchers find strange, so I'm happy to have an ally) and eBay very much helps in offsetting my more expensive stitching purchases - what I wouldn't do for JoAnn and Michaels' coupons though ha ha! The cheapest price online for DMC here is equiv. $0.67 (not extortionate) - but to buy in a brick and mortar store is equiv. to about $1.69 (daylight robbery!). So me, jealous of your coupons........of course not ;) lol!
You, jealous? NEVER.
I had never thought to check eBay for fabric, but you're absolutely right - once you know what you like to stitch on you can find some great bargains. I think I like the process of stitching more than the actual finished product (most of the time), so I never want to spend the money to frame. Jobelan here I come ...
Yep - I'm a process stitcher rather than a product stitcher!
I have been buying bits and pieces of different types of fabrics from 123 Stitch and DMC Charles Craft. I am planning to stitch some of my freebies on them and see how they go. I have used the raw linen, which I found to be too rustic and nearly impossible to remove hoop marks from. I love the hand dyed Zweigert pieces I have gotten for my Halloween stitches and can't wait to start them.
It's always good to try out new fabrics, but also to try the same fabrics by different brands - that's why I personally go for Zweigart. I remember stitching something on so called linen by that company M something Textiles, can't remember the name right now, but they come in little packets with the black label. It was hideous and waxy, awful fabric to stitch on - so glad I wasn't put off as it was not representative of a linen fabric at all! When I tried Zweigart linens I knew they were the genuine article and pretty much go for their Cashel/Belfast/Edinburgh every time! Look forward to seeing your stitching on your hand dyeds!
MCG Textiles. I have Belfast Linen in my stash for my Chatelaine, but I am not sure where the online store purchased their supply from. The DMC Charles Craft is Carolina Linen which I have never heard of before. I bought Cashel from 123 Stitch also Monaco Evenweave.
Yep MCG, that's the one (to avoid lol)! Belfast linen is Zweigart linen so no worries there :)
Another awesome video. I love my evenweave but really can't work on anything finer than 28ct but interestingly I picked up some 32ct today because I wanted a raw linen and that is all it came in. I should just buy a bolt for myself :) Having said that my favourite to stitch on is Lugana/Jobelan.
Thanks Aysh! I would have a problem if I had to stitch on only one fabric for the rest of my life as I love linen/Jobelan/Lugana equally, just depends on the project! What's the 32ct for - a project you've told us about or a sneaky new start :)
MrsMilkybarKid Unplanned sneaky new start....finally a MYSTERY SAL that I could join. I am doing the Fishy SAL from KLT charting.
Ah I know the one :) was tempted but didn't know what I would do with it afterwards - which is stupid as my other finishes are sat in a drawer anyway ha ha! Made your thread selection yet - look forward to seeing what you choose!
MrsMilkybarKid I thought the same thing, but I decided to just play with thread, use bright colours on raw linen and at a pinch I could make it into a cushion. I am going to use Jodyri threads as I haven't played with any yet. I am staring at them now and can't decide on what colour the first fish will be. I think I might do it as a luck dip. :)
Ooooo cool - can't wait to see which ones you pick put, love so many of them!
I finally chose my Mirabilia design, and while I'm very excited I'm also super nervous. I've done tons of smaller projects but nothing on anything smaller than 22 count... Plus, I learned that I only live about 10 minutes from the 123Stitch warehouse, which is dangerous seeing as I can place a massive order online and pick it up the next day.
Hi Devyn, you can stitch a Mira on 14 or 16 count aida if you want to. My personal preference for fabrics are evenweaves and linens which really aren't that big a deal to stitch on as long as you have the eyesight for them :). Stitching on 28 or 32ct over 2 means that your crosses will be the same size as if you were stitching on 14 or 16ct aida over 1. How lucky you are to live so close to 123stitch........very tempting!
MrsMilkybarKid I think I'm going to go for something smaller, mostly because I love the look of it and want to get some more experience with evenweaves and linens. Hopefully I can find something beautiful and unique to stitch this on!
great video
Thanks Pat!
I watched both your new videos today and as usual they are great! Pardon me for writing a unified comment :-))
You have so much knowledge to share and you do it so graciously that it is a joy to watch, no matter how long the video is! If you were my neighbour I would be over to stitch very often so consider yourself lucky I am so far hah
I can relate with Carla as also in Italy the sources for stitching materials so meager they are pathetic... so I find mud scouring ebay.UK quite often as postage is not too bad and I never payed custom. The other day I won a meter of 25 count antique white lugana for 5.5 pound plus shipping!
Yay, I know you are a fan of Ebay like me Orietta, sometimes I wonder if we are bidding on the same things ha ha :). Love stocking up on fabrics on Ebay as well as expanding my thread collection ;)
Hi there, thank you for this video. I been stitching for a few years on and off and only stitched on Aida. It will be lovely if u can recommend me what kind of fabric should I try that is softer than Aida. I been searching for a different kind of fabric but cannot find 14 count. Help is greatly appreciated cause I was planning to start a Lizzie Kate project. 14 count is the smallest count I can stitch. Thank you.
Hello! I LOVE this video :) I have been an aida stitcher for ages (8 years maybe), as I didn't realise you could get other types, until I discovered stitching online! I am trying to pick a fabric for my wedding sampler, as the fabric will be the background for it and I would like something "nicer" looking than aida. I think I will try a type of evenweave. Hoping I can actually find some in a local store here as I would like to start my project on the weekend. Thanks for the informative videos :) Some more "experienced" stitchers have said to do a small project on evenweave before doing my sampler, but as the sampler isn't very big, I feel like that would be a waste of my stitching time (which is fairly limited). They make it sound like it is far far more difficult than stitching on aida...is it? Because the evenweave looks fairly straightforward.
Hello! In my opinion stitching on even weave is no more difficult than on aida - just different! The only factor that could make it difficult is if you have bad eyesight as obviously the holes are smaller! I talk about this topic more in the video before this one - #11 My stitching journey where I talk about my personal transition from aida to even weave. If you feel a bit nervous do a few test stitches on a piece of even weave - but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it!
I have excellent eyesight so that won't be a problem. Now I just have to pick a colour! So excited :-)
Do you wash your fabric before starting to work on them as some stitch sites suggest? When you buy the hand-dyed fabrics, r they colorfast or will they bleed? There's also a suggestion that u separate your threads and then put them together again to cut down on tangling and use the waxy stuff on the thread. This seems to be tedious to me. What's your opinion?
I never wash my fabric - either before I stitch on it or after I have completed my work, it's personal choice as to whether you do. The majority of hand dyed fabrics (and threads) are not colourfast, I think Picture this Plus might be, but you would have to check with each dyer. Separating each strand of thread in the needle does help with tangling as does Thread Heaven. I rarely use Thread Heaven these days, I don't really have problems with thread tangling but occasionally I will use it on the odd unruly metallic.
MrsMilkybarKid Thank you for answering so quickly. Having watched your latest vid, I looked at Mirabilia designs. They are incredible. Trying to "sit on my hands" on this. but maybe it will be a Xmas gift to myself and I can do my very first sal with you:)
Everyone is welcome :)!
I have a question about using needles when cross stitching on different fabrics. Does it matter what size you use for the different counts? Like if you were to stitch on a 22 count evenweave would you use a smaller needle than if you were to stitch on a 14 count aida?
My answer to that question would be yes and no lol! For example, regardless of whether I am stitching on 18ct aida, 28ct/32ct/36ct linen - I always use a size 28 tapestry needle, it doesn't matter if your needle is smaller. What does matter is if your needle is too big for your fabric and ends up stretching the holes a little bit - that's when needle size matters! Hope that helps :)
where do you get your over dyed fabrics? thanks.
Hi Pat, if you look in the video description you'll see I have listed all the hand dyed fabric companies I could think of as well as links to their websites. The ones I use are all mainly based in the UK:Polstitches, Crafty Kitten, Sparklies and Jodyri Designs.
I notice many stitchers have a wide border on their projects, usually 3 to 4 inches beyond the pattern. Is there a reason for that?
Don't know if you r really busy right now. Thanks
Yes, there is a very good reason for that - it's their framing allowance, the amount of fabric needed to wrap around mount board for when the time comes to frame your piece. Of course it depends on how you want to finish your project, but even for things like cushions, it's just good practice to leave a 3 inch or so border for finishing.