The fiber content for evenweave fabric can be cotton, linen, rayon and polyester blends—or even hemp or bamboo. Evenweave fabrics are available in a wide range of colors, and the thread counts range from a fine, 32-count linen to a more rustic 18-count. This cloth is woven with grouped fibers forming easy-to-follow squares in the fabric. With cross stitch, one stitch is worked over each square. Aida is available in a wide range of solid colors, as well as background printed, patterned, or textured varieties. Fiber content can be cotton, linen, or rayon and it ranges in size from 11-count to 22-count (the count being the number of squares per inch of fabric). Herta cloth, a fabric with a large scale count of 6 squares per inch, is technically an Aida and is perfect for beginning stitchers because it is very easy to count. Hardanger can be used for hardanger embroidery, blackwork, cutwork, and counted thread techniques. When using hardanger fabric for cross stitch, it is worked over 2 thread groups, resulting in a count of 11 squares per inch. It is available in a limited selection of colors. Oslo fabric is similar to hardanger fabric and can be used in the same manner. Customize decor with embroidered sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Or, dress up the dining room with embroidered napkins, placemats, and table runners embroidered to match your favorite dinnerware. Personalize a shirt or apron with a monogram or embroidered motif, and any bride or new mother would appreciate a gift from you embroidered especially for the event. You can even embroider on lampshades or on paper! The possibilities for embroidery on ready-made items is endless.
