Ann Logan

Aida – Most beginners start their cross stitch projects on Aida fabric. This is a somewhat loosely woven fabric meant for cross stitch with prominent threads; looks like a fabric made of threads grouped together. It is also very inexpensive but not suitable for functional things because of the holes in the fabric. 14 count Aida is universally the most popular cross stitch fabric.

For beginners Aida is one of the best fabric for cross stitch, because of the readily available weaves. You may need to interface the cloth if it is too loose.

In cross-stitching correct tension is important. Having too strong or too loose of a tension can totally destroy the impression of your project. The threads should be flat against the fabric you are using, but not too tight, so that they are actually pulling the fabric in any way.