Cross-Stitch

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How to Choose the Perfect Color Fabric for Your Cross Stitch Project

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aida colors for cross stitch

When I was a kid, pretty much the only colors of cross-stitch fabric you could buy where I lived were white and cream (or what’s called Ivory in the picture above). I don’t even remember black Aida fabric being around, though I’m sure you could buy it at a crafts store or specialty shop.

These days there are a whole lot more options, from different colors and shades to fabric that’s printed with patterns you can stitch right on top of.

All this choice is amazing, but it can also be somewhat daunting, especially if you are trying to buy online and you aren’t sure exactly what color you’re looking at.

Stitched Modern has a great guide to some basic Aida colors for cross-stitching that will help you see the differences between different colors of “white” and “black” so you can pick the best one for your project.

Do you have favorite places online to buy cross-stitch supplies? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Stitched Modern.]

Comments

  1. So interesting you should post this regarding backing fabrics for stitching. Have been researching the various ones and have come up with 4 (Burlap, Linen, Monks, Warp) Out of the 4 reviewed on youtube “Standard Warp” is recommended for ease of use and longevity but let me tell you there is only one place I have found that sells it and there are no coupon offers for discounts.

Have you read?

Backpack Cross Stitch Patterns

These backpack cross stitch patterns aren’t like the backpacks you would use for school, but they might inspire you to go on a different sort of adventure, and pack your sense of humor. 

When it comes to funny cross stitch, this Adventure Awaits rubber ducky cross stitch pattern from Relaxing Hobby Studio is super cute. It uses nine colors and measures 52 by 75 stitches, which comes out to about 3.8 by 5.4 inches, or 9.7 by 13.8 cm, on 14 count fabric. 

I also love this little pigeon adventurer from Happy Cross Stitchers. Actually, with hoodie and sneakers this pigeon does look like he’s ready for school! This one measures 88 by 138 stitches and uses 13 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to about 6.2 by 9.8 inches, or 15.97 by 25.04 cm.

This sleepy cat is ready for an adventure as soon as they wake up from their nap. This sweet design from MoonLit Patterns features a kitty curled up on a backpack and wearing a knight’s helmet. This project uses 19 colors and measures 130 by 130 stitches. That makes it about 9.3 inches square, or 23.6 cm, when stitched on 14 count fabric. 

Or stitch up this backpack filled with flowers from Owl and Thread. This looks like just the bag you’d want to have for a walk in the forest or a spring meadow. The design is 71 by 90 stitches and uses 32 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to about 5 by 6.4 inches, or 12.9 16.3 cm.

I also like this kind of watercolor look girl with a backpack pattern from StitchALong Studios. You can change the color of hair and clothes as you like. As shown it uses 20 colors and is 90 by 132 stitches. That’s 6.375 by 9.375 inches, or 16 by 24 cm, if you work on 14 count fabric. 

If you’re looking for a design with more of a fall or winter look, check out this girl with a backpack wearing a hat and coat from GlamourXStitch. At 150 by 150 stitches, this one uses 26 colors. It comes out to 10.71 inches, or 27.2 cm, on 14 count fabric.