Cross-stitch Fabric Aida Cloth - 14-Count (Standard)

• Count: 14 Count (14 stitches per inch) – The Standard for Pearl Cotton 8.

• Material: 100% Cotton.

• Cut Size: Multiple sizes.

• Colours Available: White, Beige, and Black.

• Uniform Mesh Texture: Features a perfectly open and even grid. The distinct squares make it easy to see and count every hole, ensuring regular, precise stitches.

• Easy to Use: The ideal balance of structure and softness makes it an excellent choice for beginners learning to control tension, while offering the precision required by professionals for intricate work.

• Versatile Application: A flexible canvas suitable for a wide variety of handcrafted projects, including wall art, cushion covers, and clothing accessories. It is the traditional standard for Palestinian Tatreez and folk embroidery.

• Durable & Smooth: Woven from high-quality cotton that ensures long-lasting durability. The fabric has a smooth finish that allows the needle to glide effortlessly without snagging.

• Adjustable Stiffness: The fabric comes with a crisp finish to hold its shape while stitching. It is fully washable and can be soaked in water to soften the texture if a more flexible drape is desired.

• Vibrant Colour Hold: High-quality fibres offer excellent colour absorption and retention, providing a rich, high-contrast background that makes your embroidery threads pop.

Waste Canvas: For Clothing & Accessories

Best for: Shirts, Thobes, Tote Bags, Denim.

If you want to add embroidery to an existing item—like a cotton t-shirt or a linen dress—you cannot stitch directly onto it easily because regular fabric lacks a visible grid. This is where Waste Canvas is essential.

Aida Cloth: For Wall Art & Decor

Best for: Samplers, Wall Hangings, Coasters, Bookmarks.

For projects where the fabric itself is the background—like a framed sampler or a decorative pillow, Aida Cloth is the gold standard. Unlike Waste Canvas, Aida is permanent and is not removed.

The Count

You will often see numbers like 11-count, 14-count, or 18-count. This simply refers to the number of stitches per inch.

• 14-Count: The most popular choice for general Tatreez, balancing detail with visibility.

• 11-Count: Offers larger holes (11 stitches per inch), making it excellent for beginners or those who prefer a bolder, chunkier look.

How to choose the right size

• 20 x 20 cm: Perfect for coasters, small motifs, or test patches.

• 30 x 30 cm: Ideal for standard embroidery hoops (up to 8 inches).

• 40 x 40 cm: Great for small cushion covers or tote bag panels.

• 50 x 50 cm: Best for larger wall hangings or samplers.

Aida Cloth

1. Washing

• Hand Wash Only: We recommend hand washing your finished embroidery in cool to lukewarm water using a mild, non-biological detergent.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or harsh stain removers, as these can weaken the fibres and fade the colour.

• Drying: Roll the damp fabric in a clean white towel to gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist). Lay it flat to air dry on a clean surface. Do not tumble dry.

2. Ironing

• Reverse Side: Always iron your work face down on a thick, soft towel. This prevents your beautiful stitches from being flattened by the weight of the iron.

• Steam/Damp: For the crispest finish, iron the fabric while it is still slightly damp or use a steam setting suitable for cotton.

3. Preparation (Before You Stitch)

• Secure the Edges: Because Aida is a loose-weave fabric, the edges can fray while you work. We highly recommend securing the raw edges before starting your project by using a zigzag machine stitch, hand-whipping the edges, or applying masking tape.

Tip: If the fabric feels too stiff to hold initially, you can give it a quick soak in plain water and let it dry before stitching. This removes some of the starch sizing and makes the cloth softer and more flexible in your hands.

This item is directly sourced from family-owned shops in Jerusalem, Palestine. By choosing these supplies, you are connecting with the homeland of Tatreez and supporting the local traders who keep this traditional art form alive for future generations.