Cross stitchers – whether experienced or new to the hobby – spend a lot of time choosing designs for their projects. But how many of us actually consider the fabrics that can bring additional delight to our completed projects? I am not referring to the perennial aida- vs. evenweave dilemma. Of course, that is a major decision in itself. Here, I’m thinking about the many patterned fabrics that are available for you to stitch your designs onto.
Most designs tend to be stitched onto white or cream aida, but if you are adventurous and try some of the more unusual fabrics available, you’ll be amazed at how a patterned background can transform your work into an extra-special masterpiece.
Using hand-dyed fabrics is another way to bring an added dimension to a design – and they can also bring subtle differences to backgrounds – such as skies or seas.
Here are a few suggestions:
Fantasy designs can be enhanced by using a shimmering background. You may be interested in trying Enchanted Fabric’s Wizard’s Magic which has an iridescent fleck running through it.
Baby Designs: There’s now a great number of impressions fabrics from DMC. These include a pretty pink hearts fabric and gingham aida.
Sky and Sea Effects can be achieved by using fabrics from Sassy Fabbys – or the ocean dreams range from Enchanted Fabrics.
Antique looks can be enhanced by an ‘aged’ looking aida. DMC’s marble aida can give the impression of timeworn look.
Additional tips for using patterned fabrics include the following:
1. Avoid stitching complex designs onto busy-looking fabrics. The background should enhance – and not take over – your stitching.
2. Highly coloured fabrics may need to be stitched with three strands of thread, instead of the usual two. Three strands will cover the fabric more, which helps you to make a colour statement with your threads.
3. When working on stronger-coloured fabric, try using a laplight to illuminate your work, or place a lamp below your work, so that light shines through the holes in the fabric.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
