Let’s Try Evenweave
I think I’m a typical cross stitcher. A creature of habit. When I plan a new project, I reach straight for the Aida fabric. There’s something comforting about always doing things in the same way. Today, I’ve resolved to move out of my comfort zone. Nothing too dramatic though. It’s just that my next project is going to be on evenweave, not Aida.
So – what’s the difference? Well, it has more of a rustic look. Evenweave provides a finer background to the stitching. There are regular numbers of holes per inch (hence the name). Threads are woven singly rather than in blocks. The warp and the weft are woven evenly. Working on evenweave is not difficult for the Aida addict. Just different. Evenweaves are available in many different colours and counts.
Here are some quick tips for using evenweave:
1. If you are using a design that recommends Aida, but you want to transfer this to evenweave, just double the Aida count for the correct count of evenweave. For example, for a 14-count Aida, use a 28-count evenweave.
2. DMC fabric is colour-matched to some of the company’s threads. This makes things very easy!
3. Be aware of the tension of your stitches when you are working on evenweave. If your stitches are too tight, you can warp the fabric. A stitch hoop or frame can be useful here – but remember to remove it after each stitching session to prevent marking or stretching the fabric.
4. Evenweave frays more quickly than Aida, so bind the edges before you begin your project.
5. Make every stitch over two threads of the evenweave or into every other hole.
6. Good news – it’s easier to make fractional stitches on evenweave because there’s a hole in the middle of the block where you can work a tiny quarter stitch.
7. Always use a tapestry or cross stitch needle with blunt ends. (A tapestry needle has a larger eye than most other types of needle. It is oval in shape which makes it easier to thread a number of strands at the same time.)
Because the threads on evenweave are woven individually, the threads form more easily than Aida, and this makes evenweave fabric suitable for all sorts of other uses. As well as using it for stitching samplers, pictures and cards, try stitching designs to use as cushion covers and tablelinen.
If you are still wondering whether or not to try evenweave, why not try a small project – like a card or a bookmark – and see how you get on. Do share it with us too!
Happy Stitching!
Iona
