Fabrics for cross-stitch and embroidery
Aida, evenweave, linen, or hemp: here are all our fabrics for embroidery, organized by type and count. If you're unsure which one to choose, the count guide helps you compare stitch sizes and calculate how much fabric you need.
Types of fabric
14 types of fabric
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Aida
Aida Fabric by the Meter
The Aida fabric by the meter category is perfect for embroiderers seeking complete freedom to choose the exact size for...
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Ideal for beginnersAida 11 ct
AIDA 11ct Fabrics
AIDA 11ct fabrics are an excellent choice for those who are new to the world of cross-stitch or for those...
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The most usedAida 14 ct
AIDA Fabrics 14ct
14-count AIDA fabric is the most widely used in the world of cross-stitch, combining precision, comfort, and versatility. With 5.5...
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Aida 16 ct
AIDA Fabrics 16ct
AIDA 16ct fabric is perfect for those seeking a greater level of detail in their cross-stitch projects. With 6.4 stitches...
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Aida 18 ct
AIDA Fabrics 18ct
18-count AIDA fabric is the ideal choice for the most detailed and demanding cross-stitch projects. With a weave of 7...
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Aida 20 ct
AIDA Fabrics 20ct Extra Fine
Extra-fine 20-count AIDA fabric is the perfect choice for those seeking a more detailed and elegant finish in their embroidery....
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Etamina 25 ct
DMC 25-Count Evenweave Fabric
DMC's Etamine 25ct is a very high-quality fabric, ideal for both cross-stitch and traditional embroidery. With a density of 10...
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Lugana 25 ct
Lugana Fabrics 25ct
The Lugana 25ct by Zweigart is a very high-quality fabric made from a blend of cotton (52%) and viscose (48%),...
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Linen 28 ct
100% Linen Fabrics 28ct DMC
Our collection of 100% linen fabrics for embroidery has been carefully selected for those seeking a professional result and a...
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Cashel 28 ct
Zweigart Cashel 28-Count Linen Fabrics
Zweigart Cashel linen is probably the best introduction to linen embroidery. With its 28 count worked over two threads, it...
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Belfast 32 ct
Belfast 32ct Fabrics
Discover the Belfast 32ct fabric collection by Zweigart, one of the most elegant and versatile ranges for cross-stitch and traditional...
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Murano 32 ct
Murano Fabrics 32ct
The Zweigart Murano 32ct is a high-end fabric made from a blend of cotton (52%) and viscose (48%), with a...
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Specials
Water-Soluble Fabrics
Water-soluble fabrics are the perfect solution for those looking to embroider on any type of fabric without leaving marks or...
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Specials
Hemp Fabrics
Our collection of natural hemp fabrics is designed for those seeking eco-friendly and durable materials for their creative projects. With...
Guide to thread counts: Which fabric to choose
The count indicates how many squares (on Aida) or threads (on evenweave and linen) there are per inch. The higher the count, the smaller the stitch and the more detail the design can accommodate.
| Sample | Fabric | Dots per cm | It is equivalent to | Needle | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIDA 11ct Fabrics Aida 11 ct | 4,3 | Etamine or linen 22 ct | Tapestry No. 22 | Beginners, children, and large designs | |
| AIDA Fabrics 14ct Aida 14 ct | 5,5 | Etamine or linen 28 ct | Tapestry No. 24 | Most patterns | |
| AIDA Fabrics 16ct Aida 16 ct | 6,3 | Etamine or linen 32 ct | Tapestry no. 24 or 26 | More detail without straining your eyes | |
| AIDA Fabrics 18ct Aida 18 ct | 7,1 | Etamine or linen 36 ct | Tapestry No. 26 | Highly detailed designs | |
| AIDA Fabrics 20ct Extra Fine Aida 20 ct | 7,9 | Etamine or linen 40 ct | Tapestry no. 26 or 28 | Miniatures and very fine finishes | |
| DMC 25-Count Evenweave Fabric Etamina 25 ct, on two threads | 4,9 | Aida 12,5 ct | Tapestry No. 26 | Table linens and pieces with an unembroidered background | |
| Lugana Fabrics 25ct Lugana 25 ct, on two threads | 4,9 | Aida 12,5 ct | Tapestry No. 26 | Make the leap from Aida | |
| 100% Linen Fabrics 28ct DMC Linen 28 ct, on two threads | 5,5 | Aida 14 ct | Tapestry No. 26 or 28 | Traditional pieces with a natural look | |
| Zweigart Cashel 28-Count Linen Fabrics Cashel 28 ct, on two threads | 5,5 | Aida 14 ct | Tapestry No. 26 or 28 | Your first linen project | |
| Belfast 32ct Fabrics Belfast 32 ct, on two threads | 6,3 | Aida 16 ct | Tapestry No. 28 | Fine detail on linen | |
| Murano Fabrics 32ct Murano 32 ct, on two threads | 6,3 | Aida 16 ct | Tapestry No. 28 | Fine detail with a regular pattern |
The samples are at the same scale: the cross marks the actual size of a dot on each fabric.
Fabrics by Brand
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Zweigart
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DMC
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Permin of Copenhagen
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Panama
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How to Choose Your Cross-Stitch Fabric
At ElMundoEnCruz, we offer an extensive variety of high-quality cross-stitch fabrics, ideal for bringing your embroidery projects to life. Our collection includes:
- Aida fabrics in counts 11, 14, 16, 18, and 20, perfect for beginners and experts seeking precision in every stitch.
- Lugana 25ct, also known as etamine, with a smooth and even texture, ideal for detailed designs.
- Murano 32ct, a popular choice among advanced embroiderers seeking a fine and elegant finish.
- Cashel 28ct, a linen fabric that adds a classic and sophisticated touch to your creations.
- Panama fabrics, versatile and easy to work with, suitable for a wide range of projects.
- Hemp fabrics and water-soluble fabrics, for special techniques and unique finishes.
We work with renowned brands such as Zweigart, DMC, Permin of Copenhagen, and more, ensuring top-quality products. We also offer a diverse palette of colors and sizes to suit your specific needs.
Whether you are just starting out in the world of embroidery or are an experienced artisan, you will find the perfect fabric here for every project. Explore our collection and find the inspiration you need for your next creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is best for starting with cross-stitch?
11-count or 14-count Aida fabric. The holes are clearly visible, easy to count, and each stitch fits into a single square, making it very difficult to make a mistake. 14-count Aida is what most patterns use.
What does “ct” or count mean in embroidery fabric?
It is the number of stitches (in Aida) or threads (in etamine and linen) in one inch, that is, in 2.54 cm. The higher the count, the smaller each stitch will be and the more detail the design can accommodate.
What is the difference between Aida and etamine or linen?
Aida has a block weave with clearly defined holes and is embroidered over a frame. Etamine and linen have a uniform weave of fine threads and are usually embroidered over two threads, so a 28-count etamine produces the same stitch size as a 14-count Aida, with a finer finish.
How much fabric do I need for my design?
Divide the width and height counts of your pattern by the fabric's stitches per centimeter and add about 5 cm of margin on each side for framing or finishing. The counts guide calculator does this for you for each fabric.
Which needle should I use with each fabric?
A blunt tapestry needle that passes between the threads without breaking them. As a guide: size 22 for 11 ct Aida, size 24 for 14 and 16 ct Aida, size 26 for 18 and 20 ct Aida and for 25 to 28 ct etamine and linen, and size 28 for 32 ct fabrics.