The designs are worked on a counted fabric such as Aida, Jobelan, Etamin and Linen. Fabric for counted work is made up of threads that are woven forming a grid. The grid makes equally sized squares or holes in the fabric. The design is worked by counting the threads of the fabric and taking the needle through the holes in the fabric. Typically the design is worked over one thread of the fabric when working on 8 - 18 count fabric and over two threads of the fabric when working on 20 - 42 count fabric. The smaller the number of threads to the inch the easier it will be to see the holes on the fabric. A beginner will typically work on a 14 count fabric. Advanced embroiderers prefer to work on 28 or 32 count. Young children and people who have poor eyesight may opt to work on 8 or 10 count fabric.

Below is a description of the fabrics I have available to work the Cross-Stitch Meets Blackwork designs.

• Aida 14 and 16 Count: Aida is a 100% cotton even weave fabric. The threads of the fabric are easy to count as they are are all the same size making it easy to see the holes in the fabric. The fabric is durable, firm to the feel and handles un-picking well and can be washed once the embroidery is complete. Beginners typically work on 14 or 16 count fabric working the stitches over one thread of the fabric.

• Jobelan 28 Count: 51% cotton and 49% rayon even weave fabric. The fabric is finer in appearance compared to Aida as the threads of the fabric are closer together and it also has softer feel compared to the Aida fabric and linen fabrics. Jobelan fabric is easier to count than linen fabrics as the threads of the fabric are are the same thickness resulting in the holes being the same size. The design is worked over two threads of the fabric.

• Etamin 32 Count: 100% cotton even weave fabric. The fabric has a lovely soft feel and quite defined holes for a high count fabric and is easier to count compared to Jobelan and linen fabric. The fabric can mark if a lot of unpicking is done. The floss can leave a shadow where the fibres of the embroidery floss get trapped in the threads of the fabric. If you are apt to a doing a lot of un-picking you may prefer to work on the Jobelan or the linen fabric. I use the Etamin fabric in my Blackwork Kits. The design is worked over two threads of the fabric.

• Cashel Linen 28 Count: 100% Linen Fabric. The fabric has a natural look as the threads of the fabric are not even. This makes is slightly harder to see the holes in the fabric as the holes vary in size. Experienced embroiderers love the look of linen fabric as it does not have the orderliness of even weave fabric giving the embroidery a romantic rustic look.

• Belfast Linen 32 Count: 100% Linen Fabric. This fabric has similar qualities to the Cashel linen. The surface of the Belfast linen fabric is slightly smoother and the threads of the fabric tend to be slightly thicker making the holes smaller. I use the Belfast linen fabric in my Blackwork Kits.

You can work the design on any type of counted fabric, see below for the approximate size of the designs on all counted fabrics. These sizes are approximate and may vary on the weave of the fabric. I have found that some fabrics are not truly square so you may find the design comes out slightly wider or longer. If you are planning on doing all the designs it is best to purchase the fabric for all the designs at same time time from the same bolt of fabric to ensure the designs come out the same size.

These sizes are approximate and may vary on the weave of the fabric. I have found that some fabrics are not truly square so you may find the design comes out slightly wider or longer. If you are planning on doing all the designs it is best to purchase the fabric for all the designs at same time time from the same bolt of fabric to ensure the designs come out the same size.

Tanja Berlin © Berlin Embroidery Designs

Address: 1481 Hunterbrook Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2K 4V4, Canada Telephone: (403) 274 6293  Email: tanja@berlinembroidery.com