Cross-stichers... aida vs linen?

[Indadhanu]

I've only ever used aida fon my cross-stiching, 20 count usually, but have made a more intricate pattern and was wondering about using linen, as I can get a 32 or even 40 count which would work a lot better...

What would you say are the pros and cons of linen over aida? What would be the better type of linen to buy? Where do you get yours from?

Linen would obviously be a lot softer, does it become a lot harder to work with? Do you need special thread, or use the same as with the aida?

And one last thing, you can't get aida more than 22 count aida can you? Because if you can, where from?

[~Raven~]

OK it's been a while but I have done linen and it looks beautiful. Thing you have to consider is what size aida the graph worked out to as the size will be slightly different.

There is (or was) one called quakers cloth that is quite stiff but really expensive. It was the sort you buy by the metre.

Just did a google on aida and you can get 16 count!

[Indadhanu]

Thanks Sam, have looked that up (its called Bantry now apparently), and pretty comparable to other linen prices

Do you use the same kind of thread, or a different type (used DMC stranded cotton with aida)?

[Bathsheba]

I've cross stitched on both aida and linen. You must have great eyes to be wanting 22 count aida!!!! LOL that's tiny!!! To answer your question about floss: yes... you can use DMC (for example) on any fabric... just increase or decrease the amount of threads used. eg 14 count aida uses two strands of thread per stitch. I guess you would just be using 1 strand for those tiny squares you are talking about which could be tricky as you then couldn't make floss blends for shading effects etc.

Are you stitching framed pieces or design motifs on clothing etc?

Make sure you also adjust the needle size according to the fabric count. eg 14 count aida requires a size 26 needle (I think). And buy a needle specifically for cross stitching.... available at Lincraft. Not expensive.