32 Count Stormy Clouds Murano Evenweave Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3984/7139

Stitch on Stormy Clouds, a 32 count Murano evenweave by Zweigart: an evenweave with soft gray stormy-cloud marbling for a hand-dyed vintage look. The marbling is printed onto the cloth, so you get the look of hand-dyed fabric with an even, reliable weave.

A little stitcher's folklore: stitchers used to dip new linen in tea or coffee to give a sampler an antique look; a printed vintage fabric gives the same aged effect without any risk of the colour running.

Why this fabric: Murano is Zweigart's 32 count version of Lugana, the same smooth cotton and viscose blend at the scale of Belfast linen. Worked over two it gives 16 stitches per inch, matching 16 count Aida, without the slubs of a true linen. This shade suits primitive, country and seasonal samplers.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Murano, 52% cotton and 48% viscose, 32 count (12.6 threads per cm), in Stormy Clouds. Not included: chart, floss, needle and hoop, sold separately.

Getting started: overcast the edges, fold to find the centre and stitch over two threads with a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle, using two strands of floss. The marbling is printed, so each piece varies a little; buy enough for a whole project at once, and test a corner before washing a finished piece.

Size: 48 x 68 cm (19 x 27 in). Worked over two with a 2 in margin all round, it fits a design of about 235 x 360 stitches. It is a good piece to keep in the stash or to tuck into a gift for a stitching friend.