36 Count Opalescent White Edinburgh Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3217/1111

Stitch on Opalescent White, a 36 count Edinburgh linen by Zweigart: a white linen woven with a fine metallic thread for a pearly, opalescent sheen. The metallic thread catches the light, so even simple motifs sparkle.

A little stitcher's folklore: metallic threads were once real gold and silver wrapped around silk and kept for church and court embroidery; a touch of shimmer in the cloth nods to that tradition.

Why this fabric: Edinburgh is a fine 36 count linen for detailed work. Worked over two it gives 18 stitches per inch, matching 18 count Aida, and over one it suits tiny petit point details. This shade suits Christmas, wedding and winter designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Edinburgh, linen woven with a metallic thread, 36 count (14 threads per cm; older packs are labelled 35 ct), in Opalescent White. 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 28 tapestry needle, using two strands of floss. Press with a cool iron through a cloth to protect the shimmer.

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 265 x 405 stitches. Pair it with a chart and floss for a ready-to-start stitching gift.