36 Count White Polka Dots Edinburgh Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3217/1409

Stitch on White Polka Dots, a 36 count Edinburgh linen by Zweigart: a white linen printed with small dark polka dots. The pattern is printed, so the fabric does the decorating and your stitching sits on top.

A little stitcher's folklore: scattered dots on old linen were once worked by hand as seeding stitches to fill a background; a printed dot fabric gives that scattered look ready-made.

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 playful modern designs and small motifs where the print can show through.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Edinburgh, 100% linen, 36 count (14 threads per cm; older packs are labelled 35 ct), in White Polka Dots. 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. The pattern 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 265 x 405 stitches. It is a good piece to keep in the stash or to tuck into a gift for a stitching friend.