36 Count Raw Edinburgh Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3217/53

Stitch on Raw, a 36 count Edinburgh linen by Zweigart: a raw linen with the natural unbleached taupe of real flax. A coloured ground saves stitching a full background and sets the mood of the piece.

A little stitcher's folklore: girls once worked a sampler as a school exercise, stitching alphabets and numbers on linen before they embroidered anything for the house, and many of those samplers survive in museums today.

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 rustic, farmhouse and primitive designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Edinburgh, 100% linen, 36 count (14 threads per cm; older packs are labelled 35 ct), in Raw. 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. Wash finished work by hand in cool water and press face down on a towel.

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. One piece is plenty for a framed sampler, a pillow front or several small ornaments.