36 Count Vintage Gray Edinburgh Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3217/7729

Stitch on Vintage Gray, a 36 count Edinburgh linen by Zweigart: a blue-grey linen with cloudy, hand-dyed style mottling for an aged 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: 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 primitive, country and seasonal samplers.

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