28 Count Dune Cashel Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3281/1079

Stitch on Dune, a 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart: an off-white linen with soft, cloudy sand-toned mottling for an aged feel. 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: Cashel is a 28 count linen, a little more open than Belfast, so it is easy on the eyes and the most forgiving linen to start with. Worked over two it gives 14 stitches per inch, the scale of 14 count Aida. This shade suits primitive, country and seasonal samplers.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Cashel, 100% linen, 28 count (11.2 threads per cm), in Dune. 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 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 205 x 315 stitches. Large enough for a framed picture, or cut it down for cards, bookmarks and ornaments.