28 Count Opalescent White Cashel Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3281/1111

Stitch on Opalescent White, a 28 count Cashel 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: 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 Christmas, wedding and winter designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Cashel, linen woven with a metallic thread, 28 count (11.2 threads per cm), 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 26 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 205 x 315 stitches. It is a good piece to keep in the stash or to tuck into a gift for a stitching friend.