20 Count Charcoal Gray Aida Cloth Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x21 in by Zweigart 3326/7026

Stitch on Charcoal Gray, a 20 count Aida cloth by Zweigart: a deep charcoal gray extra fine Aida, dark enough for bright floss to pop. Light threads and metallics glow against a deep ground like this.

A little stitcher's folklore: Victorian stitchers loved bright wools on deep, dark grounds, which is why rich reds, greens and navies still feel so traditional for Christmas needlework.

Why this fabric: 20 count is an extra fine Aida for miniatures, ornaments and detailed designs, a finer scale than most kits use. This shade suits bright, high-contrast designs and white or metallic thread work.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Aida, 100% cotton, 20 count (8 squares per cm), in Charcoal Gray. Not included: chart, floss, needle and hoop, sold separately.

Getting started: overcast or tape the edges, fold to find the centre and stitch one cross over each block with a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle, using one strand of floss. A light or white cloth behind the fabric makes the holes much easier to see. Wash finished work by hand in cool water.

Size: 48 x 53 cm (19 x 21 in). Stitched one cross per block with a 2 in margin all round, it fits a design of about 295 x 335 stitches. One piece is plenty for a framed sampler, a pillow front or several small ornaments.