32 Count Vintage Dune Belfast Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3609/1079

Stitch on Vintage Dune, a 32 count Belfast linen by Zweigart: an off-white linen with soft, cloudy hand-dyed style mottling for an aged, heirloom 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: if you are moving up from Aida, Belfast is the classic first linen. Worked over two threads it gives 16 stitches per inch, the same scale as 16 count Aida, with a softer and more traditional finish. This shade suits primitive, country and seasonal samplers.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Belfast, 100% linen, 32 count (12.6 threads per cm), in Vintage 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 or 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 235 x 360 stitches. Pair it with a chart and floss for a ready-to-start stitching gift.