32 Count Opalescent Raw Belfast Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3609/11

Stitch on Opalescent Raw, a 32 count Belfast linen by Zweigart: a natural raw flax-grey linen with a subtle opalescent shimmer. 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: 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 Christmas, wedding and winter designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Belfast, linen woven with a metallic thread, 32 count (12.6 threads per cm), in Opalescent Raw. 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. 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 235 x 360 stitches. Large enough for a framed picture, or cut it down for cards, bookmarks and ornaments.