32 Count Raw White Dots Belfast Linen Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3609/5379

Stitch on Raw Linen White Dots, a 32 count Belfast linen by Zweigart: a natural raw linen printed with white polka dots. The pattern is printed, so the fabric does the decorating and your stitching sits on top.

A little stitcher's folklore: scattered dots on old linen were once worked by hand as seeding stitches to fill a background; a printed dot fabric gives that scattered look ready-made.

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 playful modern designs and small motifs where the print can show through.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Belfast, 100% linen, 32 count (12.6 threads per cm), in Raw Linen White Dots. 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 pattern 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. Large enough for a framed picture, or cut it down for cards, bookmarks and ornaments.