14 Count Blue with Pearl Speckles Aida Cloth Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x21 in by Zweigart 3706/5169

Stitch on Blue with Pearl Speckles, a 14 count Aida cloth by Zweigart: a light blue Aida woven with pearly metallic speckles for a soft 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: 14 count Aida is the most popular cross stitch fabric and the standard for most kits. The clear blocks make counting easy, so it is ideal for beginners, children and bold designs. This shade suits Christmas, wedding and winter designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Aida, 88% cotton and 12% metallic polyester, 14 count (5.4 squares per cm), in Blue with Pearl Speckles. 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 24 tapestry needle, using two strands of floss. Press with a cool iron through a cloth to protect the shimmer.

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 205 x 235 stitches. Pair it with a chart and floss for a ready-to-start stitching gift.