14 Count Christmas Red Aida Cloth Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x21 in by Zweigart 3706/954

Stitch on Christmas Red, a 14 count Aida cloth by Zweigart: a bright Christmas red Aida with a rich, festive tone. A coloured ground saves stitching a full background and sets the mood of the piece.

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: 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 ornaments, stockings and holiday samplers.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Aida, 100% cotton, 14 count (5.4 squares per cm), in Christmas Red. 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. Wash finished work by hand in cool water and press face down on a towel.

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. One piece is plenty for a framed sampler, a pillow front or several small ornaments.