18 Count Smoky Blue Aida Cloth Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x21 in by Zweigart 3793/5018

Stitch on Smoky Blue, an 18 count Aida cloth by Zweigart: a smoky blue Aida with a pale, soft blue-gray tone. A coloured ground saves stitching a full background and sets the mood of the piece.

A little stitcher's folklore: an old sampler habit was to stitch one small deliberate mistake into a piece, a reminder that only nature is perfect, and plenty of stitchers still keep the tradition.

Why this fabric: 18 count Aida gives fine detail and a smooth look for portraits, small motifs and ornaments, and it matches charts written for 36 count linen worked over two. This shade suits baby samplers, florals and spring designs.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Aida, 100% cotton, 18 count (7 squares per cm), in Smoky Blue. 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 26 tapestry needle, using one or 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 265 x 300 stitches. It is a good piece to keep in the stash or to tuck into a gift for a stitching friend.