18 Count Navy Aida Cloth Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x21 in by Zweigart 3793/589

Stitch on Navy, an 18 count Aida cloth by Zweigart: a deep navy blue Aida, dark enough to make white and metallic floss stand out. Light threads and metallics glow against a deep ground like this.

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: 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 bright, high-contrast designs and white or metallic thread work.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Aida, 100% cotton, 18 count (7 squares per cm), in Navy. 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. A light or white cloth behind the fabric makes the holes much easier to see. Wash finished work by hand in cool water.

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.