The Stitching Thread

The next step in my design process is to look at my creative options. There are fabrics to select, flosses and fibers to choose, accessories to consider and specialty stitches.

The first I will discuss is my selection of fabric for a particular cross stitch design. There are so many to choose from. Why does a designer select a particular fabric over another?

There are certain considerations that I keep in mind when selecting my fabric such as size/count, qualities, color, etc. I have a general idea in my mind of what the design will look like when it is completed. Again, keeping the purpose of the piece in mind, I consider if it will work better on a larger or smaller scale. I need to look at the thread counts: 28 count, 32 count, etc. I look at evenweave or linen fabrics versus Aida. I consider the texture of the fabric: nubby or eneven would be suitable for a Halloween design like a scarecrow in a field, a fabric with a metallic filament would be fun for a shimmery effect in a holiday design or one with a nautical theme. Is the fabric silky and have a smooth finish or have a “homespun” feel like linen with uneven sections of fibers?Another consideration that I keep in mind is the quality or durability of a fabric. A wedding sampler or heirloom design needs to stand the test of time.

One last, but very important item I keep in mind is the color of the fabric. Color selections are useful if the design uses the negative space for effect and balance. Let the color of the fabric do some of the work rather than all stitches. Is it light, dark or neutral. For vibrant, colorful pieces would a white background add to the theme of the design or detract?

I make a tentative selection at this stage of designing. I leave my options open as the design unfolds and develops.

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