🤗 I use primarily Zwiegart 16 count Aida that I purchase from 123 Stitch. They have a wide variety of colors but I mainly use neutrals. No matter what the pattern “calls for” I use 16 count. I use only DMC floss. I have been stitching for close to 40 years and don’t plan to change!
Aida isn't just for beginners. I'm a beginner and I prefer laguna or linen only because I do not like the stiffness of aida. I recently learned that I can dampen and iron the aida (or even throw in a sink of water) and it will loosen it up. So now I am using the 20ct and 22ct aid that I get at Joanns. Of course the fabric I use depends on the project I'm working on. There are not a lot of beginner videos so I'm sure they will be welcomed. I ended up watching several of Jean Farish's videos. She helped me get over the fear of using linen. Your quilts are lovely!
Hi, Hailey. I have been a stitcher for well over 25 years, and I am still looking forward to your "beginners'" tutorials. I am always open to learning something new I can incorporate in my stitching process journey. Thank you
I usually use 18ct. Aida and I always wash and iron my cloth before I begin a project. I prefer white because I can dye it if I need a color and I love to have my fabric soft. I got a large piece of 18 ct.white on Amazon, I think it was 59 X 39 and I cut the pieces I need, dye the pieces that need it and kit my projects. I don't have to keep running to the store.
I think you would be very good teaching a beginners class!! I’ve been stitching for over 35 years but I’ve always used the same magazines (have lots!!) mostly from the 90”s !! I feel like a beginner learning about linens and the new acronyms!! I have always used dmc I have all of them except the newest colors. I’ve used some weeks dye works on a couple of little projects I love them but I’ve just learned how to order them!! I’m not very technically up to date!! You’re doing great!!
Thank you for your kind words! I'd love to try weeks dye works! I've heard such great things about their floss. I'm excited to try the Charles Craft Aida and it's nice to hear that you like it!
18 count Aida is my favorite fabric to stitch on. I’ve been stitching for 30+ years and I will stitch on other fabrics but 18 count Aida is my favorite ♥️
The absolute game changers that got me into cross stitching a few months ago were Kimberley Jolly”s beginner videos AND the amazing 10 count Lori Holt cloth! That is my go to tho I have just finished my first project on 14 count! I am pretty confident that I will NEVER stitch on anything smaller!!
Back when I worked with aida I used to love using Charles Craft - The Gold Standard one. Those are awesome. I liked them because they felt nice to hold. They are a little thicker and soften as you work with them. If you like stiff it is not what you want though. Stiff ones tend to be from Witchelt and Bucilla.
Hi! I found you thru StitchmanDarcy, I’m so glad I did. I’m an intermediate cross stitcher but I still love Aida 16ct Charles Craft. I am a new quilter working on my first quilt so I love hearing your process and it helps me relax that things aren’t perfect but still pretty! Thanks for sharing! Catching up on all your videos!
I’m so happy that you’re here! 💕 I definitely stand by the saying that finished is better than perfect!! You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment when you finish your first quilt! I have mine hanging in my bedroom and I love embracing all of the imperfections.
I binged all your videos this week. I love how your Sew Sampler Moda pattern came out. My favorite Aida is 18 count and I love crunchier Aida. As for a sewing machine for quilting I have a Juki Straight stitch and I am loving it. I would suggest testing machines out.
Thank you for watching! I’m loving the 18 count I’m currently stitching on. Trying out machines is a great idea! I’m thinking of getting a straight stitch Juki as well.
I work on Aida and I prefer Zweigart based. When using off brand fabric make sure the squares are even (ex. 14 squares by 14 squares per 1” square). What’s nice about white Aida, is that you can dye it. Maybe your next challenge!😜 Check out Vonna Pfeiffer’s FlossTube about choosing a sewing machine. It might be helpful.
I've heard great things about Zweigart! I'll have to try them out! Even thinking about dyeing fabric makes me nervous!! I'd love to try it one day, though. I'll check on Vonna's flosstube - thanks for the recommendation!
Welcome, Carol! I’m really enjoying stitching on 18 ct, too! It may be my new favorite. I’m in Minnesota so I’m happy to have you here my Northern neighbor!
I don’t think you should change your machine presser foot right in the middle of a project. even though you’re off a small amount at least it’s consistent and all your blocks will lineup. You are doing a great job as a beginning floss tuber. I enjoyed, you’re a natural 💕
I like aida. It's easier on my brain. I've used 28 ct and kinda regret the investment. To me it takes more time on 28 ct because of trying to find the second hold if that makes sense. The first linen i did turned out AWFUL. the material was so flimsy and full of slubs! But I wanted to be like the grown up stitchers with experience lol. But then I got a 30ct and it was a DREAM to stitch. It was so easy to see the holes because it was a loose weave I had assumed all linens were alike and wanted nothing to do with them. I consider myself an 'advanced' beginner because I've done 3 French knots lol. I'm considering doing flosstube but I think it'll be a hassle to upload and take a ton of time to upload. Any tips?
Good to know about the linens! I assumed they were all the same, too! I’m thinking of doing a video at some point about how to get started with a flosstube or cross stitch channel! I’ve already gotten lots of questions on it! I film, edit and upload to RUclips using my iPhone. It is a time investment! I spend at least 6-7 hours/week just filming/editing/uploading. That doesn’t even count researching/planning and stitching! But doing all the tech stuff on one device makes it so much easier. I say if you want to do it, do it!! Everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful in this Flosstube space! There’s always room for more flosstubers!
So ive used the Similane aida before and it was fine for beginner projects, but it isnt 100% cotton. It washed fine, but I actually ruined a piece with the iron and Ive NEVER had an issue with ironing anything else but that. It seemed like it melted and left a sticky coating on my iron too. I also attempted home dying and it didnt take the dye at all. Id just stick with other aida personally, but it works and its definitely affordable.
🤗 I use primarily Zwiegart 16 count Aida that I purchase from 123 Stitch. They have a wide variety of colors but I mainly use neutrals. No matter what the pattern “calls for” I use 16 count. I use only DMC floss. I have been stitching for close to 40 years and don’t plan to change!
I’m excited to try the 16ct Aida! I love that you know what you like and you’re sticking to it!! Stitching for 40 years is awesome 👏🏻
Aida isn't just for beginners. I'm a beginner and I prefer laguna or linen only because I do not like the stiffness of aida. I recently learned that I can dampen and iron the aida (or even throw in a sink of water) and it will loosen it up. So now I am using the 20ct and 22ct aid that I get at Joanns. Of course the fabric I use depends on the project I'm working on. There are not a lot of beginner videos so I'm sure they will be welcomed. I ended up watching several of Jean Farish's videos. She helped me get over the fear of using linen. Your quilts are lovely!
I use 14 & 16 ct. I have used DMC fabric but my favorite is PTP(Picture this Plus) and Wichelt.
I love 16 ct! I haven’t tried PTP yet, but they look fabulous! I’ll definitely have to try it
Hi, Hailey. I have been a stitcher for well over 25 years, and I am still looking forward to your "beginners'" tutorials. I am always open to learning something new I can incorporate in my stitching process journey. Thank you
That’s great to hear, Jasmine! I’m always so interested in seeing how others work, too! Thanks for being here 💕
I usually use 18ct. Aida and I always wash and iron my cloth before I begin a project. I prefer white because I can dye it if I need a color and I love to have my fabric soft. I got a large piece of 18 ct.white on Amazon, I think it was 59 X 39 and I cut the pieces I need, dye the pieces that need it and kit my projects. I don't have to keep running to the store.
That’s a great idea to get a larger piece! I’d love to try to dye fabric sometime!
I think you would be very good teaching a beginners class!! I’ve been stitching for over 35 years but I’ve always used the same magazines (have lots!!) mostly from the 90”s !! I feel like a beginner learning about linens and the new acronyms!! I have always used dmc I have all of them except the newest colors. I’ve used some weeks dye works on a couple of little projects I love them but I’ve just learned how to order them!! I’m not very technically up to date!!
You’re doing great!!
Thank you for your kind words! I'd love to try weeks dye works! I've heard such great things about their floss. I'm excited to try the Charles Craft Aida and it's nice to hear that you like it!
18 count Aida is my favorite fabric to stitch on. I’ve been stitching for 30+ years and I will stitch on other fabrics but 18 count Aida is my favorite ♥️
I’m really enjoying the 18ct I’m stitching on! I think it may be my new favorite, too!
The absolute game changers that got me into cross stitching a few months ago were Kimberley Jolly”s beginner videos AND the amazing 10 count Lori Holt cloth! That is my go to tho I have just finished my first project on 14 count! I am pretty confident that I will NEVER stitch on anything smaller!!
Yes Kimberly and Lori were my main inspiration for getting started, too! I'll need to try Lori's cloth soon!
The quilt pattern, in cross stitch, you are working on is really beautiful...love it. I'm enjoying your videos, thank you for making them.
The pattern is so fun to stitch! Thanks for watching!
Back when I worked with aida I used to love using Charles Craft - The Gold Standard one. Those are awesome. I liked them because they felt nice to hold. They are a little thicker and soften as you work with them. If you like stiff it is not what you want though. Stiff ones tend to be from Witchelt and Bucilla.
Your quilt is beautiful!!
I do like Charles craft Aida. I like the even squares!! I am starting to love linens too!!
I use mainly 16 count aide. I do prefer the stiffer fabric. I love the floral patterns you showed and your quilts are gorgeous.
Thank you so much! I'm excited to try 16 count Aida!
I love to stitch on 18 count Aida, but I use other counts too. Beautiful patterns. Love your quilts!, they look amazing. Take care
I’m loving the look of 18 count that I’m stitching on now! Thank you so much!
Hi! I found you thru StitchmanDarcy, I’m so glad I did. I’m an intermediate cross stitcher but I still love Aida 16ct Charles Craft. I am a new quilter working on my first quilt so I love hearing your process and it helps me relax that things aren’t perfect but still pretty! Thanks for sharing! Catching up on all your videos!
I’m so happy that you’re here! 💕 I definitely stand by the saying that finished is better than perfect!! You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment when you finish your first quilt! I have mine hanging in my bedroom and I love embracing all of the imperfections.
I binged all your videos this week. I love how your Sew Sampler Moda pattern came out. My favorite Aida is 18 count and I love crunchier Aida. As for a sewing machine for quilting I have a Juki Straight stitch and I am loving it. I would suggest testing machines out.
Thank you for watching! I’m loving the 18 count I’m currently stitching on. Trying out machines is a great idea! I’m thinking of getting a straight stitch Juki as well.
I work on Aida and I prefer Zweigart based. When using off brand fabric make sure the squares are even (ex. 14 squares by 14 squares per 1” square). What’s nice about white Aida, is that you can dye it. Maybe your next challenge!😜 Check out Vonna Pfeiffer’s FlossTube about choosing a sewing machine. It might be helpful.
I've heard great things about Zweigart! I'll have to try them out! Even thinking about dyeing fabric makes me nervous!! I'd love to try it one day, though. I'll check on Vonna's flosstube - thanks for the recommendation!
Hello, Hailey. A new subscriber, here, from Canada! I am an Aida fan as well, usually, 18 count. 🙋♀️🇨🇦🌸 I prefer stitching on neutral colour ways.
Welcome, Carol! I’m really enjoying stitching on 18 ct, too! It may be my new favorite. I’m in Minnesota so I’m happy to have you here my Northern neighbor!
I always love your videos! I’m starting to get back into cross stitch!
Thanks so much, Maegan! I'm happy that you're getting back into stitching!
I like working on Aida. I tried to stitch on 25 ct 2 over 2 but was not comfortable so I went back to Aida.
Stitching over 2 seems like such a mind shift! I have yet to try it!
I quilt too!! I’ll hush now!! Lol
I don’t think you should change your machine presser foot right in the middle of a project. even though you’re off a small amount at least it’s consistent and all your blocks will lineup. You are doing a great job as a beginning floss tuber. I enjoyed, you’re a natural 💕
Thanks for your nice words! Great point about changing the foot in the middle of my project! I didn't even consider that - thank you!
How difficult is the quilt cross stitch to work on. I am a beginner but loveeeeeeee that cross stitch!
it's a fun one. it took a little bit of time to make since it is so detailed and has lots of color changes. but it's definitely doable!
I like aida. It's easier on my brain. I've used 28 ct and kinda regret the investment. To me it takes more time on 28 ct because of trying to find the second hold if that makes sense. The first linen i did turned out AWFUL. the material was so flimsy and full of slubs! But I wanted to be like the grown up stitchers with experience lol. But then I got a 30ct and it was a DREAM to stitch. It was so easy to see the holes because it was a loose weave I had assumed all linens were alike and wanted nothing to do with them. I consider myself an 'advanced' beginner because I've done 3 French knots lol. I'm considering doing flosstube but I think it'll be a hassle to upload and take a ton of time to upload. Any tips?
Good to know about the linens! I assumed they were all the same, too! I’m thinking of doing a video at some point about how to get started with a flosstube or cross stitch channel! I’ve already gotten lots of questions on it! I film, edit and upload to RUclips using my iPhone. It is a time investment! I spend at least 6-7 hours/week just filming/editing/uploading. That doesn’t even count researching/planning and stitching! But doing all the tech stuff on one device makes it so much easier. I say if you want to do it, do it!! Everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful in this Flosstube space! There’s always room for more flosstubers!
So ive used the Similane aida before and it was fine for beginner projects, but it isnt 100% cotton. It washed fine, but I actually ruined a piece with the iron and Ive NEVER had an issue with ironing anything else but that. It seemed like it melted and left a sticky coating on my iron too. I also attempted home dying and it didnt take the dye at all. Id just stick with other aida personally, but it works and its definitely affordable.
Great tip on the ironing! I haven’t stitched with the Similane Aida yet but I’ll keep that in mind if I do!