The difference between Aida , Lugana , and Linen lies in the fibers they are made of, the thread count, and how they are embroidered. Embroiderers often have different preferences regarding which fabric they like best, depending on their specific needs.
Aida fabric is made primarily of cotton and is the easiest fabric to start with. It has a smaller thread count, such as 11, 14, 16, 18, and 20, with 14, 16, and 18 count being the most common. Its special weave with distinct stitch patterns makes counting stitches much easier. This fabric is usually a bit stiff, but it will soften when washed, which is great for embroiderers who want to do hand stitching.
Luganas or Etaminas are made of cotton or a cotton blend and have a higher thread count, including 25, 28, 32, and 40. Depending on the brand, some Luganas or Etaminas are softer and others are stiffer. They also have a uniform yarn texture.
Linen refers to the fabric made from the fibers. It is very similar to Lugana in that it has a higher thread count. However, it is more difficult to work with due to its natural appearance and slubs (thicker clumps of fibers in the fabric). Unlike Lugana, linen has threads that are thicker in some areas and thinner in others, which can make counting more challenging.
There are also linen Aida fabrics. These are Aida-type fabrics created using linen instead of cotton. In other words, the fabric usually has a smaller count size but the same appearance as Aida.
What is a fabric count?
Fabric count refers to the number of stitches per inch or per centimeter. Common fabric counts include 14, 16, and 18 for Aida cloth and 25, 28, and 32 for Lugana and Linen. Each cross-stitch fabric has a different count, which affects the final size of the project.
For example, a 14-count Aida fabric has 14 squares per inch horizontally and vertically, or 5.5 by 1 cm / 55 squares per 10 centimeters. It's important to note that all fabrics must have the same count both horizontally and vertically; otherwise, the project will be distorted. This is a common problem with lower-quality fabrics.
In some patterns it may not be obvious, but in others, such as those with circular, square, or faceted shapes, it can be extremely visible. Therefore, Punto y Arte recommends avoiding these types of fabrics and opting for reputable brands like Zweigart or DMC, which specialize in cross-stitch fabrics, to guarantee quality.
Keep in mind that the higher the fabric count, the smaller your finished project will be, while the lower the count, the larger it will be. If you want your project to fit within the dimensions of a specific frame, it's important to figure out what fabric count you'll need to achieve that.
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How to calculate the fabric measurement for a project?
To calculate the amount of fabric needed for your project, you must consider the fabric count and the number of stitches in the chart. The fabric count is the number of stitches per inch; as the count increases, the project will be smaller.
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For example, in 14 ct Aida there are 14 squares per inch horizontally and vertically, or 5.5 per 1 cm / 55 squares per 10 cm.
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In 16 ct Aida there are 16 squares per inch horizontally and vertically, or 6.2 by 1 cm / 62 squares per 10 cm.
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And in 18 ct. Aida there are 18 squares per inch horizontally and vertically, or 7 per 1 cm / 70 squares per 10 cm.
In Lugana and Lino, 2 threads are embroidered over 2 threads, which is equivalent to:
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Lugana or Linen 28 ct. =Aida 14,
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Lugana or Linen 32 ct. =Aida 16,
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Lugana or Linen 36 ct. = Aida 18.
Please note that approximately 1 inch is equal to 2.54 cm.
To calculate the size , divide the number of points on the chart by the fabric count. In other words, 150 divided by 14, and to get the measurement in centimeters, 150 divided by 5.5.
For example, if the chart is 150x150 points and you want to use:
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Aida 14 ct. the size would be 10.71"x10.71" / 27.27 x 27.27 cm.
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If you used Aida 16 ct. it would be 9.37"x9.37" / 24.19 x 24.19 cm.
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And if you used Aida 18 ct. it would be 8.33"x8.33" / 21.43 x 21.43 cm.
Don't forget to leave a 5-10 cm margin for the frame.
14-count Aida fabric is a good choice for beginners because of its square structure and the fact that it has a lower thread count and relatively large squares. The squares are easier to count and provide good coverage with three strands of embroidery floss. Additionally, the wider spacing between the holes makes them easier to see and distinguish.
As you gain more experience, you can consider trying Lugana fabrics or linen fabrics. Lugana fabrics are slightly easier to work with than linen because the fibers are more uniform. Linen has an uneven yarn structure, which can make it a bit more difficult to work with.
What does it mean to embroider on 1 versus on 2?
When you stitch over 1, you go from one hole to the next. This is obvious when using Aida cloth and fabrics with smaller counts. You will stitch over 1 hole to complete a full cross.
On higher count fabrics, you will stitch over 2. Instead of putting the needle in the next hole, you skip 1 to create your cross stitch in the second hole.
When you see 1 over 1, that means one strand of embroidery floss over one hole. Most charts are stitched with two strands of embroidery floss, 2 over 1 for Aida.
In the higher counts, you will often see 2 over 2, which means embroidering 2 strands of mouline over 2 threads of the fabric.
The exception is 25 ct Lugana fabric. Embroiderers will usually stitch 2 over 1 on this fabric.
