According to historical legends, the name Aida of the fabric we use today is derived from Verdi's Opera of the same name. However, we know this material to be coarse, open weave and even-weave fabric, used conventionally for cross-stitch embroidery. Appearance
This material is considered perfect for counted cross stitch because it has very tiny holes that help with placing stitches perfectly and forming tiny uniformly-sized squares, wigth the height and width of each being the same.
This 100% cotton fabric is woven with spaces or holes of various sizes between the warp and weft so that it easily accommodates different thicknesses of yarn or thread. These are described according to count, e.g. 10-count Aida cloth would mean it has 10 holes per linear inch. Other popular sizes include 7, 10, 11, 12 and 14 count, though the range extends from 6-18 count. The grid on a cross stitch pattern corresponds to that on Aida fabric, which makes it easier to determine where to sew.
Texture and colors
Aida fabric is made from linen, cotton, or blends, but this fabric is a little too stiff to use with ease. Traditional colors are white, off-white, shades of tan and brown, and now, bright and dark colors are also available.
Characteristics
Being 100% cotton, you can easily use paints and dyes to enhance your pattern. It is washable, durable, easy on maintenance and sturdy enough to endure handling, particularly if you are new to counted cross stitch.
How to look after Aida fabric
If you want your pattern to look its best, you must look after your Aida fabric really well. Here's how:
Handle Aida fabric only with clean hands, as this is the first and commonest way of damaging your material. So, ensure you wash your hands before you get down to doing counted cross stitch. If, while doing embroidery, you happen to touch something which might soil your Aida fabric, stop stitching and wash your hands immediately. If you have friends or family looking at your handiwork, be polite when you ask them to first wash their hands before touching your fabric.
Keep all your counted cross stitch supplies, tools and threads as clean as you you're your fabric. Keep scissors, needles, marking pens, threads and magnifier in a safe place, away from everything else.
Should you use a hoop, clean it with mild detergent or alcohol and leave it to dry naturally. When using a frame, hold it by the frame, not by the material or the oils from your hands will stain the Aida fabric.
Surely, you don't want your Aida fabric to have creases in it. So, to avoid this, why don't you roll it flat instead of keeping it folded? You may never be able to iron out the creases, and the material may fade along the fold.
To wash Aida, use cool water and an extremely mild detergent. If bright flosses bleed color, continue to rinse the material with cool water until there is no longer any trace of color.
Never make the mistake of wringing this fabric. Instead, iron it between the folds of a clean white towel so that you press out as much water as possible. Then, lay it out to dry in a cut off part of your house. Remember to iron it before it is bone dry.
If you've stained your Aida fabric: Once you realize you've stained your fabric, don't waste time--get it out immediately. Read the laundering directions that accompanied the fabric and follow them, but you can also follow these suggestions:
What caused the stain on your Aida fabric? Was it an ink stain? If yes, treat it with hairspray. If you've spilled a cola on it and if the stain is still fresh use mild detergent to get rid of it. If it is a blood stain, rinse your fabric with cool water.
No matter what caused the stain, if it refuses to go away, but is small, you can go over the stained area with a new piece of Aida fabric. But if the stain is on a large project, it would be better to cover it up, depending on where it appears.
Having read and hopefully enjoyed, this article, I hope you now understand a little more about this essential part of our cross stitch diet.
