Aida cloth (often referred to as Aida stitch) is a type of open-weave fabric primarily used for cross-stitch embroidery and other counted thread techniques. Its distinct characteristic is its square pattern created by grouping threads into bundles, resulting in easily visible holes for needle placement. These holes make it exceptionally user-friendly, especially for beginners.
Here's a breakdown of what defines Aida stitch (referring to Aida cloth):
- Distinct Weave: The fabric is woven with threads grouped together, forming a grid-like pattern.
- Obvious Holes: The bundled threads create clearly defined holes at the intersections, guiding the needle and simplifying stitch placement.
- Counted Thread Embroidery: Aida cloth is most commonly used for counted thread embroidery, where the stitches are placed based on a specific count of threads.
- Beginner-Friendly: Due to its ease of use, Aida cloth is a popular choice for beginners learning cross-stitch.
- Varying Counts: Aida cloth comes in different "counts," which refer to the number of squares (and therefore stitches) per inch. Common counts include 11, 14, 16, and 18. A lower count (e.g., 11) means larger squares, resulting in a larger finished design and easier stitching, while a higher count (e.g., 18) means smaller squares, creating a finer, more detailed design.
Essentially, "Aida stitch" typically refers to cross-stitch done on Aida cloth, leveraging the fabric's unique weave to create uniform and easily countable stitches.
