What is the difference between Aida and evenweave?

Aida is a stiff, gridded fabric with clearly visible holes, designed specifically for cross stitch. It is the easiest fabric for beginners. Evenweave (including linen) has evenly spaced threads without the rigid grid, and is usually stitched over two threads. Evenweave drapes more softly and is preferred for decorative pieces, but requires more counting. Both come in various counts - 14-count Aida and 28-count evenweave produce the same size stitches.

What does fabric count mean in cross stitch?

Fabric count refers to the number of stitchable squares per inch. On Aida, 14-count means 14 squares per inch. On evenweave stitched over two threads, 28-count also gives 14 stitches per inch. Higher count fabric produces smaller stitches and more detail in the same area, but takes longer to work. The most popular count for cross stitch is 14-count Aida.

What is stranded cotton?

Stranded cotton is the standard thread used for cross stitch. It consists of six loosely twisted strands that can be separated so you can stitch with fewer strands for finer work. Most cross stitch on 14-count Aida uses two strands. In the US it is called embroidery floss. Popular brands include DMC, Anchor, Madeira, and Cosmo.

What are confetti stitches in cross stitch?

Confetti stitches are isolated single stitches of different colours scattered across a pattern. They are common in patterns converted from photographs because the software tries to match every subtle colour variation. Confetti slows stitching down significantly because you are constantly changing thread colours. Most pattern makers offer colour reduction settings to minimise confetti.

What is the difference between cross country and parking methods?

Cross country means completing all stitches of one colour in an area before moving to the next colour. It is faster for patterns with defined colour blocks. Parking means working row by row, leaving each thread parked at its next stitch position rather than finishing off. Parking gives neater coverage on the back of the fabric and works well for confetti-heavy patterns, but is slower and requires more needles.

Cross Stitch Glossary - 120+ Stitching Terms Explained

A

Aida

A stiff, openly woven fabric with a clearly visible grid of holes, made specifically for counted cross stitch. The grid makes it straightforward to count squares and place stitches without magnification. Aida comes in various counts - 14-count is the most popular starting point. It holds its shape well in a hoop and is the go-to choice for beginners and kits. Sometimes called Aida cloth or Aida canvas.

Anchor

A stranded cotton brand manufactured by Coats, widely used across Europe and especially popular in the UK. Anchor threads use their own numbering system that does not correspond to DMC numbers, so you need a conversion chart when substituting between the two brands. The colour range covers around 440 shades.

Arrow (on charts)

Small arrows printed along the edges of a cross stitch chart showing the centre point of the pattern. You use these to find the middle of the design so you can start stitching from the centre of your fabric outwards, which helps keep the finished piece evenly positioned.

Away knot

A temporary knot tied at the end of your thread and placed on the front of the fabric a few centimetres from your first stitch. As you stitch towards it, the tail on the back gets secured under the new stitches. Once secure, you snip the knot off. Also called a waste knot. It gives a neat start without a permanent knot on the back.

B

Backstitch

A single-line stitch used to add outlines, lettering, and fine detail to a cross stitch piece. You work it after all the cross stitches are done, usually in one strand of a dark colour. Backstitch can follow the grid lines or run diagonally across squares. On charts it is typically shown as solid bold lines. Abbreviated as BS on patterns.

Basting / Tacking

Long, loose stitches sewn onto fabric as temporary guidelines before you start stitching. Commonly used to mark the centre lines or a grid of 10x10 squares to help you keep count. Removed once the piece is finished. In the UK this is usually called tacking; in the US it is called basting. Some stitchers now use water-soluble pens or wash-away thread instead.

Blended needle

A technique where you thread two different colours into the same needle and stitch with them together. This creates a subtle colour that sits between the two parent shades - useful for gradients, skin tones, and soft transitions where a single thread colour is not quite right.

Blockweave

A general term for fabrics woven in a rigid grid pattern, where groups of threads form distinct blocks with holes at each corner. Aida and Hardanger are both blockweave fabrics. The structure makes counting easy, which is why these fabrics are recommended for beginners.

Bobbin

A small card or plastic holder used to store cut lengths of embroidery thread neatly. You wind the thread from a skein onto the bobbin and label it with the colour number. Bobbins are usually stored in a box or on a ring, and keeping them organised saves time when you need to find a specific colour mid-project.

C

Chart

A grid-based diagram that represents a cross stitch pattern. Each square on the chart corresponds to one stitch on the fabric, and symbols or colours indicate which thread to use. Charts may be printed on paper, viewed on screen, or displayed on a tablet. Most modern pattern software produces charts in PDF format with a colour key alongside.

Colour reduction

The process of simplifying a pattern to use fewer thread colours. When you convert a photograph into a cross stitch chart, the software might initially match hundreds of shades. Reducing the palette - say from 80 colours down to 25 - makes the pattern more practical to stitch, reduces confetti, and lowers the cost of buying threads. Most pattern makers let you set a maximum colour count before generating.

See also: Confetti, Dithering | Pattern maker

Confetti stitches

Isolated single stitches of different colours dotted across a pattern, named because they look like scattered confetti on the chart. They are most common in patterns converted from photographs, where the software tries to match every subtle colour shift. Confetti is the biggest time sink in stitching because each stitch means a thread change. Reducing the number of colours in your pattern is the most effective way to cut confetti down. Some stitchers use the parking method to manage confetti-heavy areas more efficiently.

Cosmo

A Japanese stranded cotton brand made by Lecien, known for its soft twist and smooth finish. Cosmo threads have around 500 shades and are popular in Japan and increasingly in the UK and US. The colours tend towards softer, muted tones that complement modern and Scandinavian-style designs. Cosmo uses its own numbering system.

Counted cross stitch

The most common form of cross stitch, where you follow a charted pattern and count the squares on blank fabric to place each stitch in the right position. This is different from stamped cross stitch, where the design is pre-printed on the fabric. Counted cross stitch gives you complete control over fabric choice, colour selection, and finished size.

Coverage

How much of the fabric is covered by stitches. Full coverage means every square has a stitch, leaving no fabric visible - common in photo conversion patterns and detailed art reproductions. Partial coverage leaves some fabric showing, often as a deliberate background. Full coverage pieces take much longer but produce a dense, painting-like result.

Cross country method

A stitching method where you complete all stitches of one colour in an area before moving on to the next colour. The thread travels across the back of the fabric between stitches, sometimes over several squares. Cross country is faster than parking for patterns with defined colour blocks, but can leave long floats on the back. Most stitchers use it for simpler patterns and switch to parking for complex or confetti-heavy designs.

Cross stitch

The basic stitch that gives the craft its name. It is formed by two diagonal stitches that cross in the centre to make an X shape. The bottom stitch usually goes from bottom-left to top-right, and the top stitch from bottom-right to top-left - though the direction does not matter as long as you keep it consistent across the whole piece. One cross stitch fills one square on the fabric grid.

D

Dithering

A technique used by pattern conversion software to simulate colours that are not in the available thread palette. Instead of using one thread colour per area, the software scatters stitches of two or more similar colours so they blend visually from a distance. Dithering can produce more realistic results in photo conversions but increases confetti. Most pattern makers let you adjust or disable it.

DMC

Short for Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie, a French textile company that produces the world's most widely used cross stitch threads. Their stranded cotton range (Art. 117) covers around 500 colours and their numbering system has become the de facto standard - most charts and patterns reference DMC numbers, and other brands publish conversion charts against DMC. If a pattern just lists a number like "310", it almost certainly means DMC 310 (black).

E

Evenweave

A category of embroidery fabric where the warp and weft threads are evenly spaced in both directions - unlike Aida, there is no built-in grid. Cross stitches are usually worked over two fabric threads, so 28-count evenweave gives 14 stitches per inch (the same as 14-count Aida). Evenweave is softer and drapes better than Aida, making it popular for decorative pieces, towels, and clothing. Lugana and Jobelan are common evenweave brands.

F

Fabric count

The number of stitchable units per inch of fabric, usually written as "14ct" or "18ct". On Aida, each unit is one square. On evenweave stitched over two threads, divide the thread count by two to get the stitch count. Higher counts mean smaller stitches, finer detail, and slower progress. The most common counts are 14 (beginner-friendly, good general purpose), 16 (slightly finer), and 18 (detailed work). Counts above 22 are typically worked on evenweave or linen.

See also: Aida, Evenweave | Fabric calculator

Fat quarter

A piece of fabric measuring roughly 18 x 22 inches (45 x 55 cm), cut as a quarter of a yard but wider and shorter than a standard quarter-yard strip. Originally a quilting term, fat quarters of Aida and evenweave are sold in craft shops and are useful for medium-sized cross stitch projects where you need more width than a long strip would give.

Finishing

Everything you do after the last stitch is placed. Typically this means washing the piece in lukewarm water with mild soap to remove hoop marks and handling oils, pressing it face-down on a towel while still damp, and then framing or mounting it. Good finishing can transform a piece - wrinkles and hoop marks disappear, and colours look brighter once the fabric is clean.

Float

A length of thread that runs across the back of the fabric between stitches without being anchored. Short floats (2-3 squares) are normal, but long floats can snag, show through light fabric, and distort tension. If you need to travel more than about 4-5 squares, it is usually better to end the thread and start fresh closer to the next stitch.

Floss

The American term for stranded embroidery thread. In the UK, the same product is usually called stranded cotton (or just "thread"). When you see "embroidery floss" in American patterns and tutorials, it means the standard six-strand divisible thread made by brands like DMC and Anchor.

Fractional stitch

A stitch that covers less than a full square - either a quarter stitch or a three-quarter stitch. These are used to create smoother curves, rounder shapes, and finer detail than full cross stitches alone. They are easier to work on evenweave and linen (where you can stitch into the centre of a square) than on Aida (where the centre hole does not exist naturally and you may need to pierce the fabric).

Frame (scroll frame)

A rectangular frame made of two scroll bars and two side bars, used to hold fabric taut while stitching. Unlike a hoop, a scroll frame does not need repositioning as you work across the fabric - you simply scroll to reveal new sections. Frames are popular for larger projects and are often used with a floor or table stand to free both hands.

French knot

A small, raised knot formed by wrapping thread around the needle one or two times before pushing it back through the fabric close to where it came up. Used for eyes, flower centres, dots, and any small raised detail. French knots have a reputation for being tricky - the key is to keep tension on the wrapped thread as you pull the needle through. Colonial knots are a firmer alternative that some stitchers find easier.

Full coverage

A pattern where every square on the chart has a stitch, completely hiding the fabric beneath. Photo conversions and art reproductions are typically full coverage. These patterns take significantly longer to stitch than partial designs but produce a dense, painting-like result. The fabric colour does not matter for full coverage pieces since none of it will show.

G

Gridding

The process of marking a grid - usually every 10 squares - onto your fabric before you start stitching. This makes it much easier to count and reduces errors. Gridding can be done with tacking stitches, a water-soluble pen, or specialist wash-away gridding thread. Some stitchers swear by it; others find it too time-consuming and prefer to count directly from the chart.

Grime guard

A fabric cover that wraps around the outer ring of your hoop or Q-snap, protecting the excess fabric from dirt and handling oils while you stitch. Especially useful for long-term projects where the fabric might be handled over months or years. Often handmade or bought from small craft sellers.

H

Half stitch

A single diagonal stitch that covers one square - essentially half of a full cross stitch. Used in patterns to create shading effects, soft backgrounds, and blending between colours. Half stitches are lighter and more transparent than full crosses, letting the fabric show through slightly. They are often used for sky, water, or background elements.

Hardanger

A 22-count blockweave fabric similar to Aida but with a finer grid, producing smaller stitches. Named after the Hardanger region of Norway. Useful when you want fine detail but still prefer the structured grid of a blockweave rather than evenweave. Also the name of a type of drawn thread embroidery that originated in the same region.

Hoop

Two concentric rings (usually wooden, bamboo, or plastic) used to hold fabric taut while stitching. You sandwich the fabric between the inner and outer rings and tighten the screw on the outer ring. Hoops come in sizes from a few inches up to 12 inches or more. Smaller hoops need repositioning as you work across the fabric. Some stitchers also use their hoop as a display frame for the finished piece.

Hoop art

A style of displaying finished cross stitch by leaving it mounted in the embroidery hoop rather than framing it traditionally. The excess fabric is trimmed and secured on the back. Hoop art has become popular for small, decorative pieces and modern designs - it gives a casual, crafty look that suits gallery walls of multiple small pieces.

I

In hand (stitching)

Stitching without a hoop or frame, holding the fabric freely in your hand. Some experienced stitchers prefer this for small projects or when travelling. It gives more flexibility to manipulate the fabric but requires good tension control to avoid puckering. Not recommended for beginners, who generally benefit from the consistency a hoop provides.

Interfacing

A backing material ironed or stitched onto the back of finished cross stitch work to add stability and prevent fraying. Iron-on (fusible) interfacing is commonly used before mounting or making up into items like cushions, bags, or cards. It also hides the back of the stitching when the reverse might be visible.

K

Key (colour key)

The legend printed alongside a cross stitch chart that tells you which symbol corresponds to which thread colour. A key typically lists the chart symbol, the thread brand and number (e.g. DMC 310), the colour name, and sometimes the number of stitches in that colour. Always check the key before starting - different chart publishers use different symbols for the same thing.

Kit

A packaged set containing everything you need to complete a specific cross stitch design: fabric, pre-sorted threads, needle, chart, and instructions. Kits are a popular way for beginners to start since you do not need to source materials separately. Quality varies widely - kits from established brands (DMC, Dimensions, Riolis) use reliable materials, while very cheap kits may have thin fabric or poorly dyed thread.

L

Linen

A natural fabric woven from flax fibres, used for cross stitch and traditional embroidery. Unlike Aida, linen threads are not perfectly uniform - they vary slightly in thickness, giving the finished stitching an organic, handmade quality. Linen is stitched over two threads and is popular for samplers, traditional designs, and heirloom pieces. It is more expensive and harder to count on than Aida, but many stitchers consider it worth the effort for the look and feel. Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cashel are common linen fabric names.

Loop start

A neat, knotless way to begin stitching when using an even number of strands. You take a single strand, fold it in half, and thread the cut ends through the needle. Bring the needle up through the fabric, leaving the folded loop on the back, then catch the loop with your first stitch going back down. It is faster and tidier than an away knot and uses less thread. Only works when stitching with an even number of strands (2, 4, or 6).

Long stitch

A straight stitch that spans more than one square, used to create lines, fill shapes, or add detail that does not follow the grid. Long stitches can run in any direction - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. They are sometimes used for animal whiskers, clock hands, or decorative borders in cross stitch designs.

M

Madeira

A German thread manufacturer known for both stranded cotton and specialty threads including rayon and metallic ranges. Madeira's stranded cotton covers about 370 colours and is particularly popular in mainland Europe. Their rayon threads have a high sheen that works well for decorative and festive designs. Madeira uses its own numbering system with conversion charts available against DMC.

Metallic thread

Specialty thread with a metallic finish, used to add shimmer and sparkle to cross stitch. Common in festive and fantasy designs for stars, jewellery, and magical elements. Metallics are notoriously tricky to stitch with - they snag, fray, and tangle more than cotton. Tips: use shorter lengths (30cm max), a larger needle, and slow down. Thread conditioner helps. DMC Light Effects and Kreinik are popular brands.

Motif

A small, self-contained design element within a larger pattern, or a standalone mini design. Hearts, flowers, stars, and borders are common cross stitch motifs. Motifs can be stitched individually as quick projects or combined to create samplers and decorative arrangements.

N

Needle (tapestry)

Cross stitch uses tapestry needles, which have a blunt, rounded tip and a large eye. The blunt tip slides through the holes in the fabric without piercing the threads. Size 24 is standard for 14-count Aida, size 26 for 16-18 count, and size 28 for higher counts. Avoid using sharp embroidery needles for counted cross stitch - the sharp point can split fabric threads and distort the weave.

Needle minder

A small magnetic holder that clips onto your fabric to keep your needle safe when you put your work down. Two magnets sandwich the fabric with the decorative piece on top. Needle minders have become a collectible part of the hobby - they come in every design imaginable, from cute animals to rude slogans. Practically, they stop you losing needles in cushions and carpets.

O

Over one / Over two

Refers to how many fabric threads each stitch spans. On evenweave and linen, the standard is to stitch "over two" threads, so 28-count fabric gives 14 stitches per inch. Stitching "over one" on the same fabric gives 28 stitches per inch - extremely fine and detailed, but slow and fiddly. On Aida, each stitch naturally goes over one block, so the distinction does not apply.

Overdyed thread

Thread that has been dyed with multiple colours along its length, creating subtle colour transitions as you stitch. Each skein is slightly unique. Popular brands include Weeks Dye Works and Classic Colorworks. Overdyed threads add depth and visual interest to simple patterns - a plain sampler alphabet stitched in overdyed thread looks far more striking than in solid colour.

P

Parking

A stitching method where you work row by row across the pattern, and when you finish with a colour in one area, you "park" the threaded needle at the position where that colour next appears rather than finishing it off. This avoids repeated threading and cutting. Parking works well for confetti-heavy patterns and HAED (Heaven and Earth Designs) pieces, but requires multiple needles and careful organisation. The back of the work tends to be neater than with the cross country method.

Pattern

The design or chart you follow when cross stitching. A pattern includes the gridded chart showing stitch placement, a colour key listing thread colours and quantities, and sometimes instructions for special stitches. Patterns can be bought as printed leaflets, downloaded as PDFs, or generated from images using pattern maker software. The terms "pattern" and "chart" are often used interchangeably.

See also: Chart | Pattern maker, Text generator

Perle cotton

A tightly twisted, non-divisible thread with a natural sheen. Unlike stranded cotton, you use it as a single thread without separating strands. It comes in different weights - size 5 (thickest), 8, and 12 (finest). Perle cotton is mainly used for Hardanger embroidery and decorative surface stitching rather than counted cross stitch, but it works well for backstitched outlines and specialty effects. Also spelled "pearl cotton".

Pixel art

Digital art created at low resolution where individual pixels are visible, making it a natural fit for cross stitch since each pixel maps directly to one stitch. Retro game sprites, 8-bit characters, and minimalist icons translate perfectly into cross stitch patterns. The pattern designer tool is especially suited to creating pixel art style designs from scratch.

Try the pattern designer

Q

Q-snap

A square or rectangular frame made of PVC tubes with clamp pieces that hold the fabric taut. Q-snaps are lighter than scroll frames and gentler on fabric than hoops (no compression ring marks). They come in sizes from 6 inches up to 17 inches and can be combined into larger configurations. Many stitchers prefer Q-snaps over hoops for Aida because they do not leave hoop marks in the weave.

Quarter stitch

A small diagonal stitch from one corner of a square to the centre, covering just one quarter of the space. Used alongside three-quarter stitches to create smoother curves and rounded shapes. On Aida, the centre of the square has no hole, so you need to push the needle through the fabric weave, which can be fiddly. Evenweave handles quarter stitches more naturally since there is a gap between the threads at the centre point.

QR code pattern

A cross stitch pattern of a QR code that actually scans when stitched and photographed. The grid-based nature of both QR codes and cross stitch makes them a perfect match. Popular uses include stitching your WiFi password for guests, linking to a wedding website, or creating scannable gifts. The pattern needs to be stitched accurately since QR codes are sensitive to errors, though the built-in error correction helps.

Generate a QR code pattern

R

Railroading

A technique where you slide the needle between the two strands of thread as you complete each stitch, ensuring they lie flat and parallel on the fabric rather than twisting around each other. This gives stitches a smoother, fuller appearance with better coverage. It takes a bit longer but makes a noticeable difference to the finished look, especially in lighter colours where uneven coverage is more visible.

Reverse stitching (frogging)

Removing stitches to correct a mistake. Called "frogging" because you "rip it, rip it" (sounds like a frog). It can be tedious, but catching and fixing errors early is much easier than unpicking dozens of stitches later. Use the blunt end of your needle or a seam ripper to carefully lift stitches out. If the thread is damaged or fuzzy after removal, discard it and start with a fresh length.

S

Sampler

A traditional type of cross stitch piece that combines alphabets, numbers, motifs, and borders into one design. Historically, samplers were practice pieces made by young girls to learn different stitches and record patterns. Modern samplers are popular as decorative pieces - birth samplers (recording a baby's name, date, and weight), wedding samplers, and seasonal designs are among the most commonly stitched. The alphabet and decorative elements make them good projects for building confidence with different techniques.

Skein

The standard bundle of thread sold by brands like DMC and Anchor. A DMC skein contains 8 metres (about 8.7 yards) of six-strand cotton. You pull the thread from one end of the skein - there is a trick to finding the right end without tangling (pull gently from the loose end visible in the paper label, not the looped end). One skein typically covers several hundred stitches depending on fabric count and number of strands used.

Calculate how many skeins you need

Stamped cross stitch

A form of cross stitch where the design is pre-printed directly onto the fabric, so you stitch over the printed lines rather than counting from a separate chart. It is easier for absolute beginners since there is no counting, but the fabric choice is limited and the printing can show through if coverage is not complete. Most experienced stitchers prefer counted cross stitch for the flexibility and precision.

Stand (stitching stand)

A floor or table stand that holds your hoop, Q-snap, or scroll frame, freeing both hands for stitching. With one hand on the front and one on the back, you can stitch in a smooth up-and-down motion without flipping the fabric. This can roughly double your stitching speed once you get used to it. Floor stands are better for larger frames; lap stands and table clamps suit smaller projects.

Stitch count

The total number of cross stitches in a pattern, or the pattern dimensions expressed as width x height in stitches (e.g. "150w x 200h"). The stitch count determines how large the finished piece will be on a given fabric count, and how long it will take. Dividing the stitch count by the fabric count gives the finished size in inches.

Calculate finished size from stitch count, Estimate stitching time

Stranded cotton

The standard thread used for cross stitch, consisting of six loosely twisted strands that can be separated so you stitch with fewer strands for finer work. In the UK this is called stranded cotton or embroidery cotton; in the US it is called embroidery floss. Most cross stitch on 14-count Aida uses two strands for the crosses and one strand for backstitch. DMC and Anchor are the most common brands. Sometimes called mouline (from the French).

Stripping

The process of separating individual strands from a length of stranded cotton before recombining the number you need. Even if your pattern calls for two strands, you should pull each strand out individually and then put them back together rather than just using two without separating first. Stripped and recombined strands lie flatter on the fabric and give better coverage because they are not twisted around each other.

T

Tapestry needle

A needle with a blunt, rounded tip and a large elongated eye, designed for stitching on counted fabrics. The blunt tip passes through the holes in the weave without piercing or splitting the fabric threads. This is the correct needle type for cross stitch - not a sharp or embroidery needle. The most common sizes are 24 (for 14ct), 26 (for 16-18ct), and 28 (for higher counts).

Thread conditioner

A product you run your thread through before stitching to reduce tangling, fraying, and static. Thread Heaven and beeswax are the most common options. Conditioner is especially helpful with metallic threads, overdyed threads, and dark colours (which tend to be more heavily dyed and therefore stiffer). Some stitchers use it on every thread; others only reach for it when a particular colour is misbehaving.

Thread conversion

A chart or tool that maps thread colours between different brands. If a pattern calls for DMC 310 but you prefer Anchor threads, a conversion chart tells you the closest Anchor equivalent. Conversions are approximations, not exact matches - dye processes differ between manufacturers, so the colours are close but rarely identical. It is worth comparing the actual threads in person for colours that are critical to the design.

Use the thread conversion tool

Three-quarter stitch

A stitch that combines a quarter stitch (corner to centre) with a half stitch (full diagonal), covering three-quarters of a square. Used to create smoother edges and curves than full cross stitches alone. Three-quarter stitches often appear where two colours share a single square on the chart - one colour gets the three-quarter stitch and the other gets the remaining quarter.

Top stitch direction

Which way the upper leg of each cross stitch faces. Most stitchers work with the top stitch going from bottom-right to top-left (/ on top), but the opposite is equally valid. What matters is consistency - all your top stitches should go the same direction across the entire piece. Mixed directions catch light differently and make the surface look uneven. Check your work regularly, especially when you pick up the project after a break.

V

Variegated thread

Thread that changes colour along its length, either gradually or in defined sections. DMC's Colour Variations range is the most widely available. Variegated threads create visual interest in simple patterns without requiring multiple thread colours. The effect depends on stitch length and method - cross country stitching gives more random colour placement, while working in rows produces softer colour bands.

W

Waste canvas

A temporary, loosely woven grid fabric that you tack onto a non-countable surface (like a T-shirt, tote bag, or cushion cover) to guide your cross stitches. After stitching, you dampen the waste canvas to dissolve the starch holding it together, then pull the threads out one by one, leaving only your cross stitch design on the item. It is the easiest way to add cross stitch to clothing and household items.

Warp and weft

The two sets of threads that make up woven fabric. The warp runs vertically (top to bottom on the loom) and the weft runs horizontally (side to side). In evenweave fabric, these threads are the same thickness and spacing, which is what gives it the "even" in its name. On linen, the warp and weft threads vary slightly in thickness, contributing to its characteristic texture.

WIP (Work in Progress)

Any cross stitch project you have started but not yet finished. Most stitchers have multiple WIPs on the go at any time - different sizes and complexity levels for different moods and situations. The cross stitch community uses WIP widely on social media when sharing progress photos. Related terms: UFO (Un-Finished Object, a project you have abandoned or shelved), PHD (Project Half Done), and TUSAL (Totally Useless Stitch-Along, a jar for thread scraps).

Z

Zweigart

A German fabric manufacturer and one of the most well-known names in cross stitch materials. Zweigart produces a wide range of Aida, evenweave, and linen fabrics under brand names like Lugana, Jobelan, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cashel. Their fabrics are generally considered premium quality - consistent weave, good colour range, and even thread spacing. Most cross stitch kits from established brands use Zweigart fabric.