Tatreez on Evenweave Fabric
A Guide to Stitching on Evenweave Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your Tatreez project can feel overwhelming, given the multiple options available in stores. In this post, we will explore using evenweave for Tatreez, discuss techniques like stitching over two, and highlight brands that provide high-quality evenweave options.
Aida vs. Evenweave
Aida Cloth
For many cross-stitchers, Aida cloth is the go-to fabric. Its grid-like weave has large, visible holes created by bundles of four threads, making it easy to work with and ideal for beginners. The "count" of Aida, such as 14-count, tells you how many stitches fit into an inch. Lower counts, like 11, create larger stitches that are easy to see, while higher counts produce smaller, congested stitches.
Evenweave
Evenweave, on the other hand, has a finer, more uniform appearance with single threads woven evenly in both directions. Evenweave often has higher counts, like 28 or 32, which may feel more challenging to stitch on initially. This fabric is ideal for projects where you want a smoother, more refined look.
One unique feature of evenweave is the ability to "stitch over two", where you thread over two strands instead of one, effectively halving the fabric count.
This technique allows you to work on a higher-count fabric while achieving a stitch size closer to what you’d see on a lower-count Aida, offering flexibility in design.
Evenweave to Aida Cloth Conversion Chart
How to Stitch Over Two
One of the most versatile techniques on evenweave fabric is stitching "over two," which means working across two strands and stitching on a 3x3 grid of points to achieve each stitch. This technique effectively halves (e.g., 28-count becomes 14-count) the fabric count, making your stitches larger and less dense.
Video Demonstration
How to Stitch Over Two
Identify a group of nine points in your fabric instead of four. (This is because you’ll be working with a 3x3 grid of holes to complete each cross-stitch, making your cross-stitch "X" larger and effectively reducing the stitch count per inch)
Insert your needle from the back of the fabric through Point (1). Thread the needle completely through, ensuring that the knot at the end doesn't pass through.
Then, insert the needle diagonally from the front of the fabric to Point (9) (Skipping a hole in the middle). You have created a diagonal line.
Your needle will now be at the back of your work. Insert the needle through Point (3) from the back.
Finally, insert the needle diagonally to the next point (7) from the front.
Congratulations, you've stitched over two!
Benefits of Evenweave
Fabric Texture
Evenweave fabric is softer and more flexible than Aida cloth, making it easier to stitch on and allowing your needle to glide through the fabric smoothly. This increased flexibility can speed up your stitching process. However, its softness may present a challenge for beginners due to the reduced tension in the fabric threads.
Fabric Appearance
Evenweave offers a more elegant and delicate appearance compared to Aida cloth. The smaller holes in evenweave fabric make it almost invisible in the final project, allowing your stitches to stand out beautifully against the subtle background. This creates a similar effect of using waste canvas on regular fabric.
Types of Evenweave Fabric
Evenweave fabrics come in various fibers, such as cotton, linen, and blends. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
100% Cotton Evenweave
Cotton evenweave is known for its softness and ease of use. It holds stitches securely, ensuring a neat finish, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced stitchers.
The smooth surface allows for precise stitching, while the tightly woven threads provide a sturdy and consistent stitching experience.
Blended Evenweave Fabrics
Blended evenweave fabrics, such as Lugana (cotton and rayon) or Jobelan (cotton and modal), combine the best qualities of their fibers—strength, softness, and a slight sheen.
These fabrics are popular choices for creating long-lasting Tatreez pieces due to their durability and appealing finish.
Linen Evenweave
Linen evenweave has a rustic yet elegant look and is more textured than cotton.
A distinctive feature of linen evenweave is the presence of slubs, naturally occurring thicker areas in the threads making up the evenweave.
These variations in thickness do not affect the fabric's evenweave properties or the stitch count per inch, ensuring a beautiful final project.
Recommended Evenweave Brands
When selecting evenweave for your Tatreez project, choosing a reputable brand can make a big difference in the quality and durability of your work. Here are some highly recommended options:
Zweigart
Known for their premium fabrics, Zweigart’s evenweaves, such as Lugana and Jobelan, offer consistent texture and excellent quality. Their "Orange Line" trademark on the fabric edge signifies authenticity and is a mark of durability, making it ideal for heirloom-quality Tatreez pieces.
DMC (Charles Craft)
Charles Craft, a DMC brand, provides evenweave fabric in a variety of colors, counts, and fabric types. Their evenweave is widely available and reliable, making it a convenient choice for all skill levels.
Unbranded Evenweave
You can also find quality unbranded evenweave fabrics online or in bulk packs. These can vary in quality, so it’s best to read reviews or inspect the fabric closely if possible. Unbranded options can be more budget-friendly and are often suitable for larger projects or to practice with.
Preventing Fraying
Due to its softer and more delicate texture, evenweave is prone to fraying along the edges. Here are a few methods to prevent fraying:
Stitch Edges: Sew along the edges with a sewing machine, using a zig-zag stitch or serger if available.
Use Tape: Masking tape on the edges can keep threads in place while you work.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right fabric is essential for your Tatreez project. Evenweave fabrics, with their soft texture, flexibility, and refined appearance, offer a more delicate finish than Aida cloth. Whether you choose 100% cotton, linen, or blended options like Lugana and Jobelan, each fabric type offers unique benefits, from ease of stitching to a polished final result.
For stitching on evenweave, the technique of stitching over two threads simplifies the process. By stitching over two threads, you effectively reduce the fabric count, so a 28-count evenweave will yield a stitch size similar to 14-count Aida. This technique allows for greater versatility and efficiency in your stitching, making it a valuable tool for any Tatreez project.
