working with black aida

[deweycat]

Hi,

Was wondering if anybody has any reviews on working with black aida. I was thinking of doing the crossstitch of "Max's Moon". Has anybody done this one? Just wondering if working with black aida is hard

Thanks

[MaggieM1750]

It is different than working on other colors. Darker colors aren't the same as black for me.. for some reason black is in a category of its own. Just as with many things with this hobby- its hard at first, but a few adjustments to your usual set up and a little bit of time.. and it soon starts to feel normal.

I've done a few projects on it.. and I think the result is worth it.

When I have black fabric, I stitch with either a dish towel or white pillow case across my lap. The contrast helps me see the holes better.

Some have also said to position a lamp, or light table on the floor so it shines up through the holes- I haven't tried that yet, but its the same idea.

I also notice more fuzzies on black than I do with other colors of fabric. Thread fuzzies, clothing fuzzies, dust fuzzies, blanket fuzzies. But a quick swipe of my lint brush and its gone.

Good luck

[amyb]

I completed Max's Moon a little while ago. I had quite a lot of trouble sorting out the threads, as there were a couple of colors that didn't match the thread numbers that the instructions said there were supposed to be, and I couldn't tell which colors matched the color descriptions. So I ended up just converting them to DMC and stitched with that. Patience - I have none lol

Instructions say to stitch with 2 strands - I did it with three, and ended up with stitches so tight I couldn't get the needle in lol. So I started over and ordered a nicer fabric - black Jobelan 28 count and stitched it 2 over 1. Turned out much better than my first attempt.

I found that having a good bright light and white towel on my lap helped me to see the holes for my needle much better. If I hadn't botched the first attempt, I'm sure the 14 ct Aida would have looked just fine. I just chose Jobelan because I had never worked on evenweave before and figured that it was as good a time as any to give it a whirl.

Hope this helps - it really looks cute when it's finished. here's mine done and framed.

[Mystonique]

I've stitched a lot on black (it's my preferred shade). I've not had any problems with it (even before I got my lamp) but then my eyesite is pretty good (I do wear glasses but could stitch without them).

Honestly I'd give it a go - you'll know within the first 20 odd stitches if it's for you and if not just find a dark shade aida to replace your black.

[deweycat]

thanks so much for all the imput I think I will give it a go..wish me luck