Does Aida look okay framed for large pieces?

[shadyglade]

So I've never been brave enough to try a piece larger than 5 x 7 or so. I recently found a beautiful peacock piece in Cross Stitch Gold that I'd like to try. I'm normally an Aida stitcher, but this piece is done on evenweave in the original model. I'm not sure I'm ready to switch to evenweave for the first time on a large project, but it seems Aida is looked down on a bit by some sources I've seen. So does Aida not look as good when framed as a larger piece? Or can I substitute Aida for evenweave without any guilt at being "inferior"?

[Rose]

I have been stitching for over 25 years I know that their are people that consider my project substandard because I choose to stitch on aida. My favorite size is 14 ct and I do not believe that my efforts are any less because I choose that fabric. I have been told that my work would look so much better if I used evenweave. I disagree and I have to say no one has ever returned a gift I have made because the fabric was aida and not linen or evenweave. If others want to stitch on evenweave then I say do it but do not turn up their nose at what I feel comfortable and happy with. If you look at my gallery on the second page is a picture with a motor on it and quote from Theodore Roosevelt. That piece 2 feet by 3 feet and it was stitched on aida.

If you are not sure you want to try evenweave just yet then it is totally acceptable o stitch it on aida clothe and do not let anyone tell you it is sub-par.

[Oriettait]

I have done several big projects on AIDA before trying linen and evenweave and I still think they look great. I personally like to stitch on other fabric now but it is mostly because I don't like the stiffness of AIDA fabric while I work on it, not because of the look.
I agree with Rose that you should work on whatever make you more comfortable, especially if you are going to start a big project that you will stitch for a long time.

[curly sue]

I've only done a couple of pieces that are larger than 5x7. I prefer Aida myself. I found my venture into even weave was very frustrating. I stitch for enjoyment and not frustration. If someone looks down on you for using Aida, that is their shortcoming, not yours. I think the even weaves are lovely when stitched, and perhaps I will venture that way again sometime, but not because Aida is second best.

[Serinde]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with Aida. I make the decision regarding fabric based on what count the original was stitched in, how much of the fabric will be showing (that is, whether the fabric becomes part of the design), what colour I'm using, and (of course) what the design is to begin with. There are no rights or wrongs.

@Rose: I'm sure you have met people snooty about wonderful, versatile 14ct Aida. Phooey, I say. Phooey.

[freelady]

My viewpoint is that you are doing cross stitch for pleasure so should use whatever pleases you. If it were a commission and you were being paid, that's one thing, but otherwise.....

[Ainjel333]

I think there is nothing at all wrong with working on Aida. It looks just as good to me as other fabrics, it just depends on the pattern, color you want and enjoyment. I've only started one project for my first linen experience, and I'm enjoying it and it looks good, but it has not pulled me away from my aida use. I still buy aida on auctions in all the colors I can find... I'm currently working a large pattern on aida, and I've started a few kits on it also and I am very pleased with them.

[Allyn]

While I certainly don't look down on someone who uses aida, I don't prefer the look of it for my own pieces. I only use aida when the piece is stitched solid and no fabric shows. If fabric shows, I like the look of linen first and then an evenweave as my second choice. However that's just for my own stitching and I don't project that onto anyone else's work. When I look at someone else's work, I see the joy they put into it while stitching and the care they took creating the stitches. If you like the look and you prefer to stitch on aida, do that and don't give a thought to what other people think. I'm actually a little annoyed that you were made to feel that using aida is 'substandard' work. I want to give someone a tongue-lashing on your behalf.

[bookknurd]

I agree with what everyone else has said so far. Stitching is stitching. What fabric, threads, etc you use will affect the look of the final piece, but that's a matter of personal preference and not right over wrong.

I actually do not have a preference of Aida over linen/evenweave. I stitch a wide variety of projects, in many different sizes and styles. When choosing fabric, I am concerned with thread count (because I usually have an idea of how big I want the finished item to be), color, and then what kind of fabric has the right look for the project.

I probably do use more linen than not, but I prefer Aida (in various counts) for things like fully-stitched pieces (HAEDs, Scarlett Quince, etc) and pieces where the 'grid' look of Aida works with the look of the project.

If you have tried linen before, perhaps you could try doing a very small piece, like an ornament or something similar. It wouldn't be a big investment, but it should give you a feel for what it's like to work with that kind of fabric.

Also, keep in mind that there seems to be much more variation in linen fabrics than in Aida. Variations may include things like stiffness of fabric, how evenly woven it is (unless you use evenweave which is very even ), as well as colors available (although this isn't such a big deal if you're happy ordering colors online).

I'll stop rambling now. Just remember that stitching is like every other aspect of life; everyone will have an opinion about how to do it correctly and some think there's only one way to do it. Just ignore them and do what makes you happy. It is supposed to be enjoyable and relaxing, after all.

[Ruthi]

If it looks OK to you then who else matters?

But of course if you mind what people like me think then you'll go for linen or evenweave.

I have no logical explanation for hating aida. But I do. I hate to work on it, and always think that evenweaves and linens look better. I don't think its snobbishness as such, just my dislike of the fabric. Because of this I can never really understand why some folk prefer it.

But then I drink Campari, and I know that puts me in a minority!

I like the look of Laguna, but not the feel. But as a compromise between aida and linen its not a bad way to go. It has nice evenly round threads, and big holes.

Actually, if you ask me whether I like a well worked piece on aida better than a scrappy one on linen, I'll go for the well worked piece, so there are limits even to my prejudices.

[fccs]

There is nothing wrong with Aida and don't let fabric snobs tell you otherwise. I love lugana and jobelan and linen..and Aida!

[LastingAllure]

For me personally I like to stitch on evenweave but that's mainly due to the fact that I was a stubborn child and wanted my work to look identical to mommy's so after a few smaller pieces on Aida I jumped right to 32 count linen because I was fixated on the idea and wouldn't leave my mom alone.

Now the only time I use Aida is if all of the fabric is going to be covered like a HAED. For me though I find once you're used to the fabric you're not counting up 2 and over 2 when working with linen, it just becomes second nature if you stitch on it enough and you will automatically notice pretty quickly if a stitch looks off.

(This doesn't mean I'm poo pooing work done on Aida, all work is lovely no matter what the fabric is)

[shadyglade]

Thank you for the advice everyone! Since the weave on the Aida is bigger I was thinking maybe it wouldn't look right when framed... but now I can proceed with my Aida with confidence.

[bookknurd]

Another thing to remember is that that majority of people who will see the finished piece are not stitchers (unless you live in a cross stitch commune). And honestly, the majority of non-stitchers will not notice what kind of fabric it is.

Now that we've got that sorted out, I really think we should start sorting out the details for starting the ground work on our stitcher's commune.

[fccs]

Now that we've got that sorted out, I really think we should start sorting out the details for starting the ground work on our stitcher's commune.

Oh yeah!

[shadyglade]

Now that we've got that sorted out, I really think we should start sorting out the details for starting the ground work on our stitcher's commune.

Hear, hear!

[Mystonique]

I've tried most fabrics with different projects. Cause I like to try new things.

I can be very anal simetimes and feel that only a specific material will do for a certain project.

But I don't believe aida is less than, just different to others ... and in the case of some aidas and evenweaves not even really different 8}

[crosstitcher1]

30 years ago, I started cross stitching those Christmas ornaments, 14 ct, and thought to myself they were "ugly". But over the years, I have done some on 18 and 22 Hardanger. I liked the way Hardanger looked and learned that the switch made the project small than on Aida. Because of age now, 62, I only stitch on 18 ct. Aida.
My website, http://www.crosstitcherjean.com" target="_blank has my projects of the ornaments and all my other projects I have done.
Like Rose, all my projects are gifts and I have "never" had any returned or "snubbed" at.
Like others also have said, this is a hobby of "enjoyment." Just pick your fabric in the ct., color, and size that makes you "comfortable" with.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.