22 count

[Doreen]

I am starting a new project and may need to use 22 count. I called into local shop and they had 22 count hardanger by Zweigart it felt very rigid and the holes hardly visible. I would find it difficult to get it rolled up into the frame.

Are there any other types of 22 count fabric suitable for cross stitching.

What’s Zweigart Oslo like.

Any other suggestions

Many thanks

[Mabel Figworthy]

Hi Doreen, as you found Hardanger fabric is quite stiff, it somewhere between aida and evenweave. Oslo is definitely softer, drapier.
Zweigart also has a 22ct evenweave called Fine Arioso which is, well, like an evenweave , nice and soft and woven with single threads instead of pairs like Hardanger & Oslo.
Hope that helps.

[Serinde]

Hardanger fabric does soften up over time, but if you are concerned then Oslo 22ct is a good substitute. It's unusual for projects to call for 22ct... love to know what you are kitting up!

[dawn0621]

I bought a huge amount of Oslo fabric a long time ago and have been using it for Haeds. It's very soft and flexible and some of the best I've worked on.

[Fizzbw]

hiya,

i like both, harganger does soften up, especially if you wash it before use. i love oslo, is very soft, the only downside is that certainly when using two over one, it the fabric can bunch up and the holes become harder to find. but you can sort it out. i love it for HAEDs and other full coverage. I was gifted a large roll of 22 count hardanger so ive been using that rather than oslo. washing it does help with the stiffness though!

niki xxx

[Serinde]

I've only ever used Hardanger fabric for... well... hardanger. (I know, right? ) In that context the stiffness is a great help. I have also found the holes more obvious once the fabric is stretched in a frame. Mabel is right to point you in the direction of Fine Arioso, which is much softer