Glossary of Stitching Terms
Linda -- Linda is similar to linen in appearance. Made from a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibres, it is ideal for products that need to be 'easy-care', such as baby clothes and table linens. It is made by Zweigart and is available in six shades, all 100% cotton. Linda has a relatively high fabric count (27 count) and so is not suitable for first-time stitchers, children and people with eyesight difficulties.
Linen -- linen is a type of evenweave fabric with one strand between each hole. It is made from flax and often has a count of 24 to 36 holes per inch.
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Madeira Threads -- company was formed some 80 years ago in Freiburg, Germany and are the manufacturers and suppliers of the full range of: Madeira threads, Backing fabrics, Needles, and Digitised Designs.
Masking tape -- the edges of some fabrics can fray over time, especially when the project takes a significant length of time to complete. By covering the edges of the fabric with masking tape they can be stopped from fraying.
Metallic thread -- metallic threads are great for adding a little pizzazz to a design. You can use them on their own for a sparkly effect or they can be combined with normal floss to give a subtle glittery effect. Metallic threads are quite delicate and so short lengths are recommended in order to minimize tangling and knotting.
Mercerized Cotton -- mercerized cotton is specialised cotton that has been treated with sodium hydroxide in order to shrink it and increase its affinity for certain dyes. It often has a better lustre than normal cottons and is also a stronger thread.
Mounting board -- mounting board is a form of stiff cardboard that is used to mount finished cross stitch pieces prior to framing. Acid free mounting board is the most popular type as it prevents discoloration of the fabric that can occur over time.
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Needles -- there are a number of needles suitable for cross stitch however the perfect needle should have a blunt tip so that is passes between the threads of the fabric and not through them. You should also find a needle that is comfortable to use and that isn't too big or small for your hand and eyesight.
Needlework Frames -- needlework frames are an alternative to the embroidery hoop and are excellent for larger pieces of work. The rolling dowels at top and bottom allow the work to be scrolled up and down whenever the need arises.
Newbies -- this is the cross stitch name for people who are new to the hobby. It can be taken as a term of endearment!
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Organizer -- an organizer is a piece of card or other firm material which has a number of holes punched in it. Each of the holes will have a code or key next to it that will relate to one of the flosses in the kit. These wonderful devices keep your threads tidy and organised, thus they are also known as thread organizers.
OT -- Off Topic simply refers to a topic discussed in the stitcher's forum that isn't about cross-stitch.
Overcast stitching -- overcast stitching is used at the edges of a piece of fabric to stop it from fraying. An alternative method is to use masking tape.
Over-dyed threads -- these specialised threads produce stunning results when used in designs. They begin as a single-color thread however they are then 'over-dyed' with other colors to give them a unique and extraordinary look.
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Pattern -- An interchangeable term with Chart. refer to 'Charts' for an explanation.
Perforated paper -- perforated paper is actually thin card which is systematically punched with a grid of holes. It is available in 14-count and can be stitched in the same manner as Aida. One point to note though is that it can tear if force is applied or too many threads are used. Three threads give great coverage but don't overstrain the paper.
Plastic canvas -- plastic canvas is a very versatile form of stitching medium. It is ideal for children as dirty marks simply rub off. Plastic canvas is commonly used to make small items such as tissue boxes, fridge magnets, decorations and even key-rings. It can be cut to shape and it doesn't fray making it one of the easiest 'fabrics' to work with. You can buy plastic canvas in a number of different counts and colors from most good suppliers.
Ply -- ply is the name given to one of the six individual threads that make up a strand of embroidery floss i.e. six plies make up one strand. Each cross stitch chart should specify the number of plies used for each type of stitch.
Printed cross stitch -- this type of cross stitch has part of the design already printed onto the fabric. Often the printed area does not have to be sewn and is left as it is.