18 ct even weave
by Rondel
(Mesa, AZ.)
I have an old cross stitch pattern calling for 18 count even weave. I can not find any! I would like it an off white as there are areas with white stitches. All I seem to find is Aida. This pattern calls for lots of 1/2 and 3/4 stitches and some over one stitches. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.
Rondel
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Thank you for writing, Rondel. Eighteen count evenweave is tricky to source, as you have discovered. One that I have used in the past is Davosa and I found a company in the USA that supplies it here. The link is for an Ivory shade but they also do an antique white. (I am not affiliated with this company in any way.)
An alternative would perhaps be to use a 36 count linen worked over two strands. This would give the same size as working on an 18 count fabric over a single strand.
However, I note that you mentioned the pattern includes some "over one" stitches. This seems to indicate that other parts of the design are worked over two, which on an 18 count cloth would make the pattern as a whole a 9 stitch per inch project, which would be very unusual.
I hope this helps.
Carol