How to cross stitch on black aida
Black fabric makes colours glow. It also hides the holes, unless you set up for it.
Why stitch on black
On white aida the bare fabric is a pale background. On black it becomes part of the design: night sky, shadow, a specimen case. Light colours look lit from behind, and you never have to stitch the background.
Every pattern in this shop is designed for black or very dark aida. The most-used colour in each design is the fabric itself, so it is left out of the floss list.
Light from behind, not just above
The trick is to light the fabric so the holes show as points of light. Put a light-coloured towel or sheet of white paper on your lap under the hoop, or use a light pad underneath. A daylight lamp over your shoulder helps too.
Stitch in daylight when you can, especially for dark colours on dark fabric.
Needle and floss
Use a blunt tapestry needle: size 24 for 14-count and size 26 for 16 and 18-count. The blunt tip finds the holes instead of splitting the fabric, which matters more when you cannot see the holes well.
Black aida sheds lint that shows on light floss. Keep your hands clean and stitch light colours from a fresh length.
Start with 14-count
The holes in 14-count are large enough to find by feel as well as sight. Move to 16 or 18-count on black once you are comfortable.
