1. Selecting the Fabric - Aida vs. Evenweaves/Linen

Counted cross stitch has few rules. The main one is to enjoy yourself. You may follow or ignore any of the tips listed in this FAQ and still be a "real" cross stitcher.

Generally, people first learn to do counted cross stitch on Aida and learn to stitch on linen or other evenweaves as they become more experienced. Judging by comments in this newsgroup, most stitchers who know how to work on linen prefer it to Aida. As always though, this is a matter of personal choice. Some very experienced stitchers prefer Aida.

An evenweave is any fabric which has the same number of threads per inch in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The individual threads might not all be the same thickness--you can see this in linen--but the number of threads is the same.

First, the traditional rule--stitch on Aida using a hoop and stitch on linen "in the hand". In actual practice, people do whatever works best for them. See section "6. Hoop or Hand?" for a discussion of the "in-the-hand vs. in-a-hoop" debate. See section "30.2 Hoops, Scroll Bars and Such" for more information on the equipment itself.

Most evenweaves aren't as stiff as most Aida. This can be a plus or minus, depending on your own preferences. The difference in stiffness isn't usually a factor if the fabric is worked in a hoop or in scroll bars.

Aida is worked with one X per square, while linen and other evenweaves are generally worked over two threads. This means that a 28 count (28 threads per inch) linen produces the same size picture as a 14 count (14 squares per inch) Aida. See section "18. Stitching On Linens and Other Evenweaves" for a more detailed explanation of stitching "over two."

Fractional stitches (1/4 stitches and 3/4 stitches ) can be much easier to do on an evenweave material. On Aida,the needle needs to punch through the middle of the little square in order to complete the stitch. This can made somewhat easier by using a small sized needle (#26 or #28). No "punching through" is needed on an evenweave, as the needle simply goes between the two threads. See section "12. Fractional Stitches" for a more detailed explanation of fractional stitches.

Some people find it easier to see the holes on linen and other evenweaves, others find the Aida easier.

The look of the cloth in the background is also important when selecting a fabric. Both texture and colour should be considered.

Aida is generally less expensive. Whatever fabric you choose to work on, always buy the best quality you can afford. The amount of time invested in a project can be quite large and is far more valuable than a small savings up front.

Also make sure to know the fibre content and if the fabric requires any special care. For information on fibber content see the "Needlework FAQ: Fabric".

Source : www.mismatch.co.uk

Type Fabrics

1. Aida Fabric
It is very popular for cross stitch. This is a block weave fabric, with a hole at the corners of each block, which is nice and easy to work. Imagine that each block is represented by one square on the chart. Tiny holes in the fabric assist with stitch placement. Many colors of the fabric are available with fabric counts, or squares per inch, ranging from 11 to 18.
Characteristics of Aida Fabric: Aida Fabric is an evenweave or open weave fabric. Aida is woven in such a way that tiny uniformly-sized squares are formed. Each square is the same width and height.
Aida is 100% cotton. The fabric is washable, durable, easy to care for, and sturdy enough to withstand repeated handling, particularly by new stitchers.
The grid on a Cross Stitch pattern corresponds to the grid on Aida fabric making it easy to determine stitch placement.

2. Linen
Linen is a specific type of evenweave fabric used for Cross Stitch Embroidery. The fabric has the same number of threads per linear inch horizontally and vertically.
Unlike Aida fabric, stitch placement is not as clearly defined on Linen fabric. A wide variety of fabric counts are available.
When stitching on linen, the term "over two" is often used. This refers to stitching over two threads in the weave of the fabric. Stitching "over one" creates a tiny cross stitch also often called a petite cross stitch.

3. Evenweave Fabric
Evenweave Fabric has the same number of threads or from left to right as from top to bottom. Linen is one type of evenweave fabric used for Cross Stitch.
Beginning Cross Stitchers usually choose to stitch on Aida fabric because groups of threads form squares that make stitch placement and counting easier. Aida fabric is an openweave or blockweave fabric which has the same number of thread groupings horizontally and vertically. The term Evenweave is sometimes used for all Cross Stitch fabrics.

4. Plastic Canvas
Plastic Canvas is a plastic mesh that resembles needlepoint canvas. Many types of needlecrafts use plastic canvas to create designs, including Cross Stitch. Plastic canvas is available in a wide variety of counts ranging from 7 squares per inch and up.
Why to Use Plastic Canvas :
1. Plastic canvas is durable,
2. Plastic canvas will not rip, fray or shrink.
3. Plastic canvas can be used to create 3-D projects.
4. Plastic canvas is a great medium for many Cross Stitch projects including bookmarks, cards, and ornaments.
Tips About Stitching on Plastic Canvas :
1. Use one fewer strand of floss when stitching on plastic canvas.
2. It may be helpful to use a smaller-sized tapestry needle when stitching on plastic canvas. The plastic canvas will not give like fabric will.
3. Let your needle dangle frequently to avoid knots and over-twisting of the floss.
4. Do not carry floss across blank areas of the plastic canvas.
5. Use the loop method to start stitches.

5. Perforated Paper
Perforated Paper is great for 3-D projects, bookmarks, ornaments, and pins because it is easy to cut into specific shapes. Perforated Paper is paper with a repeating pattern of holes in it that resembles Aida fabric usually found in 14 squares per inch.
Why to Use Perforated Paper: Perforated Paper is great for 3-D projects, bookmarks, ornaments, and pins because it is easy to cut into specific shapes.
How to Use Perforated Paper :
1. Start stitches with the loop method.
2. Do not use a hoop.
3. Do not pull stitches too tightly or you may accidentally tear the paper.
4. If you accidentally tear the fabric, use a small piece of tape on the back of the fabric to patch the fabric.
5. Avoid patterns with fractional stitches.

6. Gingham fabric
Gingham fabric is used for Chicken Scratch embroidery, but the squares of gingham fabric also make it an ideal ground fabric for small Cross Stitch projects. Note that on some fabric the fabric blocks may not be perfectly square, so the design may be slightly distorted.
Fabrics reminiscent of India with a British colonial twist are included in this collection. Influenced by far-away travel, the colors of the spice markets, middle Eastern textiles and safari fashions, these classic motifs will find fitting application in traditional, sophisticated homes. They achieve inspiration from high-end fashion accessories, needlepoint and exotic locales, and come in spring-clean and rich jewel tone color palettes.

7. Waste Canvas
Waste canvas is a grid that is held together with a water soluble glue. Waste canvas resembles the canvas used for needlepoint. It is available in various fabric counts, typically 8.5, 10, 14, and 18 squares per inch. A blue thread is often woven every 10 stitches to help with counting. This gridded canvas is called waste canvas because the fibers are temporary and are pulled out after the stitched design is complete.
Why to Use Waste Canvas: Waste canvas is used to stitch on non-evenweave fabric. Stitchers use it to aid in stitching on clothing, tote bags, quilts, and other non-evenweave material. The grid guides stitch placement. After a design is completed, the grid is moistened and removed, leaving the finished design in place.
How to Use Waste Canvas:
1. The canvas should be cut slightly larger than the finished design size of the design to be stitched.
2. Mark the center of the waste canvas with a small piece of floss or a permanent marker.
3. Attach the waste canvas by basting it onto the pre-washed fabric.
4. Stitch the design.
5. When the design is complete, remove the basting. Moisten the waste canvas grid and remove it, pulling each strand with tweezers or by hand.


This information source I adopted from About.com