Aida Cloth 

Aida cloth is an open, even-weave fabric traditionally used for cross-stitch embroidery. Aida cloth comes in different sizes measured by “counts”. Counts = number of stitches per inch, so 14 count would be 14 stitches per inch and 11 count would be 11 stitches per inch. The higher the number of stitches per inch, the smaller the stitches (and your design) will be, because there are more stitches in each inch. 

I recommend beginning with 11 count aida cloth, and advancing to 14 count aida cloth. 

 

Waste Canvas 

Waste canvas creates a stitching grid on non-evenweave fabric like towels or clothing. It is designed to be removed once the stitching is done. Water soluble glue keeps the threads together. Once your stitching is done, you remove the threads.

Waste Canvas is also measured by stitches/inch (see note about aida cloth “counts”). 

According to tatreez historian Wafa Ghnaim, size 14-18 count waste canvas is most commonly used by Palestinian embroiderers. Size 10 waste canvas is recommended for beginners. During our workshops, we use 10 count waste canvas. It's recommended that you stitch on non-stretchable cloth. I would test the material by freehanding a few stitches before you plan a project with it. 

 

Needles

There are many different types of needles you can use for your tatreez projects, including embroidery, tapestry, and chenille needles. These needles have their own sizing criteria, so it’s worthwhile to purchase a pack of needles that has multiple sizes so you can find what is best for your project. 

 

Needles for Aida Cloth - Tapestry Needle or Cross Stitch Needle

If you are working with aida cloth, you can use a blunt end needle, like a tapestry needle, since you don’t need to pierce through the fabric. 

In our workshops, we use tapestry needles in the size 24. Typically, a size 22 needle is recommended for 11-count Aida cloth, whereas size 24 is recommended for 14-count Aida cloth. 

 

Needles for Waste Canvas - Embroidery Needle or Chenille Needle 

I personally prefer chenille needles for waste canvas projects on light weight fabrics. They are large eye needles and identical to a Tapestry or a Cross Stitch Needle in length and in diameter, but are sharp. I also like to use it in size 24. 

However, what is typically recommended by tatreez artists are DMC Gold Embroidery Needles in Size 1,3, 5. For heavier-weight fabrics like denim or canvas, a larger needle is recommended (Size 1-3). On the other hand, for lighter-weight fabrics like linen or cotton, a smaller needle, such as size 5 is suitable. 

Gold plated needles prevent corrosion and needles from breaking due to sweat. 

 

DMC Pearl Cotton Balls - Size 8

DMC Pearl Cotton Balls made of 100% cotton highly mercerized, twisted and non-divisble.

Some people find size 8 to be too big for 14 count, in which case you can size down to size 12. We used size 8 in our workshops. 

 

Embroidery floss

I prefer to work with pearl cotton balls, but you can also work with six-strand embroidery floss, which is available in stores like Michaels craft store. Size 25 is the most commonly used. It is made of 6 loosely twisted strands that can be separated and recombined to achieve different thicknesses. Make sure to separate the floss into at least three strands to achieve desired thickness.