Warp and Weft and Why and Why Not

Lauren Mills·October 04, 2020

Does it matter which way the fabric's warp and weft threads go when doing a counted cross stitch project?

In weaving, warp threads run up-and-down while weft threads run side-to-side. The selvage runs up-and-down, in the same direction as the warp threads.

Some people recommend stitching on a project so that the warp threads go from top to bottom, with the selvage at the side. If a finished project is to be suspended from the top, such as a bell pull, it could make a difference.

Do the warp and weft directions generally affect counted cross stitch? There are strong opinions on both sides of the issue. If you notice a difference, then do what works best.

If you want to determine the warp and weft on a piece of linen that has no selvage:

Remove a thread from each direction. The warp thread will be straighter and the weft thread will be wavier.
If the fabric is square, remove a thread from each direction. The shorter thread is the warp and the longer thread is the weft.
Lightly stretch the fabric. The warp threads won't stretch as much as the weft threads.

October 04, 2020

The Right Side of the Linen

October 04, 2020

Warp and Weft and Why and Why Not

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