32 Count Basalt Splash Murano Evenweave Precut Cross Stitch Fabric 19x27 in by Zweigart 3984/7419

Stitch on Basalt Splash, a 32 count Murano evenweave by Zweigart: a basalt-gray evenweave printed with white paint-splash speckles. The pattern is printed, so the fabric does the decorating and your stitching sits on top.

A little stitcher's folklore: scattered dots on old linen were once worked by hand as seeding stitches to fill a background; a printed dot fabric gives that scattered look ready-made.

Why this fabric: Murano is Zweigart's 32 count version of Lugana, the same smooth cotton and viscose blend at the scale of Belfast linen. Worked over two it gives 16 stitches per inch, matching 16 count Aida, without the slubs of a true linen. This shade suits playful modern designs and small motifs where the print can show through.

In the pack: one precut piece of Zweigart Murano, 52% cotton and 48% viscose, 32 count (12.6 threads per cm), in Basalt Splash. Not included: chart, floss, needle and hoop, sold separately.

Getting started: overcast the edges, fold to find the centre and stitch over two threads with a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle, using two strands of floss. The pattern is printed, so each piece varies a little; buy enough for a whole project at once, and test a corner before washing a finished piece.

Size: 48 x 68 cm (19 x 27 in). Worked over two with a 2 in margin all round, it fits a design of about 235 x 360 stitches. It is a good piece to keep in the stash or to tuck into a gift for a stitching friend.