Calico and Buldan Cloth in Embroidery

Calico is the classic ground for satin and stem stitch: a dense 100% cotton with a smooth surface that holds its tension in the hoop, sold by the metre 220 cm wide in white (bleached) and unbleached (ecru). Buldan embroidery cloth at 235 cm serves large cloths and punch panels; Zweigart Monk's Cloth is for medium and thick punch needles. All types are in Calico and Buldan Cloth; other grounds in Other Fabrics, Duck and Linen.

Preparing for Embroidery

The fabric shrinks 3–5% in the first wash, so wash and press before stitching, cut it 8–10 cm larger than the hoop and stretch it drum-tight. Transfer the design with soluble stabilizer, carbon paper or EasyStitch; 2–3 strands of floss and a size 7 embroidery needle pass easily. Unbleached calico gives a natural, vintage look, white calico makes colours vivid. Half a metre yields 4–6 hoop panels; wash finished work at 40 °C and press from the back.