I always wash my Aida cloth before I use them. I wash and use fabric conditioner on gentle cycle in my washing machine then hang to dry. I usually press them also. Everyone has there own way of preparing their cloth for stitching. I am sure you will get some more suggestions here. Enjoy your stitching.

I never wash my cloth beforehand...just a preference, I guess. I like it when it is initially so stiff...then as you work at it the cloth softens right up. Quirks...we all have them, huh? This birth sampler does turn out beautifully, though. I made it for a great-nephew and I loved the colors. There were not a lot of them, but because of that, the blues and reds just seemed to stand out. It really looked fantastic, completed and framed. Would do it again for another little boy.

I loved this kit and the bright colors. just getting around to doing this for 2 year old grandchild but I know his parents are going to appreciate it as he is already such a "boy"!!!
also did the "baby express" kit for another grandchild and was very pleased with it.

NOTE: I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE "SPORTS KIT" WAS SHORT ON THREAD. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REQUESTING ADDT'L THREAD.

That really surprised me about the Dimensions Inc. kit being short on thread. I have done many of their kits and have always had extra thread left over. I am sure they will help you out at Dimensions. They are good on customer service.

Yes, I, too, had a Dimensions baby bibs turn up very short on one color. But I emailed them at the address included with the instructions, and they sent me PLENTY of replacement thread.

I did not run out of thread for this kit. I did however add buttons to the corners that included basketball, soccer, football to give it a new dimension. this does add to the expense also. I like to embellish alot of my stitching. the cloth that was in the kit was great because it holds it shape well when I have it on a frame to work.

I did not run out of thread for this kit. I did however add buttons to the corners that included basketball, soccer, football to give it a new dimension. this does add to the expense also. I like to embellish alot of my stitching. the cloth that was in the kit was great because it holds it shape well when I have it on a frame to work.

There is a softer Aida for sale in the US. I believe it's called Country Aida. If buying from a UK store, they may just call it Soft Aida. Double-check me on this; the memory isn't as sharp as in bygone days.