Fabric in RIOLIS needlework kits
Producer: Zweigart (factory in Germany)
Fabric types: Stern-Aida, Aida Star, Rustico-Aida, Lugana, Brittney Lugana
Fabric weave frequency: 10 ct (4 stitches/ cm or 10 stitches/ inch), 14 ct (5,4 stitches/ cm or 14 stitches/ inch), 15 ct (6 stitches/ cm or 15 stitches/ inch), 25 ct (10 stitches/ cm or 25 stitches/ inch), 28 ct (11,2 stitches/ cm or 28 stitches/ inch)
Most popular colors: white , black, cream, flaxen
Material composition: Stern-Aida – 100% cotton; Aida Star – 93% cotton, 7% – polyester, lurex; Rustico-Aida – 51% cotton, 34% viscose, 15% flaxen; Lugana, Brittney Lugana – 52% cotton, 48% – viscose.
About Zweigart
Centuries-old traditions of quality, innovative technologies and always fresh creative ideas are the basis of needlework fans’ trust around world.
The company was founded in 1877.
In 1907 it was Zweigart experts who invented Aida which is the most popular fabric for needlework and cross-stitching. When the embroiderers say “canvas”, most often they mean this fabric. Special weaving creates squares that are easy to calculate and stitch.
Zweigart fabric is known for its quality. The manufacturer plants are located only in Germany and Switzerland and operate under strict control of company´s specialists. Also, since 2001, production is under supervision of the German state inspection for the technical settings TUV.
In the production only the best raw European (mostly Italian) materials are used.
Zweigart uses most advanced fabric processing methods and their standards are sought by many other manufacturers.
The result is a guaranteed quality fabric that is washable, resistant to fraying and with perfectly straight threads.
A well-known quality mark of Zweigart is the orange thread interwoven into the fabric edge.
Please pay your attention!
In some RIOLIS needlework kits you can find a piece of fabric WITHOUT an edge with orange thread. Fabric for the kits is cut off from a 1,5 meters wide canvas cloth, so it simply means that the piece has been cut out from a place where there were no edge.
In RIOLIS needlework kits it is taken into account that it is impossible to embroider on a dense edge of the canvas. The cut of fabric is calculated considering this circumstance. Therefore if a kit includes a piece of canvas with a dense edge, you can always be sure that you will be able to finish your embroidery.
About Zweigart fabric in RIOLIS needlework kits
In 2013 RIOLIS started to complete all its kits with German made Zweigart fabric.
Two companies that care about quality of their products and are in constant creative search easily found a common professional language.
Especially for RIOLIS our German partners produce a 15 ct fabric (15 stitches in one inch or 6 stitches in one centimeter) that is a little finer than a usual 14 ct Aida Zweigart.
Also, for RIOLIS’ kits with wool/acrylic yarn Zweigart delivers fabric processed by a special technology thanks to which the woolen thread frays less in the course of work.
A variety of Zweigart fabrics inspires to create new embroideries and helps to achieve special artistic effects: opalescent Aida Star canvas – for festive winter landscapes, Rustico – for rural motives, Brittney Lugana – for delicate designs…
Threads in RIOLIS needlework kits
About Anchor
Anchor embroidery threads are among the most trusted and widely used threads in the world of needlework. Originally created in Paisley, Scotland in the 19th century, Anchor quickly became known for high-quality cotton threads that replaced silk and linen during shortages. Over the decades, Anchor grew into a globally recognized brand, supplying stitchers in more than 60 countries.
In 2023, the DMC Group acquired Anchor, ensuring the brand’s future while continuing production in Europe through its long-standing partner MEZ Crafts. Today, Anchor threads remain a favorite for both professionals and hobby stitchers, valued for their durability, vibrant colors, and smooth feel.
About Anchor stranded cotton threads
Anchor Stranded Cotton threads are made from 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, giving them exceptional strength and smoothness. Each skein features a six-strand construction that can be easily separated into single plies, making it versatile for both delicate and bold stitches.
Through a special double mercerization process, the thread gains a brilliant sheen, a soft feel, and long-lasting durability. Anchor Stranded Cotton is available in more than 440 colors and shades, along with metallic variations that add extra sparkle to embroidery. These qualities make it the perfect choice for cross stitch, embroidery, and all kinds of creative needlework projects.
About Anchor stranded cotton threads in RIOLIS needlework kits
At RIOLIS, we proudly use Anchor threads to bring our designs to life. Every kit in the RIOLIS Premium Collection is stitched with Anchor stranded cotton, chosen for its quality and rich color palette. Across our kits, more than 400 Anchor shades are used to capture even the smallest details, from subtle tones to vibrant accents. In addition, some designs also feature Anchor metallic threads from the Ophir and Reflecta series, adding sparkle and dimension to the finished work.
To make stitching as enjoyable as possible, the Anchor threads included in RIOLIS kits are rewound onto convenient organizers and clearly labeled with the RIOLIS logo. This means every thread is neatly prepared, easy to use, and ready to help you create your embroidery masterpiece.
Anchor stranded cotton threads testing
At the request of RIOLIS, independent experts have tested physical and mechanical characteristics of Anchor stranded cotton threads. Threads have successfully passed the test and surpass standard indicators of the mechanical durability.
Also RIOLIS has tested Anchor stranded cotton threads together with other six popular threads brands. Embroiderers were given the numbered hanks of threads from 1 to 7, then, with every thread embroidered a small square on fabric and filled in the questionnaire. According to the survey Anchor stranded cotton threads do not form small knots in process of stitching, it almost does not twist, and this thread is easy to separate into single plies. So the high quality of the world famous brand once again was confirmed.
