Bantry, sold here as Quaker Cloth, is an evenweave blend of linen and cotton: the linen gives the look and the slight irregularity of a natural yarn, while the cotton keeps the weave even and the threads easy to count. It suits almost every counted thread technique and works well for stitchers moving from Aida to evenweave fabrics: quaker samplers, biscornus, small framed pieces, cushions, borders for tablecloths and towels.
Worked over two threads, two strands of stranded cotton are usually enough for the crosses and one for backstitch; drawn thread work and hardanger call for perle no. 8 and no. 12, with a size 24 or 26 tapestry needle. Wash the fabric before stitching and leave a generous margin around the design for the frame and finishing.