DMC vs. Zweigart: The Fabric Battle

Nov 23, 2020

The difference a quality fabric can make to a cross stitching project is huge. There are many reputable fabric manufacturers out there, but DMC and Zweigart are two very well known companies in the world of cross stitching (it is also the two brands that Stitch Wit carries!)

I don't necessarily think one brand is better than the other, every stitcher has their preference, but there are some differences between DMC and Zweigart. Today I am going to go over each brand for you. If you want to know more about cross stitching fabrics in general, you should check out my blogs Cross Stitch Fabrics Explained and Fabric Counts Explained.

DMC

Any cross stitch hobbyist can tell you DMC is the "go to" when it comes to floss/thread, but they also manufacturer fabrics. Founded in 1746 DMC is located in France. However, if my research is correct DMC Charles Craft is the division of the company that makes the fabrics and is based out of the United States. DMC makes Aida, linens and evenweave.

Zweigart

Zweigart is another very popular cross stitch fabric manufacturer. Founded in 1877 and based out of Germany, they also make Aida, linens and evenweave.

I made a table highlighting each company's fabric selection:

  AIDA LINENS & EVENWEAVE
DMC
  • Available in 11, 14, 16 and 18 count.
  • 3 sizes 
  • 8 colours 

Irish Linen

  • Available in 28 count.
  • 1 size 
  • 1 colour: Tea Dyed

Carolina Linen

  • Available in 14 and 28 count.
  • 1 size
  • 2 colours

Monaco Evenweave

  • Available in 28 count.
  • 3 sizes
  • 3 colours

Fiddler's Cloth

  • Available in 16 count.
  • 1 size
  • 1 colour: Oatmeal
ZWEIGART
  • Available in 8, 11, 14, 16 and 18 count.
  • 3 sizes
  • 23 colours

Dublin Linen

  • Available in 25 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 5 colours

Cashel Linen

  • Available in 28 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 11 colours

Belfast Linen

  • Available in 32 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 17 colours

Lugana Linen

  • Available in 20, 25, 28 and 32 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 19 colours

Quaker Cloth

  • Available in 28 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 2 colours

Fiddler's Cloth

  • Available in 14 and 18 count.
  • 2 sizes
  • 1 colour
 

As you can see, Zweigart has a larger selection in fabrics and colours to choose from, but they are slightly more expensive. I personally find DMC fabrics to be a touch stiffer than Zweigart fabrics. 

On a business note, as someone who owns a cross stitch supply online store, I prefer to work with Zweigart. They seem to be able to keep up with the supply demands more efficiently (there has been a huge spike in demand during covid). I also prefer the way Zweigart packages their fabrics. They are packaged in a much more shipping friendly manner. DMC rolls their fabrics, while Zweigart folds theirs:

I find it easier to start stitching a project with a fabric that has been folded rather than rolled. Do you have a favourite fabric to stitch on? Let me know in the comments!