I really like working with felt for things like this, because you can trim it away without worrying about fraying. BUT...washing...I'm not so sure about that one.

I use cross stich fabric the stiff kind it does a wonderful picture I just did 7 for gifts and it worked wonderful you can find it in fabric or craft stores it is for hand cross stich you want the smallest weve.with the largest coumt per stivh the more stiches per inch is great also felt sometines works well .I bought some felt that is stiffened I am going to try going to embroidery on it if I can and make greeting cards will see if it wirks,

I have done some beautiful things on repurposed table cloths. (I'm talking about very nice expensive ones that you can find at resale shops with a tomato stain in one corner.) I also have used upholstery fabric. It does beautifully. You can usually pick some up cheap at "end of the roll" sales if there is a place near you that sells upholstery fabric. I also use 100% cotton. Don't wash it, but spritz it with water and iron dry, then use a heavy starch about 3 times and it will not have a crease anywhere near it! I'll pull back up a project I did on 100% cotton for you to see. It was a baby's name: Lalah. I did each one on a different fabric design. Good Luck.;)

I like jrob's ideas of recycled table cloths. I use quite a lot of upholstery fabric and also enjoy using damask. The background of the fabric gives an 'extra' to the embroidery. Poly cotton is fine but I prefer a heavier than a lighter weight fabric.
Have fun experimenting

Suzette, I have used cotton and poli-cotton. I did iron a heavy or med. weight iron-on fabric interfacing on the backs before I embroidery them. They came out just fine. Hope this helps. I do not think there is any limit on help questions. Teehee!! H&*.

Suzette, tks for asking that question! I got lots of info from the answers given you! So I just gave everyone a flower! Now if I can just remember the answers!

Suzette die beste is maar calico (ongebleikte linne)

Yes I also use a thick type of calico.

Hello Suzette, wat van vilt sal dit nie werk nie. Ek het Donderdag by my een vriendin gesien sy gebruik vilt vir horlosies se agtergrond en dit lyk goed hoor. Liefde Marie

I have used "mock suede" and velvet too, and it looks nice. Just take care not to hoop. I attach with basting or pins. Denim also looks good
Marietta

Suzette wat van bull denim. Dit is lekker stewig.
Daar was so baie antwoorde en 1 daarvan sal beslis werk. Lovies, Annatjie

Suzette I like using a 100% cotton canvas. It's thicker & has good body to it& when stretched & mounted with the design looks real well. I usually use an off white but I believe it comes in other colors. *

I like felt for framing.

I like to use Poly/cotton sheets that I purchase at WalMart. I can get a 200count twin flat sheet for $3. I wash them first, cut what I need for my project and press it well with spray starch. If I need more body I'll use an iron on stabilizer on the back. You are pretty much restricted to solids and only a few colors but it's way cheaper than yard goods from the fabric shop.

I bought some linen to try for creating embroidered pictures. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I like Jerrilyn's idea of using recycled table cloths. I think Damask would be especially nice as it has a close weave, yet is very soft until starched up.
Thanks for asking a great question and thanks for the very informative answers.

For those who have replied in Dutch (?) it would be really nice if you also answered in English for the rest of us who only speak English.

With best intentions, hugs n roses, Meganne

Hello Suzette, I have made some embroidery for frame I have used linen, it wax not too thin and it has a good manners.but if you wash it before frame, it is a little difficult to iron