Expert: Kris - 7/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: i have always worked with Aida.  I just bought a wedding sample and i noticed it said Cream Belfast Linen (32cta) stitched over two fabric threads.  I am very confused.  Won't going over 2 threads make the pattern larger.  I planned on using Aida 16 count  (5 1/2 x 7) never realizing this sampler called for linen.  Is there a big difference between the 2 and will it make a difference in the outcome.

Would really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thank you
ronnie

ANSWER: Ronnie,

Sounds like a beautiful piece. 16 count aida is the same size as 32 count linen. On the aida, there are 16 squares per inch and on the linen there are 32 squares per inch. Working over two, means coming up and counting over 2 and up 2 and going down, counting over 2 behind the fabric and come up and then count over 2 and down 2 and go down.

The material you use is a matter of preference. It will work up to be the same size on either fabric. I work on both and the biggest difference is that the linen is usually softer than the aida and that the holes are not as noticeable. The piece will be beautiful.

Happy Stitching!
Kris

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Kris,

I know this is a stupid question but I am still confused.  If I use the Aida and I am looking at the template of my sampler I looks like they are only using 1 box per stitch.  If it says this is a 2 fabric stitch wouldn't it show the sampler template using 2 boxes per stitch.  I am sorry for being so ignorant but just understand.  I am going to look over my other cross-stitched pieces that I have done and see if any of them said 2 fabric threads and I just didn't notice it.  Again thank you so much for listening and helping me to understand.  

thank you again,

ronnie

Answer
Ronnie,

Don't apologize. The only stupid questions are unasked questions! I will do my best to explain this to you. The pattern or template shows the stitch not the fabric. When you work on aida, you stich over one square. When you work on linen or other large count fabric and you work over 2 as it is called, then you are actually covering 4 squares with one stitch. Below is a website for a defination with a picture. There is a second picture. Check them out and I think you will understand everything.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/449291/needlework_stitch_dictionary_cro

I hope this is helpful! Please feel free to ask anymore questions that you have.

Happy Stitching!
Kris