Expert: Kris - 1/30/2009

Question
I just downloaded a pattern called Isaiah 40:31 by Donna Giampa. I have cross stitched basic designs before, but nothing more than simple samplers. This leaflet has the different finished sizes depending on the fabric. On the front cover it says 14" x 10 1/2" on 12.5 ct. Then, inside, it says Antique White Laguna 25 ct stitched over 2 fabric threads. I don't know which fabric to choose or how to stitch over 2 threads. Sorry for being ignorant. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Marie,

Your questions are not silly. The 12.5 count fabric is the 25 count. When you stitch over two, you are covering 4 squares with each stitch instead of one. In a single row, each stitch covers two squares. So it is like stitching on 12.5 ct fabric. Here is a link to a stitching dictionary that has a great picture so you can see how to stitch over two. You will want to scroll down to section 18.

http://home.comcast.net/~kathydyer/nf_xstitch_tut.html#stit_linen

25 count Laguana is a wonderful fabric to stitch on. It would be a great fabric to learn to stitch over 2 on! if you were to stitch this piece over one on 25 count, it would be approximately 7" x 5 1/4". To figure finished size, you divide the stitch count by the fabric count. Just remember that is you are stitching over 2, then remember to divide the fabric count in half.

Say your stitch count is 140 x 70 and you are using 14 count Aida fabric over one. then you would divide 140/14 = 10 and 70/14 = 5. So your finished size is 10" x 5". The same piece stitched on 25 count lugana over 2 would be 140/12.5 = 11.2 and 70/12.5 = 5.6. The finished size is about 11" x 5.5".

I hope this was helpful! Please feel free to ask me more questions. Remember the only bad question is one not asked! Donna Giampa is a great designer! I love her work.

Happy Stitching!
Kris