Expert: Kris - 10/15/2009

Question
Hi, I am a first time Linen user and I am a bit confused. Firstly, I am using 28 count and 2 strands of floss, should the stitches come out the same size as if using Aida?  It says that one square on the chart equals 2 strands - does this mean, I go in one hole, miss the next hole and go in the next hole, which means crossing over 2 strands of thread. You probably think I am being totally stupid, but I started it last night and thought I was doing well, but have noticed it is going to come out smaller than the chart says. Thanks

Answer
Jane,

First let me say that the only stupid questions are unasked ones! Now for your totally understandable question! When you work on linen you quite often work over 2. Each square on your graph represents 4 threads on your fabric. You will come up through one hole go over 2 and up (or down) 2. Then on the underside you will go over 2 and down (or up) 2 and bring the needle up and complete your X. Here is a great site where you can see a visual of what I mean.

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

Copy and paste this into your browser and check it out! Your stitches will be about the same size as if you were working over 1 on Aida. Because of the variation in the linen, it will not look as uniform. But I prefer working on linen over 2!

And remember that you will have about 14 stitches per inch when working on 28 count linen over 2 and that most charts are printed 10 stitches per inch! They have to confuse us somehow!

I hope this was helpful. Please feel free to ask any more questions when you have them! Good luck on your piece!

Happy Stitching!
Kris