Expert: Kris - 1/5/2010

Question
I have a pattern that  requires 27 x inch 25 count lugana. I'd rather use aida as my eyes are that good. What size aida cloth would I need and what count would be best. Thanks Sallie

Answer
Sallie,

Hi there! I am a little confused. I think your pattern calls for 25 count luguana. Usually when you use luguana or other fabric with a large count (25 or higher), you stitch over 2. Meaning that instead of your stitch covering one square of the fabric (like Aida), it actually covers 4 squares. Working over 2 on a 28 count linen is the same as working over 1 on a 14 count Aida. 25 count luguana is equivalent to 12 1/2 count fabric.

The best way to determine fabric size is to divide your stitch count by the fabric size. If you want to work on 14 count Aida, you would divide the stitch count by 14. For example, if you stitch count is 330 x 200, you would determine fabric size like this:

330/14= 23.58 or 24 ( I always round) and 200/14= 14.29 (15). I then add at least 4 inches (that is 2 inches per side) for framing, so 24+4=28 and 15+4=19. I would have my fabric cut 28 x 19.

This also works on projects that you are working over 2, just remember that you have to divide the stitch count by half the fabric size. Working on 32 count linen over 2 is the same as working on 16 count fabric, so you would divide the stitch count by 16 instead of 32.

I sure hope this helps! Please feel free to ask more questions if you need too!


Happy Stitching!
Kris