Expert: Kris - 11/4/2010

Question
I have purchased a pattern that calls for 28 count Cauldron Cashel Linen
160Wx150H. I am not sure how much in inches it will be and how much linen
should I buy. At the store my options are: 1 yard 36"x66"; 1/2 yard 18"x55";
Fat Half 36"x27"; Fat quarter 18"x27" and piece 18"x18".
I would appreciate your help with the advice on how much to buy?
Thanks a lot, Svetlana - first time stitcher

Answer
Svetlana,

When working on 28 count linen, you usually use a technique where 1 stitch covers 4 squares of the linen instead of one square like on Aida 14 count. This means that you will get about 14 stitches per inch. To figure fabric size, you can use this formula -

design stitch count/stitches per inch = size design will cover + extra material for finishing (usually 2 inches on each side of design or 4 inches per length or width)= cut size

So for yours

160/14 = 11.5 or 12 (I always round up) + 4 = 16

150/14 = 10.7 or 11 + 4 = 15

16 x 16 , so the 18x18 piece would work!

I hope this was helpful!

Happy Stitching!
Kris