Expert: Kris - 2/14/2010

Question
hi i have a cross stitch count 282 x 212 on 16count wat size material would i need
thanks in advance
emma

Answer
Emma,

Hi there! I will be happy to help with your question! Please remember that in the US we still use inches and feet, not the metric system and that most fabric counts are inches. That being said, I can give you the fabric size in inches, but you will have to convert to metric.

Finding fabric size is a simple process. If you are working on a fabric size of 11, 12, 14, 16 or 18 count, you are stitching over 1 usually. If you are working on something with a higher stitch count, you may be stitching 2 over 2, which adds an extra step.

If you are stitching over 1 (1 stitch per square on the fabric), you divide the stitch count by the fabric count and then add add 4 or 6 inches to the total to allow for framing or finishing. So 282/16 = 17.625 (I round) so 18 plus 4 = 22 or 18 plus 6 = 24 inches
and 212/16 = 13.25 so 13 plus 4 = 17 or plus 6 = 19.

If framing add at east 4. But on larger pieces I usually add 6 to just to be safe. So I would do 24 x 19 inches.

If a piece requires you to stitch 2 over 2 (one stitch actually covers 4 squares on the fabric), then you divide the stitch count by half the fabric count. I am working a piece on 32 count linen over 2. So I divided my stitch count by 16 instead of 32.

I hope this all makes sense. And I hope I was helpful Sorry I couldn't do the metric conversion!

Happy Stitching!
Kris